Have you ever considered what a soundtrack to a National Park would sound like? Perhaps you’re just wondering what you should play as you drive through some of the most breathtaking parks in America?
DesignBro has you covered. For your next national park adventure, DesignBro created some epic playlists to fit your surroundings. Each playlist includes an Edward Hopper-esque image and a reimagined vinyl cover. From the breathtaking landscape of Grand Canyon National Park to the rocky shores of Acadia, each song has been hand-picked with the park in mind.
The parks detailed below range from the quietest to the busiest. Don’t let the people, or lack thereof, take away from the majesty you’ll surround yourself with as you enter these storied parks. Armed with our playlists and fresh air, you’ll leave more refreshed than when you entered.
Yellowstone National Park
As the first national park, Yellowstone deserves a place of honor and this playlist reflects the wild, majestic landscape found within the park. With a rich history to match its surreal landscape, Yellowstone is popular for good reason. From natural wonders to wild animals, visiting Yellowstone is an awesome experience, and this playlist will help you remember every special sight.
Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0wgEnBsLA03Z8wxtNZ5cIw
Acadia National Park
This stunning, rocky granite coastline along Maine provides peace for many who visit. Full of rich history, Acadia was home first to the Wabanaki people, then European explorers, and more recently, wealthy summer visitors, all of whom played an integral part in the park as it is today. A busy park with beautiful foliage in the fall and snowy drives in the winter, about 4 million tourists experienced its beauty in 2021.
While at this park, take the time to learn about the Wabanaki people or see if you can spot one of the Peregrine falcons that the park seeks to conserve. Keep in mind that because of this, some of the trails might be closed to help the birds. Don’t miss out on Schoodic Peninsula, and if you’d like to stay the night consider one of the park’s four campgrounds, including Mount Desert. The Schoodic Peninsula is purposely minimally developed to help preserve the area, meaning it might be a little bit of a drive to get there. Don’t let this deter you as the area shows off the park’s coastline.
Whether you’re watching the sunrise first hit the east coast atop Cadillac Mountain or admiring the awesome waves off of Schoodic Point, this playlist is for the wonderfully beautiful Acadia National Park.
Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2wUbSlx00QXVXqy1lrqzGK
Everglades National Park
As the largest tropical wilderness in the United States, Everglades National Park boasts many unique features including incredible geography, a fragile but sustaining ecosystem, and home to many protected species. This 1.5-million-acre park is located along the tip of Florida. Designating the area as a national park protected the Everglades for generations. When you visit, remember all the wildlife that’s preserved at this location, including the American alligator and the West Indian manatee. If you’d like, there are boat tours available to view these animals and their habitats from a protected distance.
One of these tours might include Slough Slog, an off-trail hike that gives you hands-on experience with a ranger in the less populated parts of the park. This intimate activity helps visitors to better understand the ecosystem in the Everglades. If you’d like to stay at the park, consider camping at Flamingo Campground. This campground has access to hiking and canoeing trails along with a visitor’s center and boating opportunities. Last year, the park had around 900,000 visitors. If you want to be one of them in the future, check out this soundtrack. It reflects this unique area, drawing on the rich beauty and heritage it offers its many visitors.
Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2FtPh2ZrrIaiPeDiCGHG6g
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
One of the few national parks to have active volcanoes, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a hotspot for rare flora and fauna, volcanic activity and research, and traditional Hawaiian culture. For these reasons, it makes sense that 2021 saw 1.2 million visitors! There are many hot spots at this park, including Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). Nāhuku moves from tropical conditions to a cave where lava once flowed. You could also check out some cultural events by the visitors centers or take a step into the past with the Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs. These were etched into lava up to 800 years ago and show depictions of human and animal life.
To stay here, consider the Volcano House with views of craters and volcanoes. If camping is more your speed, there are a number of options including Nāmakanipaio campground. Like some other national parks, you could stay in your own tent or camper cabin on site. Enjoy the wildlife, including plenty of eucalyptus trees and Hawaii’s state bird: the Nēnē. This playlist reflects the beautiful landscape of the Hawaiian islands, and the influence Hawaii has had on the musical world.
Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ImVpZ7BSUziCucrqLqLLF
Crater Lake National Park
With its striking blue color and incredible depth, Crater Lake National Park is one of the most unique areas. As Oregon’s only national park, it is worth the visit: just ask the 647,751 visitors from 2021. Join their ranks and consider camping at the Mazama Campground. This has both space for RVs, campers, and tents along with cabins to reserve! There’s a village store nearby that provides amenities that you might need, including firewood or laundry machines.
As you visit, some highlights include Sun Notch Trail and Cleetwood Cove. Sun Notch Trail has the best of both worlds: an easy hike (only about 20 minutes total) and hard-to-beat views. Cleetwood Cove is the only way to get to the coast of Crater Lake and a great way to get down to play in the water or fish. Listen to this soundtrack as you drive around Rim Drive, admiring the natural beauty this park has to offer.
Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5VdAMKCwXSyVrkHJIaBjXy
Olympic National Park
With multiple regions and ecosystems within the park, Olympic National Park is a spectacular attraction within Washington State. Designed specifically for protection of the local wildlife, nature, and recreational use, this national park is a popular area for tourists and locals alike. Last year, the park saw 2.7 million visitors. The Tree of Life and the Marymere Falls Trail highlight some of the uniqueness of the area, focusing on local wildlife and nature. The Tree of life, a larger-than-life spruce tree, can be found on the Kalaloch campground. Peek at its exposed roots and marvel at its height!
As the name suggests, the Marymere Falls Trail ends with a breathtaking waterfall. This in-and-out hike is fairly easy, so don’t miss it. While you could technically swim in these falls, it might be ill-advised as it’s run-off from a glacier. A nice cold plunge does have some healthy benefits though! This park has many water-based attractions, so make sure to check out these falls, along with tidepools and fishing holes.
