Pack your sunscreen — California’s hottest (literally) destination is officially the coolest place to be in 2026.
Death Valley National Park has been crowned the #1 national park destination in the United States, according to a new ranking by vacation rental platform HomeToGo.
The massive 3.4 million acre desert expanse beat out iconic heavyweights like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon to take the top spot. Spanning along the California-Nevada border, Death Valley is famous for being the lowest, hottest, and driest place in North America, its newfound status as a traveler’s paradise isn’t just about the heat — it’s about the value.
Researchers analyzed national parks across the contiguous U.S. based on three major “pain points” for modern travelers: the median price of nearby accommodations, the likelihood of suffocating crowds, and ease of travel.
Death Valley hit the trifecta.
Despite its otherworldly beauty, visiting the park remains surprisingly affordable, with nearby stays averaging a wallet-friendly $40.86 per person a night.
What was once considered a brutal, inhospitable destination is now a major draw for travelers craving wide-open space and cinematic scenery. Visitors flock for the surreal salt flats Badwater Basin, golden sand dunes at Mesquite Flat, rainbow-hued hills at Artist’s Palette, and some of the darkest night skies in the country.
The park’s Hollywood credentials don’t hurt either–parts of Star Wars were filmed there, adding to its otherworldly appeal. If you’re looking to visit Tatooine, look no further.
California scored another win with Sequoia National Park landing at number six, proving the Golden State is still a major player when it comes to iconic outdoor destinations. For those going taking a trip here, the median nightly price at neighboring dwelling comes out to $109.81.
Known for its towering ancient giants and the world-famous General Sherman tree, Sequoia’s inclusion reinforces California’s dominance as a premier destination for nature lovers seeking space and serenity.
The rankings may reflect a shift in how American’s want to be traveling in 2026, with fewer crowds, more space and better value trumping a sexier destination.
And for those willing to brave the desert (preferably not in peak summer heat), the payoff is clear: California’s most unforgiving landscape is suddenly its most desirable escape.
Death Valley didn’t just sneak into the ranking — it led a diverse top 10 that included parks across the country. Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park took second place, followed by Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park and Florida’s Everglades National Park.
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