Beautiful National Park Instagram Accounts That Will Make You Click 'Follow'

Explore the best of the National Park Service through each park's Instagram feed

Want to add some serious travel inspiration to your Instagram feed? Follow these national park accounts! We've curated some of our favorites filled with stunning photography sure to ignite your wanderlust.

 Arches National Park. UTAH

  Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina dan Virginia)

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

Denali National Park (ALaska)

 Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida)

Golden Gate National Recreation Area (California)

 Badlands National Park (South Dakota) Big Bend National Park (Texas)

 Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

DO TOU WANT SWIM THIS CLOSE TO SHARKS

The shark’s wide, rounded snout is pointed squarely in my direction. Its 10-foot-long body presses forward until it’s about 5 feet away. I maintain eye contact as my trusty guide advised. Arms remain tucked in to my body so as not to look like a flailing fish.

If I were photographing this powerhouse of a creature, this would be the money shot. Sans camera, it's cemented in my brain forever. Before I could even feel panicky, its bendy body quickly reverts in the opposite direction. Thankfully, it’s not me he’s interested in but the shiny GoPro in the hands of my safety swimmer.

Tracking one shark is no problem. With snorkel gear and fins on I swivel my head around to keep an eye on the nosy Galapagos shark. As a species, they are inquisitive and persistent.

Right now, I’m surrounded by a dozen or so of its friends, which makes it impossible to keep track of every one. Several Galapagos and sandbar sharks are making wide circles around the boat, sometimes cruising a few feet below my fins, other times gliding by at eye level. The larger alpha sharks swim toward the top and the smaller ones at the bottom in a water column of dominance.

Because our guides want the interaction to be as natural and positive as possible, there’s no chum-slinging involved and no shark cages either. That said, during the experience you might have two sharks show up or dozens.

We are about 3 miles off of Oahu’s legendary North Shore where beyond the sharks, it’s common to find green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and the occasional whale shark patrolling the blue-green abyss.

For a second, I turn to my sister. From the looks of it, she is also having the time of her life. While many travelers hop over to Hawaii for hula performances, we are here for a whole different kind of show, an underwater ballet of sorts. Far from the bustle of Waikiki, it’s perfectly peaceful.

If ballet isn’t the first word that comes to your mind, I don’t blame you. These notorious sea dwellers have certainly gotten a bad rap. But we are here to prove that wrong. Just ask Ocean Ramsey, co-founder of One Ocean Diving in partnership with Water Inspired, and all-around lover of sharks. She has dived with 32 species of sharks around the world and has devoted her life to saving them.

If you haven’t heard of her, surely you’ve seen her on YouTube. She’s the brave Oahuan who fearlessly free dives with white sharks. She does it all in the name of shark conservation, research and education. She has even given names to some of her toothy pals, though you may have a hard time distinguishing Captain Pancakes, Frankenfin and Miss Aloha on your swim.

After toweling off and saying our goodbyes we hop on Kamehameha Highway, windows down. Papaya trees, rocky shoreline and clapboard farmhouses whiz past as we seek out a hammock. It’s one of those brilliant Hawaiian days where the breeze is just right, and we can’t wipe the goofy grins off of our faces.

Hours later, the excitement is still fresh. We gab about it to anyone who will listen, from the college student serving up our lunchtime veggie burgers to the helicopter pilot who shows us the jagged Ko‘olau Mountains.

As the sun drops below the surreal landscape, I spot a shark from the chopper. It’s just a speck from this point of view, but I’m still in awe of this incredible (and misunderstood) species.

If you go

$150 gets you in the water with the sharks and marine biologist/divemaster. Bring your GoPro, or have One Ocean film it for you for an extra $50. If you’re not quite ready to jump into the water, it is $80 to go out on the boat and learn and observe from the surface. oneoceandiving.com

11 Best California Vacation Packages

Get away for a long weekend of wine tasting, biking, hiking and other activities, or relax by the pool at a plush hotel in one of California's great cities. Specials include offers for families, couples, luxury, inexpensive, spa offers and romantic getaways. Here are some of the top specials, including room discounts, free massages, romantic dinners and other amenities.

California offers many beautiful getaways from San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, ranging from affordable romantic inns and wine country vacations to family-friendly resorts and five star retreats. 

1.  Honeymoon in Yosemite

Château du Sureau is a fairytale destination located close to Yosemite National Park, California. The resort is offering the Honeymoon in Yosemite Package for newlyweds which offers two nights’ accommodations in Château du Sureau with a choice of the Lavender Room, Chamomile Room or Sweet Geranium Room. Included is dinner for two at Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant and two European breakfasts every morning. The package also offers Chef's selection picnics for two and a seasonal welcome beverage. Included is two 60 minute Classic Massages in the Couples Salon of Spa du Sureau and an Herbal Bath in the privacy of the guest room. Rates start from $2,025 per couple, inclusive of all taxes, 5% administrative fee extra.

2.  Advance Purchase & Affordable

Basecamp South Lake Tahoe is a beautiful resort that has easy access to spectacular trails, lakes and mountains in the Lake Tahoe Basin. With 74 cozy rooms that offer modern amenities, guests can relax after an active day. The package offers savings when booking ahead. Guests can enjoy savings of up to 20% off the best available rate when booking a minimum of 14 days in advance. This offer is non-refundable and requires full prepayment of reservation value when booking.

