One of the many reasons travelers choose national parks for their destination is to spend time communing with nature. Our ultimate national park pro tip for you: end your day in one of our incredible dining rooms with a view. You can dine in style, without ever having to lose the sweeping views that mother nature has to offer. If you’re planning a trip soon, be sure to consider booking a reservation at these iconic national park dining rooms.

Best View: The Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim

When it comes to an awe-inspiring view, nowhere does it better than the Grand Canyon. Depending on the time of day, day of the year, and which part of the rim you’re on, you’re going to get a different perspective on this incredible geologic formation.

And, while you can visit the rim by car or foot, why not also enjoy the scenery while grabbing a bite to eat? The Grand Canyon Lodge offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with some of the best seats in the house! The lodge and dining area are open for the 2023 season May 15th to October 15th. Make sure to plan ahead and make reservations for dinner as the sun sets over the canyon, as they are required.

From the preparation of fresh ingredients to the conscious choices of free-range products, the chefs at the Grand Canyon Lodge go the extra mile to make sure your experience is a memorable one. The menu is not only filled with many delicious choices but there are also options for people with dietary restrictions. The kitchen offers meatless vegan and vegetarian alternatives, gluten-free meals, and healthy choice alternatives as a part of the “Healthy Parks Healthy People” National Park initiative!

Best Ambiance: The Ahwahnee Dining Room at Yosemite National Park

When it comes to favorite national parks, at the top of most visitors’ lists is Yosemite National Park. And it’s no wonder why. Yosemite is home to dramatic waterfalls, iconic granite cliffs, ancient giant sequoias, and some of the best hiking in the world.

Visitors flock to the park year-round, with hikers hitting the trails, families exploring the bike trails, and pro-climbers making ascents. No matter how you like to explore Yosemite, everyone can agree that it’s all about seeing the grandeur that nature has to offer.

If you’re planning a visit to Yosemite, you can’t miss a stop at The Ahwahnee Dining Room, which has some of the best ambiance of any national park dining room in the country.  Open year-round, The Ahwahnee Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. On the dinner menu, guests can start their meal with appetizers such as sweet pepper bruschetta and hamachi crudo. For the main, there are decadent options such as the kurobuta pork chop and the seared scallops. But, be sure to save room for dessert. With choices such as creme brulee and boysenberry pie, it will be hard to turn down.

The only thing that can match the wonder of the food served to diners is the architecture. With 30-foot ceilings and massive windows, the dining room evokes feelings of opulence, making diners feel like they’ve been transported back in time. For dinner, guests dress up, giving the dining room an air of gravity that’s hard to find in most dining establishments today.

Best Lakeside Views: The Rainbow Room at Lake Powell

If there’s one thing Lake Powell is known for, it’s the lake’s 2,000 miles of shoreline. And with that much shoreline, you can bet you’ll find a great place to eat while you enjoy the lake views and boats cruise by. Lake Powell is a fantastic destination for families and groups with kids because it’s all about fun. Whether you’re interested in renting a powerboat and water toys, taking a hike in unique topography, or admiring the stars at night, Lake Powell is the place to be.

For the best lakeside views, head to the Rainbow Room at the Lake Powell Resort. The Rainbow Room has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the lake and give you a fantastic view, no matter where you’re sitting in the dining room. Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast or dinner, you’re going to get an eye-full.

At dinner, the menu consists of small plates like lobster tostada and mains such as seared salmon or herb-roasted cauliflower. For dessert, you won’t want to miss the Mexican chocolate lava cake.

Your Elegant Dining Room Experience Awaits

While most people think of hiking and spending time outdoors as the sole reason to visit a national park, there are also superb dining locations. For your next national park trip, be sure to check out the park’s iconic dining rooms so that you can dine with a view. You’ll get a fantastic meal and get to watch as mother nature puts on a show.