When most visitors think about traveling to a national park, they think of roughing it outdoors. But what if you could have an outdoor adventure AND get a top-notch dining experience?

When you stay at a Nation’s Vacation property, you can have it all. You get the wonder of nature, cozy lodging, and high-quality, chef-created dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. You get to be surrounded by the great outdoors while also eating gourmet meals.

When planning your next national park adventure with Nation’s Vacation, be sure to check our website to see the most up-to-date information on availability and hours. That way, you can plan your next vacation without compromising. Spend time outdoors having adventures and finish off your day with some fantastic food.

Where to Eat: Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park is located in Southwest Colorado and is best known for its historical cliff dwellings. Because of its archaeological importance, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

During your visit, you can book a room at the Far View Lodge or stay at the Morefield Campground. And, you’ll find some great food at the Metate Room Restaurant and the Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe.

Metate Room Restaurant: Cider Brined Pork Chop

When you dine at the Metate Room Restaurant, you’re getting an award-winning culinary experience. The restaurant was awarded for its sustainable cuisine by the American Culinary Federation Colorado Chefs Association.

Start your meal off with a light option, such as the ancient grain salad which features mixed greens, spinach, and an ancient grain blend mixed with cranberries, roasted peppers, carrots, parmesan, and sunflower seeds, all covered in a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette.

For your main course, indulge in the umami and bright flavors of the cider brined pork chop. With this dish, you’ll get a grilled pork chop, a side of smashed gold potatoes, an apple, brussel sprout, and onion slaw with a grain mustard vinaigrette, and kale with candied pancetta.

Don’t forget to make a reservation!

Where to Eat: Yosemite

Yosemite is all about nature and drama. The scale of nature and beauty in this park is like nowhere else in the world. Yosemite National Park is home to giant waterfalls, humongous sequoias, and towering rock formations such as Half Dome and El Capitan. If you’re looking for adventures and good food, a visit to Yosemite is just the right stop for your upcoming vacation.

The Ahwahnee Dining Room: Buffet of Prime Rib, Veggie Sides, and Tarts

Just because you have to stop and eat doesn’t mean you can’t continue to enjoy nature while you do it. When you dine at The Ahwahnee Dining Room you’re surrounded by massive windows and panoramic views of nature. Right now, The Ahwahnee dining room is serving up a buffet-style breakfast and dinner with to-go lunch options.

Kick-off dinner with an Ahwahnee House Salad that’s made with mixed greens and topped with English peas, cucumbers, shaved radishes, feta cheese, and a lemon dill vinaigrette.

For your main course, you can enjoy a Brandt Ranch roasted prime rib or some battered chicken tenders. Don’t forget to leave a little room for one of the chef-made tarts, cakes, or chocolate delights.

The Wawona Hotel Dining Room: Dinner Buffet or Lunch To Go

When you enter the Wawona Dining Room, you’ll be greeted by hand-painted lamps, a fireplace, and an authentic Victorian ambiance. For breakfast and dinner, you can enjoy a variety of foods from the self-serve buffet. Dine inside or snag a table outside on the summer veranda.

If you’ve got big plans for your time in Yosemite, be sure to grab your lunch to go. That way, you can hike all day and still enjoy a delicious meal. Chef-created lunch options include a chipotle orange chicken wrap or a grilled vegetable wrap that’s filled with sun-dried tomato pesto and baby spinach. For the kids, you can pick up a PB&J to go.

If you’re stopping by for dinner, you won’t go hungry. The dinner buffet features offerings such as Santa Maria tri-tip in a chimichurri marinade and cumin roasted salmon.

Where to Eat: Lake Powell

With nearly 2000 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell is the perfect getaway. Located between Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell has endless days of sunshine and warm water. While you’re at the lake, you can camp, take a rafting tour, go fishing, take a hike, stargaze, and so much more. Not to mention, you won’t be disappointed by the dining.

Rainbow Room: Porcini Dusted NY Strip Steak

The Rainbow Room is open for bountiful breakfasts and decadent dinners. After a day filled with fun, you can pull up a chair for a filling meal.

Start with the farro and roasted squash salad. This salad comes with arugula, apricots, pistachios, avocado, and whipped ricotta, sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning and topped with a drizzle of desert clove honey.

For your main, indulge in the porcini dusted NY strip steak. It comes topped with pepperoncini butter, a side salad of blistered tomato and green beans, and a serving of smoked garlic mashed potato.

Latitude 37: Sonoran Hot Dog

At Lake Powell, you don’t even have to leave the lake to find a delicious meal. Grab something to eat at Latitude 37, Lake Powell’s floating restaurant. You can dine inside or on the rooftop balcony.

For something light and delicious, you can order the BBQ chicken and peach salad. The salad is a combination of arugula, broccoli slaw, and quinoa, topped with grilled chicken, almonds, feta cheese, and peaches, dressed with a barbecue vinaigrette.

For something a little more hearty, you can ask for the Sonoran hot dog. It’s a bacon-wrapped beef frank covered with pico de gallo, grilled pickled onion, and Cholula aioli on a split-top bun.

At Nation’s Vacation, you can satisfy all of your cravings. You can get nature, adventure, and gourmet dishes all in one place.