3.  Make a Wish in Balboa Park Package

THE US GRANT is a luxurious retreat in downtown San Diego, California. This iconic hotel has reigned supreme in this area since 1910. Their premier service is legendary and with classic architecture, they create a memories of a lifetime. Make a Wish in Balboa Park is a package offered by the hotel. Explore this country's largest urban cultural park with a spring stay at San Diego. The package offers two tickets to the National History Museum in Balboa Park and an informative guide to the Park's fountains, guests will also receive a roll of pennies to make their wishes. 326 Broadway

4.  Romance Package

Bardessono is a luxurious retreat in downtown Yountville, California. The Bardessono Romance Package is a perfect opportunity to spend time with a loved one. The package offers luxurious overnight suite accommodations.

Included is a welcome bottle of Billecart-Salmon, Sparkling Rosé Champagne and a romantic ambiance in the room with candles, and Tara bath salts that couples can use in the large tub. Included is a copy of The Quiz Book for Couples, a playful way to learn even more about each other. Guests can upgrade with a private, in-room couple's massage for an additional $384, taxes are extra.

5.  Unwind-Kenwood’s Ultimate Getaway Package

Kenwood Inn and Spa is an intimate retreat for adults in the Sonoma, California Valley of the Moon. The inn is nestled close to magnificent ancient trees and amenities include outdoor heated pools, sunning terraces and hot tubs. The inn is offering the Unwind-Kenwood’s Ultimate Getaway Package for guests to relax at this luxurious destination. The package offers a two night stay on double occupancy. Included are two 50 minute body treatments at The Spa and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine on arrival. Guests will enjoy a leisurely breakfast each morning that serves only seasonal and local produce. Rates do not include tax or resort fee.

10400 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452, 800-353-6966

6.  Unlimited Golf Package

La Quinta Resort & Club is a premier desert destination nestled at the foothills of Santa Rosa Mountains, California. One among the luxurious Palm Springs resorts, the resort is offering the Unlimited Golf Package. Guests get an opportunity to play on courses designed by golfing legends Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Pete Dye. The package offers overnight accommodations. Included is unlimited golf, based on availability on the five courses at La Quinta Resort & Club® and PGA WEST®. There is an additional $50 surcharge for TPC Stadium Course at PGA WEST. Guests receive a $25 resort credit. Rates starts from $389 for single and $539 for double accommodations. Taxes and gratuities extra.

49499 Eisenhower Dr, La Quinta, CA 92253, 760-564-4111

7.  Stay 3 Nights & Save

Half Moon Bay Lodge is a perfect destination to escape the noise of the city and take a vacation on the coast. Guests can play a game of golf, go kayaking, whale watching, horseback riding along the coast, join a deep sea fishing trip or a take a leisurely hike through Redwood forests. Half Moon Bay Lodge is offering the Stay 3 Nights & Save Package. The package offers savings of $30 on each night of stay when guests stay for 3 consecutive nights.

2400 Cabrillo Highway South, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, 650-726-9000

8.  Romance in La Jolla Package

Pantai Inn is a tranquil retreat along the shores of the La Jolla coastline in Southern California. Close to downtown restaurants and offering easy access to the pristine beaches, the inn is a perfect destination for a getaway. The Pantai Inn is offering a Balinese escape with their Romance in La Jolla Package. Included is guest room accommodations for two nights and a late check-out. The package offers chocolate-covered strawberries, one dozen red roses and turndown service. Guests also receive Internet access, complimentary parking and a deluxe breakfast for two daily. Guests can enhance the experience with an in-room spa treatment for an additional fee.

1003 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037, 858-224-7600

9.  Elevate Your Experience to a Suite

The St. Regis San Francisco is a prestigious landmark hotel in San Francisco, California. This modern hotel offers spectacular views of the landscape of the city and luxurious amenities like the heated full-lap pool, the 9,000 square foot Remède Spa, and the award-winning Ame Restaurant. The hotel is offering the Elevate Your Experience to a Suite Package. The package invites guests to upgrade and elevate their St. Regis experience to a beautifully appointed luxurious suite. Included is breakfast for two daily. Rates start from $500.

125 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, 415-284-4000

10. Ultimate Golf Package

Rosewood CordeValle is a picturesque retreat nestled in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains, California. Located in the oldest wine-growing region, the resort offers guests a rich cultural experience, great shopping opportunities and a serene atmosphere in pristine surroundings. Rosewood Hotels is offering the Ultimate Golf Package for ardent golfers. Guests receive one round of golf that includes cart rental per day, per guest. The package offers a continental breakfast each morning per guest. Caddies are needed on the course and their fee is not included in the package. Guests are required to pay the full room rate and taxes at the time of booking. The rates vary according to the room types.

One CordeValle Club Dr, San Martin, CA 95046, 408-695-4500

11. Romance Package

Island Hotel Newport Beach is an elegant retreat with a warm ambiance. Guests have a choice of accommodations with a furnished patio or the step-out balcony. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor and the Newport Back Bay. Island Hotel is offering the Romance Package for a romantic getaway with a loved one. Included is complimentary valet parking and a bottle of champagne to set the mood. The couple can spend time over an intimate dinner for two at Oak Grill as part of the package. Also included is a 60 minute couple's massage.

690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660, 866-554-4620