Every park is scored across dozens of criteria. Scores come from data, not editorial judgment.
Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, EPA, NPS, climate databases, and other public sources. When possible, most recent available data. Some criteria use curated lists (James Beard nominations, UNESCO sites) that update less frequently.
Scores use rank-based percentiles. All parks are ranked by the underlying data, then ranks convert to percentile scores.
A score of 90 means top 10% nationally. A score of 30 means bottom third. Higher always means more of that thing. A high walkability score means genuinely walkable. A high "hot weather" score means genuinely hot.
Each criterion measures one specific thing: average temperature, cost of living, trail mileage, restaurant density, transit coverage. You combine criteria into a profile that reflects how you travel, weight them as you like.
Metacriteria are ready-made combinations for common travel styles. "Best for Families" weights safety, affordability, kid-friendly activities. "Adventure Travel" emphasizes outdoor access and remoteness. Starting points you can adjust.
Some criteria rely on editorial judgment rather than raw data. These are clearly marked and follow the same 1-100 scale. The criteria themselves, and how they combine, were designed by researchers to ensure that what ranks well statistically reflects what actually feels right on the ground.
No methodology captures everything. This one privileges the measurable. Some qualities don't show up in numbers. The editorial descriptions exist partly to fill that gap.
parks that surface in your results aren't paying to be there. They ranked high because the data matched your criteria.
Affiliate links to hotels and travel services help fund the site. They never influence scores or rankings. See our Affiliate Disclosure.