The 10 State Parks People Were Most Interested in This Year

The US protects roughly 52.4 million acres as national parks, but state parks quietly safeguard tens of millions more acres of wild landscapes, often with fewer crowds and just as much payoff.

As overtourism continues to strain national parks, more travelers are turning their attention to state parks for hiking, scenery, and outdoor adventure without the congestion. And new data from Google confirms it.

Here are the most searched state parks of 2025 to help you plan your next adventure.

EXPLORE THE TOP STATE PARKS  →

R A N K E D

Readers’ Choice Award Winners

Results from a month-long poll sent to more than 350,000 newsletter subscribers highlight how tuned in you are to what’s next in travel.

SEE WINNERS →

T O - D O

DECEMBER EDITION

• Where to travel: Sri Lanka

• Where to stay: The 18 hotels our editors loved checking into most this year

• What we’re loving: The festive drinks Americans are searching for this holiday season

• What to do: Plan a winter train trip through Eastern Europe

• Seasonal spotlight: The Plaza’s Home Alone experience lets you do Christmas in NYC like Kevin McCallister

C R U I S E

Inside Celebrity Xcel: The Cruise Ship Designed to Outshine the Destination

The newest ships in cruising are no longer just transportation. They are the main event. Celebrity Xcel was designed to feel more like being on shore than at sea, with elevated dining, thoughtful design, and spaces meant to keep guests happily onboard.

LEARN MORE →

E A T S

The Best Christmas Cookies in Germany

From lebkuchen to nut-studded classics baked only once a year, these festive treats are deeply tied to winter traditions, family gatherings, and holiday markets across the country.

TRY THEM ALL →

S W E E P S T A K E S

Win a Luxurious Getaway in South Caicos Island

Enter for a chance to win a three-night stay for two in an oceanfront suite at Salterra Resort and Spa, complete with daily breakfast at Regatta Restaurant and additional perks.

ENTER NOW →

S T A Y S

Sleep Inside This Living Bauhaus Art Museum in Aspen

For travelers who want more than just a place to crash between ski runs, this is one of Aspen’s most interesting places to stay.

READ THE REVIEW →

Travel Well

The Matador Editorial Team