Exploring the World’s National Parks Through HomeExchange

At HomeExchange, we love giving the floor to those who can talk about it best: our members. This testimonial was written by Bobbi, a lovely HomeExchange member, who shares with us her experience on traveling with her son Bodie and her dog Sunshine, using the platform.

Discover the Beauty of the World Through the Eyes of a Local

There’s something magical about waking up in a cozy home near one of the world’s most stunning national parks — sipping coffee before a day of adventure, chatting with locals who share their favorite secret trails, and feeling more at home than you ever could in a hotel. That’s the beauty of home exchanging: you get to live like a local while exploring some of nature’s greatest masterpieces.

Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to do home exchanges that opened the door (literally!) to some of the most awe-inspiring parks in the world. Here’s a peek into a few of my favorites — along with a few insider tips I picked up along the way.

Yosemite National Park, California

I’ve done three home exchanges to explore Yosemite National Park, and each visit has been unforgettable. From hiking through towering granite cliffs to swimming in rivers and even jumping off rocks into the crystal-clear water, Yosemite never fails to surprise. There’s nothing quite like spotting a bear (from a safe distance, of course!) or riding bikes through the valley floor surrounded by breathtaking views in every direction.

Did you know? Yosemite’s granite cliffs — including the famous El Capitan and Half Dome — are some of the most photographed natural landmarks in the world. And the park’s waterfalls are at their peak in late spring when the snowmelt is strongest.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

My second favorite destination — and one I’ve visited twice — is Grand Canyon National Park. While staying in Sedona through a home exchange, I made day trips to the canyon. Here’s my insider tip: rent an e-bike from Canyon Adventures and ride along part of the rim. You’ll enjoy the same jaw-dropping views without the crowds that gather at the main lookout points.

Fun fact: The Grand Canyon is over 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep — a true wonder of the natural world, shaped by millions of years of erosion from the Colorado River.

Home exchange: Village of Oak Creek (Big Park) - Zachary’s home - Yavapai County/United States - HomeExchange

AVAILABLE DEC 12-17 FOR GUEST POINTS (WAIVING 6-NIGHT MINIMUM) Enjoy amazing views of Sedona’s beautiful red rocks from our n

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Banff & Jasper National Parks, Canada

Taking my son to Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada was one of our most memorable family adventures. We stayed at a gorgeous exchange in Canmore, just outside Banff, and spent our days biking the incredible 100-mile Legacy Trail surrounded by snowcapped peaks and turquoise lakes.

When we traveled north to Jasper, we were able to stay inside the park itself — an unforgettable experience. Insider tip: make sure to visit the glaciers, waterfalls, and glacier-fed lakes along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives on Earth.

Did you know? Banff was Canada’s first national park, established in 1885, and Jasper is the largest in the Canadian Rockies. Together, they form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

While doing a home exchange in Croatia, we made a point to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park — and it was absolutely breathtaking. The park features a series of cascading turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls and surrounded by lush forest.

Fun fact: Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia, declared the first in 1949 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The park’s 16 lakes are renowned for their vibrant colors, which change throughout the day depending on the sunlight and minerals in the water.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Most recently, I enjoyed a fall getaway to Joshua Tree National Park. My home exchange was the cutest little house just 10 minutes from the park entrance and right in the heart of downtown Joshua Tree — a funky, artsy town with great local shops and cafes.

Days were spent exploring the park’s surreal desert landscape, and evenings were for sunset watching and stargazing under some of the clearest skies I’ve ever seen. Fun fact: Joshua Tree is one of the best stargazing destinations in the U.S., designated as an International Dark Sky Park.

Home exchange: Joshua Tree - Douglas’s home - San Bernardino County/United States - HomeExchange

My home is in the heart of Joshua Tree. It is walking distance to everything that the town has to offer - shopping, dining, coff

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Why Home Exchange?

Home exchanges make national park adventures even more special. Instead of paying high hotel prices, you can stay in unique homes, often with incredible locations and local charm. You’ll get insider tips from your hosts, have the comforts of home, and truly experience what it’s like to live in each destination.

Whether you’re hiking through the granite cliffs of Yosemite, biking the rim of the Grand Canyon, or stargazing in Joshua Tree, home exchanging opens up a world of adventure — and connection — that no hotel ever could.