Park Pursuits: SC parks featured for National Park Week
National Park Week is rolling in from April 19 to April 27 – and there’s no better time to celebrate America’s love for the open road and the great outdoors.
To mark the occasion, Gunther Volvo Coconut Creek launched a family-focused poll, asking:
Which national park would most want to visit this National Park Week, if distance was not a factor?
For many families, the journey is just as important as the destination – and nothing says adventure like packing up the car and hitting the road. By polling families across the country, they uncovered the most dreamed-of parks for a spring getaway.
South Carolina had five national parks that made the rankings:
#54 – Paris Mountain State Park
Close to Greenville, this mountain park features hiking and biking trails, a swimming lake, and family-friendly campsites. It’s got just the right mix of shade, scenery, and calm water for a classic outdoor day. Easy to get to, hard to leave.
#64 – Table Rock State Park
Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this park has beautiful lake views, easy family trails, and longer hikes for those feeling adventurous. Paddleboats and a swimming beach round out the mountain fun. It’s postcard-perfect in every season. The park has reopened after the wildfires in March.
#81 – Edisto Beach State Park
One of the quieter beach parks in the state, this Lowcountry spot has oceanside campsites and trails through maritime forest. Kids can hunt for seashells or visit the environmental learning center. It’s a peaceful, nature-rich coastal retreat.
#90 – Huntington Beach State Park
This coastal favorite offers wide beaches, salt marshes, and a nature center with gators and turtles. Families can walk boardwalks through the wetlands or explore Atalaya Castle, a historic seaside estate. It’s both wild and wonderfully educational.
#151 – Sesquicentennial State Park
Right in Columbia, “Sesqui” is a city park with a wilderness vibe. Families can enjoy paddle boating, picnicking, or playing on one of the best playgrounds in the state park system. It’s a great choice for a quick nature fix.
Nationally, the top five were as follows:
#1 – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
America’s most-visited national park is a treasure trove of misty peaks, waterfalls, and wildlife. Families can hike easy trails like Laurel Falls, look for black bears, or explore historic cabins from early settlers. Best of all? It’s free to enter, making it the ultimate nature playground.
#2 – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
This world wonder offers jaw-dropping views and easy trails that hug the rim — perfect for families with little ones. Ranger programs and visitor centers bring the geology and history to life in ways kids actually understand. It’s big, bold, and surprisingly accessible for such an epic destination.
#3 – Yellowstone National Park, Montana
While most of Yellowstone lies in Wyoming, Montana’s gateway offers quieter access and stunning scenery. Families can visit Mammoth Hot Springs, spot bison, and explore geysers — all with fewer crowds. It’s America’s first national park, and still one of its best.
#4 – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Walk through lava tubes, witness steaming craters, and learn how new land is formed in real time. Kids will be fascinated by the raw, dramatic landscape, and ranger-led programs help explain the volcanic science. It’s fiery, fascinating, and full of wonder.
#5 – Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Explore the world’s longest cave system on a guided tour that’s equal parts thrilling and educational. Above ground, families can hike, bike, or paddle the Green River through lush forest. It’s one of Kentucky’s crown jewels — and totally kid-approved.
To see the top park for each state, see the infographic online.