The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, and one of the best ways to experience them is by visiting the 46 most visited national parks. From the stunning peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the vast canyons of the Grand Canyon, each park offers unique landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
But exploring these national parks doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious food. In fact, many of these parks have a rich culinary scene that reflects the local flavors and traditions of the area. So, for all the foodies out there, we have put together a comprehensive guide to the food and dining options in the 46 most visited national parks.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest and one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It is also home to a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. For a taste of local cuisine, try the bison burgers or elk steaks at the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room. You can also find delicious handcrafted beers at the Yellowstone General Store.
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is not only a breathtaking natural wonder, but it also offers a diverse dining scene. Visitors can enjoy traditional Native American dishes such as fry bread and Navajo tacos at the Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room. For a more upscale dining experience, head to the El Tovar Dining Room for a taste of Southwestern cuisine.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
Known for its towering granite cliffs and stunning waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is also a foodie’s paradise. The Ahwahnee Hotel Dining Room is a must-visit for its elegant atmosphere and seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. For a quick bite, head to Degnan’s Deli for their famous grilled cheese sandwiches.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and it also offers a range of dining options. For a taste of Colorado’s famous green chili, head to the Trailhead Restaurant at Estes Park or try the bison burgers at the Rock Inn Mountain Tavern.
5. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is known for its stunning red rock formations and canyons, but it also has a thriving food scene. Visitors can enjoy traditional Southwestern dishes at the Red Rock Grill or indulge in a gourmet meal at the Spotted Dog Cafe, known for its locally sourced and organic ingredients.
6. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and it also offers a range of dining options. For a taste of local flavors, head to the Signal Mountain Lodge Dining Room for their famous huckleberry pancakes or try the wild game dishes at the Mural Room.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
With its stunning coastal views and lush forests, Acadia National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers. But it also has a delicious food scene, with options ranging from fresh seafood at the Jordan Pond House to mouth-watering lobster rolls at Thurston’s Lobster Pound.
8. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is known for its diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to rugged coastlines. It also offers a variety of dining options, including the Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room, known for its fresh seafood dishes, and the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, which offers a gourmet farm-to-table dining experience.
9. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise, and it also offers a range of dining options for visitors. The Many Glacier Hotel Dining Room is a must-visit for its stunning views and locally sourced ingredients, while the historic Belton Chalet is known for its wood-fired pizzas and craft beers.
10. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a hidden gem in the Midwest, and it also offers a surprisingly diverse food scene. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table meals at the historic Inn at Brandywine Falls or indulge in gourmet burgers at the Winking Lizard Tavern.
11. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Located in southern Utah, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a haven for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. But it also offers a unique dining experience at the Hell’s Backbone Grill, known for its organic, locally sourced ingredients and Native American-inspired dishes.
12. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique desert landscape and rock formations, but it also has a delightful food scene. The Crossroads Cafe is a popular spot for delicious breakfast options, while the 29 Palms Inn offers a farm-to-table dining experience with ingredients sourced from their own organic garden.
13. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-visit for its stunning hoodoos and other rock formations. But it also offers a range of dining options, including the Cowboy Ranch House, which serves up hearty cowboy-style meals, and the Stone Hearth Grille, known for its wood-fired pizzas and burgers.

The Foodie's Guide to the 46 Most Visited National Parks: Local Cuisine and Dining Options
14. Zion National Park, Utah
Another national park in Utah, Zion offers a diverse dining scene with a range of options from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. The Switchback Grille is a popular choice for its stunning views and Southwestern dishes, while the Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon is known for its traditional Mexican cuisine.
15. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Haleakala National Park is a must-visit for its breathtaking views of the Hawaiian islands, but it also offers a unique dining experience. The Kula Lodge restaurant offers a farm-to-table menu with ingredients sourced from their own organic farm, while the Kula Marketplace offers delicious Hawaiian-style plate lunches.
16. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
As the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains offers a range of dining options for visitors. From Southern comfort food at the Old Mill Restaurant to fine dining at the Park Grill, there is something for every foodie in this park.
17. Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park is famous for its natural sandstone arches, but it also has a thriving food scene. The Red Cliffs Lodge is a popular choice for its stunning views and gourmet meals, while the Desert Bistro offers a unique dining experience with dishes inspired by Native American and pioneer traditions.
18. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Located in southern Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem known for its geological formations and scenic drives. But it also offers delicious dining options, including the Gifford Homestead, where visitors can taste homemade pies and other treats, and the Rim Rock Restaurant, which offers a variety of Southwestern dishes.
19. Death Valley National Park, California
Despite its name, Death Valley National Park is alive with unique landscapes and outdoor activities. It also offers a range of dining options, from the historic Furnace Creek Inn Dining Room to the casual Stovepipe Wells Village Restaurant, known for its delicious burgers and milkshakes.
20. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is a popular destination for its scenic Skyline Drive and abundant wildlife. It also offers a range of dining options, including the Skyland Resort Dining Room, known for its locally sourced ingredients and stunning views, and the Big Meadows Lodge, which offers hearty comfort food.
21. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Located in western Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a must-visit for its dramatic canyon walls and stunning views. But it also has a delicious dining scene, with options like the Gold Pan Restaurant, known for its homemade pies, and the North Rim Chophouse, which offers upscale dining with a view.
22. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the best-preserved Native American cliff dwellings in the United States. It also offers a unique dining experience at the Metate Room Restaurant, where visitors can taste modern interpretations of traditional Pueblo cuisine.
23. Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is a bucket list destination for many, with its towering mountains and abundant wildlife. It also offers a variety of dining options, including the Denali Backcountry Lodge, where visitors can enjoy a gourmet meal while taking in stunning views of the park.
24. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Located in southeastern Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. It also offers a range of dining options, including the Glacier Bay Lodge Dining Room, which offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, and the Gustavus Inn, known for its farm-to-table meals.
25. Katmai National Park, Alaska
Katmai National Park in Alaska is famous for its population of brown bears and its stunning volcanic landscape. It also offers a unique dining experience at the Brooks Lodge, where visitors can enjoy a gourmet meal while watching bears fishing in the nearby river.
26. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park is another must-visit for its stunning glaciers and abundant wildlife. It also offers a variety of dining options, including the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, which offers a gourmet meal with views of the surrounding mountains and waterways.
27. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is known for its diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to rugged coastlines. It also offers a variety of dining options, including the Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room, known for its fresh seafood dishes, and the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, which offers a gourmet farm-to-table dining experience.
28. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Located in northern Washington, North Cascades National Park is a hidden gem known for its rugged peaks and pristine wilderness. It also offers a range of dining options, including the North Cascades




