These Are The Most Popular US Parks & They're Not What You'd Expect

Parks across the U.S. saw a decline in annual visitors in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but some spots were still able to attract millions of people despite numerous precautions in place.

This list, created with data from the National Park Service, will show you the most visited "national park sites" from 2020 so you'll be able to start planning your post-pandemic adventures.  With more than just designated "national parks," keep reading to uncover the nation's best parkways, recreation areas, seashores and more. 

Editor's Choice: These US National Parks Have Been Named The Best In The Country & They're Jaw-Dropping

9. Cape Cod National Seashore - Wellfleet, Massachusetts - 4.1 million recreational visits in 2020

8. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Williamsport, Maryland - 4.9 million visits

7. Natchez Trace Parkway - Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee - 6.1 million visits

6. George Washington Memorial Parkway - Mount Vernon, Virginia to McLean, Virginia - 6.2 million visits

5. Lake Mead National Recreation Area - Boulder City, Nevada - 8 million visits

4. Gateway National Recreation Area - Highlands, New Jersey - 8.4 million visits

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Border between North Carolina and Tennessee - 12.1 million

2. Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Mill Valley, California - 12.4 million visits

1. Blue Ridge Parkway - Waynesboro, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina - 14.1 million visits