U.S. National Parks With the Best Birding Destinations

Birders looking for variety in both species and settings will find plenty to explore in the U.S. national park system. These parks and protected areas support hundreds of native and migratory creatures, thanks to their diverse geography, ranging from subtropical wetlands and arctic fjords to dry grasslands and coastal lagoons.

Everglades National Park, Florida

Birding picks up fast in the Everglades once the dry season settles in. Herons, spoonbills, and gallinules gather in the shallow wetlands near Anhinga Trail and Shark Valley, where food becomes more concentrated. Over 360 species have been recorded here, which are especially active in winter.

Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

The proximity to Lake Michigan plays a big role in why the Indiana Dunes National Park attracts so many birds. Shifting winds along the shoreline create a corridor that concentrates migratory paths, mainly during spring and fall. Birds also drop into the park’s wetlands and forests to rest and feed before continuing.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Located between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga is one of the easiest national parks to reach. There’s no entrance fee, and several trailheads connect to local roads and public transit. That convenience doesn’t take away from the experience because early summer mornings still provide the clearest bird calls.

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Coves, cliffs, and tidal wetlands all press together in a compact area that brings in serious bird traffic at Point Reyes. Shorebirds come together at Bolinas Lagoon during low tide and feed across wide, exposed flats. Accessible boardwalks make it easy for you to scan for movement, while steeper trails offer vantage points above the coast.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Warblers, bald eagles, and ospreys are among the standout species found in Acadia National Park, particularly between May and early fall. Jordan Pond draws songbirds into the spruce canopy, while Cadillac Mountain gives better views of raptors overhead. You can see close to 300 varieties here in the peak months.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

This park gives you the opportunity for peak birding in spring, with species active across a range of heights. Shaded trails and constant water sources keep activity steady later into the day than in many parks. And the mix of dense forest and open meadow at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park supports both ground feeders and canopy dwellers in close range.

Dauphin Island, Alabama

Once a military outpost and trading port, Dauphin Island now plays a vital role in bird migration across the Gulf Coast. Situated just off Alabama’s shoreline, the island spans 14 miles and includes pine forests, dunes, and salt marshes. In spring, birds arriving from Central and South America often land here first to use the habitat to rest and refuel.

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Various seabirds nest along the rugged coastline during the Kenai Peninsula Birding Festival in May. The event offers guided tours, workshops, and boat excursions that bring participants into prime viewing areas. Much of the activity centers around Kenai Fjords National Park, where cliffs and open water support large nesting populations.

Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona

Summer rains in southeast Arizona trigger a surge in hummingbird activity across the sky island region. Chiricahua National Monument often sees up to 13 species, including rarer visitors like the white-eared and berylline hummingbirds. These birds follow blooming patterns brought on by monsoon storms.

Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas

You can explore a range of habitats in Ouachita National Forest by visiting specific areas known for bird activity. Lake Ouachita draws bald eagles in winter and hosts purple martin roosts on Bird Island in summer. Paths near the Charlton Recreation Area are reliable for spotting red-cockaded woodpeckers and brown-headed nuthatches.

Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR, California

More than 375 types of birds have made a home at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. Yellow-footed gulls arrive in late summer, while winter brings large flocks of geese, pelicans, and grebes.

Pawnee National Grasslands, Colorado

Shortgrass prairie dominates the view at Pawnee, but it hides impressive bird activity. Driving slowly acts as a mobile blind to observe burrowing owls, lark buntings, and horned larks. Travelers can cover large sections of the grasslands without leaving their vehicles.

Milford Point, Connecticut

Managed by the Connecticut Audubon Society, Milford Point is a migration hotspot along the Long Island Sound. A 70-foot observation tower provides wide views over the salt marsh and tidal flats, which allows visitors to spot birds without disrupting their habitats. Entry is free, and optional donations support conservation work.

Cape May, New Jersey

Guided walks and public festivals make Cape May a reliable destination for tracking migration with support from local experts and real-time data. Count boards are updated throughout the day to help visitors track active hotspots. The park organizes these efforts in an attempt to attract a large number of birders from across the country.

Sax-Zim Bog, Minnesota

If winter birding is the goal, Sax-Zim Bog in northern Minnesota has some of the best cold-season species in the country. Great gray owls and other breeds begin to appear in December as the snow deepens. Though conditions can be harsh, trails stay open and lightly trafficked.