These Are the Most Picturesque National Parks in North America, According to a New Study

North America’s national parks are among the most photographed destinations in the world, offering landscapes that range from towering red-rock canyons to emerald lakes and glacier-clad peaks.

A new study reveals which ones capture the most attention on social media, and it’s no surprise that some of the continent’s most iconic parks lead the list.

Grand Canyon Tops the List in North America

According to travel specialists at Travelbag, who analyzed 98 national parks worldwide using Instagram hashtags and TikTok posts, Grand Canyon National Park is North America’s most picturesque and social media–worthy destination. With 4.5 million Instagram hashtags and more than 208,000 TikTok posts, the Arizona landmark continues to inspire visitors who want to share its vast desert vistas and dramatic sunrises.

Stretching 277 miles long and more than a mile deep, the Grand Canyon is a magnet for both adventurers and casual sightseers. Whether rafting the Colorado River or hiking into the canyon itself, it’s an experience that remains unrivaled.

Banff National Park: Canada’s Scenic Crown Jewel

Second on the North American list and third globally is Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Established in 1885 as Canada’s first national park, Banff has earned 3.4 million Instagram hashtags and 277,900 TikTok posts, thanks to its turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain backdrops, and world-famous Icefields Parkway.

“Banff has a way of making you feel small in the best possible way,” says Alec Sills-Trausch of Explore with Alec. “From canoeing on Lake Louise to hiking among glaciers, it’s one of those rare places where every turn delivers a postcard-worthy view.”

Yosemite Secures the Third Spot in the U.S.

Coming in third in North America is Yosemite National Park in California, renowned for its granite cliffs, meadows, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. With 3.6 million Instagram hashtags and 190,200 TikTok posts, Yosemite remains a favorite for both first-time visitors and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Its most famous sites, including Half Dome and El Capitan, continue to draw rock climbers, photographers, and road-trippers eager to capture some of the most recognizable landscapes in the United States.

North America’s Top 10 Most Picturesque National Parks

Here are the ten national parks that ranked highest on social media presence in North America:

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1. Grand Canyon National Park (USA) — 4.5M Instagram hashtags, 208K TikTok posts
2. Banff National Park (Canada) — 3.4M Instagram hashtags, 277K TikTok posts
3. Yosemite National Park (USA) — 3.6M Instagram hashtags, 190K TikTok posts
4. Rocky Mountain National Park (USA) — 3.6M Instagram hashtags, 176K TikTok posts
5. Joshua Tree National Park (USA) — 2.3M Instagram hashtags, 95K TikTok posts
6. Zion National Park (USA) — 1.5M Instagram hashtags, 95K TikTok posts
7. Yellowstone National Park (USA) — 1.3M Instagram hashtags, 84K TikTok posts
8. Glacier National Park (USA) — 1.1M Instagram hashtags, 100K TikTok posts
9. Death Valley National Park (USA) — 1.1M Instagram hashtags, 37K TikTok posts
10. Everglades National Park (USA) — 898K Instagram hashtags, 53K TikTok posts

Global Standouts Beyond North America

While the Grand Canyon leads in North America, the Lake District in the United Kingdom tops the global list with 4.6 million Instagram hashtags and 247,400 TikTok posts. Other global standouts include Indonesia’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and France’s Pyrénées National Park.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Africa’s safari destinations also shone, with Tanzania’s Serengeti and South Africa’s Kruger National Park named the most Instagrammable safari parks.

Experts Recommend Off-Season Visits

According to Suzanne Harvey, Head of Destination Experts at Travelbag, timing your visit makes all the difference:

“Visiting national parks during the low season offers milder weather, fewer crowds, and stunning natural displays. In Canada, Banff National Park is breathtaking in early autumn, when the vibrant fall colours illuminate the landscape and wildlife becomes easier to spot.”

This approach not only improves the travel experience but can also make it easier to capture those iconic shots without competing with peak-season crowds.

The Bottom Line

North America’s national parks remain among the most stunning destinations in the world, blending rugged wilderness with photo-ready backdrops. From Arizona’s desert canyons to Canada’s alpine lakes, these landscapes are drawing millions of travelers and social media shares alike.

As Alec Sills-Trausch reminds us: “It doesn’t matter if you’re a photographer, hiker, or simply someone who loves fresh air — national parks give us a chance to reconnect with the world in ways that cities can’t.”

Whether you’re planning your next big road trip or searching for inspiration abroad, these parks prove that nature’s beauty continues to capture hearts, hashtags, and unforgettable memories.