A palpable atmosphere of anticipation, an outdoorsy feel, and spectacular views. There’s a lot to love about this small town that serves as the gateway to America’s national parks.
Known as a convenient spot to spend the night, eat, and book a tour, Gateway Town can pave the way for great experiences at popular parks.
After visiting national parks across the country, I learned that some gateway towns are better than others, and I’ve come to appreciate what makes a good town. For me, that means being able to not only fill up on gas, but also wander the streets, learn about the history, and take in the views that await at the park.
In some cases, there are also large cities nearby that meet the gateway town requirements. But when it comes to quaint little places where people flock to the nation’s natural preserves, here are nine of the best small towns near the entrances to America’s national parks.
1. Moab, Utah
Arches and Canyonlands National Park
When you drive into Moab, Utah, you’ll immediately find yourself in the middle of an outdoor recreation wonderland. First of all, you’ll notice a lot of people wearing hiking gear, but don’t be surprised if you see bikers, kayakers, and people in 4x4s as well.
This town of Red Rock is nestled in the midst of southeastern Utah’s spectacular scenery, including two national parks, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, as well as spectacular Dead Horse Point State Park and the meandering Colorado River. Masu. (Arches is less than a 10-minute drive from Moab, and Canyonlands is about a 30-minute drive.)
Moab is a small town with a population of about 5,300 people, but there is no shortage of dining options and accommodations. The Discover Moab website lists about 20 restaurants and countless lodging options, from hotels to condos to camping. After a long day of hiking or biking, visitors to Moab flock to popular eateries, adding a fun buzz to the small town.
Pro tip: For delicious Mexican food in a colorful setting, check out Miguel’s Baja Grill. If you’re feeling brave, try roasted jalapenos, which are served as a spicy garnish.
Cindy Burks
2. Durango, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park
Majestic scenery, Southwest charm, and railroad history all come together in Durango, Colorado, the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park.
Located in the Four Corners area where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet, this trendy town of about 19,000 people is filled with vintage buildings, hiking and biking trails, breweries, and restaurants.
In addition to being close to the charming Native American cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde (about 30 minutes west), Durango is also home to the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and offers unparalleled views of the San Juan Mountains . The cool Purgatory Ski Resort is about a 30-minute drive north.
Pro tip: The Animas River Trail follows the flow of the river that meanders through Durango. We found the 10-mile trail to be a convenient way to get around the city without a car, as it passes by a variety of restaurants and shopping areas.
Cindy Burks
3. Bar Harbor, Maine
acadia national park
For nature lovers who can’t decide between the mountains or the ocean, Bar Harbor, Maine, and nearby Acadia National Park offer the perfect solution. Because who can resist the combination of the region’s rugged mountains and the cobalt blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean?
A picturesque small town of 5,500 people, Bar Harbor is the perfect complement to a dazzling national park. The park entrance is only a 5-minute drive away, so the town feels like part of the park, and vice versa. The city is especially convenient because of its many convenient restaurants, lodging, and shopping options.
Combine Bar Harbor’s distinctive Maine charm with its proximity to parks, and you’re set for a truly bucket-list-worthy visit.
Pro Tip: If you’re wondering when to go to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, check out my article “The Best Time to Visit Bar Harbor, Maine.”
Witgorski / Shutterstock
4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
grand teton national park
Few mountain ranges are as spectacular as the Grand Tetons, a series of rugged peaks that rise more than 13,000 feet above sea level in northwestern Wyoming. And near the base of the mountain range, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a town known for its skiing, Western flair, and stunning scenery.
Just five minutes from the entrance to Grand Teton National Park, this town is the perfect base from which to explore more than 320 miles of trails, pristine lakes, and the park’s abundant wildlife. Yellowstone, another popular national park in the area, is about 2.5 hours away, making Jackson Hole a good stopping point for both parks.
Jackson Hole, with a population of about 10,000, is full of unique local restaurants, ski and ranch resorts, and quaint shops.
Pro tip: Jackson Hole is a year-round destination. For ideas for different seasons, check out 9 Great Reasons to Visit Jackson Hole in the Winter or Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the Summer: 8 Great Things to Do.