Along with the Kalaloch campground, there are many other campgrounds to stay at including the Hoh campground. This site boasts moss coated trees and feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. On your next visit to Olympic National Park play this playlist, which draws on the stunning beauty and rich geography of this incredible area.
Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/772taz89dDqQOlkIp5rfAd
Zion National Park
Stunning vistas and otherworldly landscapes make Zion National Park one of the more popular parks in America. Differing from many of the others on this list, the Utah red rocks at Zions stand out against the sky and foliage. Many agree, as evidenced by the 5 million visitors in 2021.
As you visit this park, consider the many campground options in and around the area. Outside the park, you could check out Zion Crest Campground, a part of the nearby Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. Inside the park, you could stay at Watchman Campground, with its RV accessibility and water access.
Whether you spend the night or not, make sure to check out Petroglyph Canyon and hike the Canyon Overlook. Petroglyph Canyon is sometimes difficult to find. It lies about 2 miles east of Mount Carmel Tunnel. Park and take a look to view the ancient pictures and try to guess at their meaning. If you’re looking to hike, the Canyon Overlook trail can be found relatively close to the petroglyphs. This trail isn’t as busy as others and still affords you with gorgeous views. But if you want to feel like being in the presence of heavenly hosts, Angels Landing might be the challenging hike you’re looking for. Use this soundtrack on your next visit to this incredible park. It draws on the beauty and geography found within Zions, and the influence the park has had on its visitors.
Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0625GFFRq1VGpM9VBVHaJk
Grand Canyon National Park
Located in northern Arizona, about to graze the borders of Utah and Nevada, the Grand Canyon is one of the most well-known parks in America. As there are many sides to the Grand Canyon, consider visiting the East Rim. Here you’ll find smaller crowds due to the difficulty of reaching this area. As this is one of the busiest national parks, with 4.5 million visitors in 2021, the East Rim is worth the consideration because of the privacy and quiet you’ll experience.
If you’d like to stay, consider Bright Angel Campground. It’s at the bottom of the canyon, so as you camp, take a look up at the sheer rock walls and enjoy the Bright Angel Creek that passes nearby. The views at night are equally stunning as the starry sky contrasts with the rock and the oasis near your tent.
Admire the stunning scenery while listening to music that draws on this national park for inspiration. Full of a combination of classic songs and more modern tunes, this playlist perfectly captures the epic scenery of Grand Canyon National Park.
Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1TaEdv6fbgl1wdp36MSobZ
Joshua Tree National Park
This Southern California national park draws thousands of visitors yearly, with many coming to see the desert wilderness and famous Joshua trees. Along with these trees, see craggly granite rocks that have been eroded by water over thousands of years to create interesting shapes. Enjoy scrambling over the rocky terrain or even go slacklining!
Make sure you see the Cholla Cactus Garden with an easy walking trail that surrounds plenty of cacti. Along with these sights, there are many campground options, including Jumbo Rocks. Near the campground you can also check out Skull Rock and hike through the nature trail that features other water-eroded rocks. There were a little over 3 million visitors in 2021. If you’d like to visit this park, consider taking this playlist along to bring the sounds of Joshua Tree alive, with music inspired by this incredible area.
Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6suaVtlacgjcyilt969dW9
Glacier National Park
Filled with lakes, alpine meadows, valleys, and glaciers, Glacier National Park is heaven on earth for adventurers. Last year, 3 million patrons visited this remote Montana landscape. If you’d like to be one of them, consider the many campgrounds, including Many Glacier. This is one of the park’s most popular, and for good reason. There are RV hookups and tent sites, and trailheads to beautiful day hikes.
As you visit, be sure to hit up some of the hidden gems, like Kintla Lake. It lies in a remote area of the park, close to the US-Canada border. If you like to kayak, this is the spot for you as no motorized vehicles are allowed in the water. This only adds to the serenity you’ll feel as you visit and paddle along the lake, taking in the mountain view. Enjoy this playlist while driving on Going-to-the-Sun Road, a road aptly named for the stunning scenery, or while appreciating the beautiful view at Hidden Lake Overlook.
Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ZKvAzRd9uJHY3HXVZ0j19
Grand Teton National Park
Breathtaking mountain ranges soar around lakes and wildlife, making Grand Teton National Park a popular destination. Located in northwestern Wyoming, this area has drawn a diverse crowd even before it received its park status. Originally populated by Native Americans, these mountains were viewed as sacred, and that spirit seems to remain. Despite being a busy park, with almost 3.9 million visitors in 2021, the mountain vistas bring peace and stillness. If you’re looking to camp, the Tetons have a number of locations, including Jenny Lake and Coulter Bay. Both areas boast space for tents and access to waterfront activities, like canoeing. Coulter Bay also includes space for RVs and has cabins and permanent tents already set up with bunks inside.
While at Grand Teton National Park, don’t miss out on hidden gems like Oxbow Bend, Signal Mountain, and Schwabacher Landing. All three locations possess beautiful views of the park and wildlife. For example, Oxbow Bend lies along the Snake River, and you can often see nearby Mount Moran reflected in the water. Hiking up Signal Mountain might be steep at times, but the experience of reaching the top is unmatched. Lastly, Schwabacher Landing connects water to land. The water and boat landing give visitors a chance to experience the river, and the land around it is perfect for photographs. In fact, some have chosen it as the ideal location for weddings and elopements.
The playlist included below will help you soak in your time at the Tetons. This park is popular for a reason, so don’t skip out! Pop in some headphones and head out for a hike with music to accompany your journey.
PJ has a background in management consulting and software development. At DesignBro, he combines both. Personal favorite brand of PJ is Jeep.
