I've been to all 63 major US national parks. There are 5 I always tell people to visit in the summer.

• Although certain parks are more crowded in the summer months, many are also much more accessible.
• Without snow coverage, parks like Kenai Fjords, Glacier, and Grand Teton are easier to explore.

The park is known for its jagged peaks and ample lakes, which become perfect for hiking, boating, and even swimming in the warmer summer months.

I love taking a scenic boat ride on Jenny Lake, hiking the Taggart Lake trail (parts of which are currently under construction), and swimming or picnicking at Colter Bay Swim Beach.

Like others on this list, the park is open year-round, but the incredibly scenic Teton Park Road, which leads to many of the park’s most well-known areas, is only open seasonally from May 1 to October 31.

This story was originally published on June 10, 2026, and most recently updated on July 30, 2026.