Kit Leon / Shutterstock
5. Kanab, Utah
Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
World-famous national parks, expansive national monuments, outstanding state parks, and iconic hiking trails are all within minutes of the southern Utah town of Kanab.
Three of the most popular national park areas in the United States (Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon) are within a 30-minute to 1.5-hour drive from Kanab, and several outstanding Utah state parks such as Coral Pink and Sand Dunes and Kodachrome are also within the range of a day trip. Additionally, Kanab is less than an hour’s drive from Buckskin Canyon, the longest slot canyon in the southwestern United States, one of the notable attractions of the mighty Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Despite Kanab’s small size, it has an amazing variety of restaurants, and the atmosphere on warm summer or fall nights is full of energy.
Pro tip: For a big-city option, consider staying near St. George, a community of about 85,000 people about an hour’s drive from Zion and 2.5 hours from Blythe.
EQ Roy / Shutterstock
6. Medora, North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Located in the heart of the Badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota, Medora offers a fun tourist experience with Western-style bars and restaurants, great hiking, and Teddy Roosevelt memorabilia.
Medora is a great base for driving through the southern and northern parts of the national park. The south unit features expansive views and is conveniently located along I-94. We also liked the North Unit for more remote and scenic drives. Here, a 14-mile paved loop route takes you deep into the badlands and sightings of grazing bison.
If you’re visiting Medora during the summer, be sure to check out the amazing Medora Musical. The program features folkloric, fun music and interesting topics about the area’s most famous former resident, Theodore Roosevelt, president of the United States.
Pro tip: Although Medora is more of a tourist town than anything else, the I-94 town of Dickinson, just over 30 minutes from the national park, offers full-service shopping, restaurants, and hotels.
Cindy Burks
7. Williams, Arizona
grand canyon national park
Located along Interstate 40 and historic Route 66, Williams, Arizona has been a natural stop for travelers to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for decades.
Williams is also home to the Grand Canyon Railroad, a fun and relaxing alternative to the hour-long drive to the national park.
Although best known for its proximity to the world’s natural wonders, Williams has its own identity and history, dating back nearly 140 years to Arizona’s early pioneer days. The historic downtown is home to vintage hotels, old gas stations, and charming restaurants with outdoor seating.
Pro tip: The scenic mountain city of Flagstaff is approximately 120 miles from the Grand Canyon, making it a convenient base for exploring the national park. If you need some inspiration for things to do in Flagstaff, check out 9 Ways to Spend a Beautiful Fall Weekend in Flagstaff.
jdros75 / Shutterstock
8. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The small town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, located 20 minutes from the most visited national park in the United States, has only about 4,000 permanent residents but receives millions of visitors annually. It has characteristics.
With over 12 million visitors in 2020, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is by far the most popular national park in the United States, and Gatlinburg is right in the middle of it. The area is also home to Dollywood Family Amusement Park, a popular theme park named after country music star Dolly Parton.
Pro tip: From barbecue to steak to trout, Gatlinburg is known for a variety of specialties. To narrow down your choices to dozens, check out Gatlinburg Dining: 10 Best Restaurants You Must Try.
Cindy Burks
9. Paia, Maui, Hawaii
Haleakala National Park
The small town of Paia is the ideal place for a little beach time and some sugar plantation history before or after climbing the eerily beautiful volcanic rock peaks of Haleakala National Park.
Known as the windsurfing capital of the world, Paia also features a compact, walkable downtown that reminds visitors of the heyday of Maui’s sugar cane industry. Today, the town is made up of a collection of colorful, rustic storefronts filled with art galleries and unique shops.
Located on the road to Hana and just less than an hour from Haleakala, Paia is a great place to eat lunch or breakfast at trendy spots like Paia Fish Market and Café Mambo. To pack your picnic, stop by our fully stocked Mana Foods grocery store. This grocery store has a great bakery and deli selection.
Pro Tip: For more information on how to spend a day in Haleakala, check out my article “A Day in Haleakala National Park, From Sunrise to Sunset.” Also, for information on driving the Road to Hana, see 8 Things to Know Before Driving the Road to Hana and 10 Pros and Cons of Taking the Road to Hana.
What is your favorite small town near a national park in the U.S. or internationally? Email us and tell us why you like it!
