A collection of the best coffee table books for hikers and nature lovers.
This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
If you’re reading this, odds are that you enjoy hiking. Why not bring some of your love for hitting the trails and the great outdoors into your home? This is where the magic of adventure and hiking coffee table books comes in.
Filled with awe-inspiring photos, immersive narratives, and diverse descriptions, these books will ignite your wanderlust and fuel your next adventure while acting as a beautiful decor piece & fun conversation starter.
I only included books on this list that:
1) have great content about hiking, nature, and adventure
2) have beautiful covers that allow them to double as coffee table decor
I separated this list of wanderlust coffee table books into three sections. Click the links to skip to any particular sections that interest you:
Best Wanderlust & Hiking Coffee Table Books
Bucket List Hikes & Adventures
1. Wanderlust: A Hiker’s Companion
This book is filled with beautiful photos and excellent write-ups with lots of detail and background information about the trails.
The photography will transport you to the locations shown and inspire you to plan your next hiking adventures.
Wanderlust is a perfect book to leave out on your coffee table or give to an avid hiker as a gift.
2. 100 Hikes of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Scenic Trails
This book is the ultimate hiker’s bucket list, featuring treks through 100 locations worldwide.
The book is filled with beautiful National Geographic photography and information from expert hikers. The info includes trail details, need-to-know traveler knowledge, wildlife-spotting tips, and inspirational guides.
Display the book on your coffee table and you’ll find yourself picking it up frequently to dream of and plan your next adventure.
3. The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small
This book goes beyond hiking and features 1,000 memorable activities spanning the seven continents.
With recommendations that fit every traveler, this book has something for everyone, from museums and cultural experiences to culinary delights and sports to natural wonders and adventure.
The book contains over 300 stunning photos that accompany the attractions and information.
A perfect coffee table book for people who seek adventure!
4. The Rainbow Atlas: A Guide to the World’s 500 Most Colorful Places
The Rainbow Atlas is such a fun and vibrant book to have out on display. It is full of beautifully presented and arranged photographs and information.
The book covers the most vibrant, colorful landmarks around the world. The joy of flipping through the spectacularly colorful pages is enough in itself, the travel inspiration is a bonus!
5. Lonely Planet: Epic Hikes of the World
This book is equally interesting, informative, and beautiful to look at. With gorgeous photography and fascinating descriptions about some of the most epic hikes in the world, this book is a great conversation starter and bucket-list fueler.
The hikes covered in the book include day hikes and longer hiking routes that take multiple days or weeks to complete.
6. Let’s Get Lost: The World’s Most Stunning Remote Locations
Let’s Get Lost features over 200 spectacular photos of some of the world’s most remote and beautiful places.
This beautiful book offers an escape from reality as you read about and admire the photos of the isolated, off-grid views and scenery.
This book is a bit smaller than some of the other books on this list but would be good for layering and adds a nice subtle pop of color to your decor.
7. You Are Here: Hikes
Another beautiful book full of curated photographs and information about amazing hikes worldwide. I love the cover of this book and think it would be gorgeous to have it out on display.
8. Epic Journies: 245 Life-Changing Adventures
Epic Journies goes beyond hiking and showcases a variety of incredible adventures to add to your bucket list.
This National Geographic book is filled with more than 300 vivid photographs and a guide to over 200 of the world’s best hiking, skiing, diving, rafting, sailing, cultural experiences, and more.
9. Hike: Adventures on Foot
This beautiful coffee table book features 125 of the world’s most scenic hiking trails. It includes descriptions, maps, elevation profiles, and practical information to help you plan your next hiking adventure.
The hikes are categorized by continent and difficulty, making it easy to find the perfect trail for you and dream up future adventures.
10. 1000 Perfect Weekends: Great Getaways Around the Globe
1,000 Perfect Weekends is a National Geographic book packed with inspiring ideas for worldwide weekend getaways.
It offers short itineraries (36-72 hours) for various interests, from relaxing beach trips to adventurous city breaks. The book also includes top-10 lists and insider tips to help you plan your dream weekend.
U.S. National Parks & Adventures
11. 50 Adventures in the 50 States
This is one of my favorite books to read with my kids, and it doubles as a decor piece in our National Park-themed nursery. I think it would make a great coffee table book as well.
The book highlights an exciting outdoor adventure for each U.S. state. A great resource for families of anyone looking to explore the U.S.
12. See America: A Celebration of Our National Parks & Treasured Sites
This National Park coffee table book was written to celebrate the U.S. National Park Service’s 100th anniversary. Each page displays a beautiful “See America” poster from 75 different National Parks/Monuments around the U.S. and includes a narrative about the park or site featured.
The book is smaller than some of the other coffee table books on this list, but still serves as a great decor piece and is very affordable.
13. National Parks of the U.S.A.
This is another of my favorite books to read with my kids that doubles as a decor piece in our nursery.
The beautifully illustrated book showcases 21 of America’s National Parks. Each park is covered in detail, with captivating illustrations and information about its plants and animals.
The book is divided by region and includes a map to help you locate each park. It’s a great resource to introduce young readers (or anyone who loves adventure) to the U.S. National Parks.
14. America’s Best Day Hikes
A guidebook featuring 50 amazing day hikes across the US, suitable for all experience levels and terrains.
Each hike is described in detail, highlighting its unique features and why it’s worth exploring. All adventures featured in the book can be completed in a single day and don’t require camping.
A great conversation starter and a one-stop resource for anyone looking for their next perfect day hike.
15. USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder
A classic, simple, and beautiful coffee table book that showcases 62 of the US National Parks with stunning photography and practical tips.
It highlights the best things to do in each park, from popular hikes to family activities. Think of it as a guide to help you plan your dream National Park adventure.
16. The Art of the National Parks
A stunning collection of contemporary art celebrating the beauty of U.S. National Parks.
This book features unique posters for each park, created by renowned artists, alongside interesting facts and travel tips for park enthusiasts.
It’s a beautiful tribute to the parks and a great gift for nature and art lovers.
17. Yellowstone: A Land of Wild & Wonder
This book has a luxurious feel and is one of the most stunning, classy-looking books on this list.
The book showcases stunning, contemporary photography that captures Yellowstone’s dramatic landscapes and iconic wildlife, inspiring a sense of awe for its beauty.
18. Subpar Parks
If you have a sense of humor and a love for the great outdoors, Subpar Parks is the perfect coffee table book. I get a good chuckle every time I read it!
Subpar Parks is a funny book that combines beautiful illustrations of America’s National Parks with hilarious one-star reviews left by clueless visitors. Based on a popular Instagram account, the book pokes fun at unrealistic expectations while celebrating the beauty of the outdoors.
19. The Parklands: Trails and Secrets from the National Parks of the United States
The Parklands takes you on a comprehensive tour through the most spectacular areas of the U.S.
With essential information, interesting facts, maps, stories, and insight on the best places to go birdwatching, hiking, or stargazing, the book can help you plan your own National Park adventures.
With amazing pictures and great information, this book is a perfect option for any National Park lover.
Nature & Camping
20. Mountains: Great Peaks and Ranges of the World
This gorgeous book takes you on a global journey through the world’s most impressive mountains. The book features iconic peaks alongside lesser-known wonders.
Organized by region, it showcases the most spectacular mountains on Earth with stunning color photographs and informative captions detailing their history and significance.
One of the reviews mentions that some of the information in the book may be incorrect, but I think the cover is stunning, making it a good option.
21. Trees: Between Earth and Heaven
This book explores the deep connection between humans and trees throughout history.
Stunning photographs showcase magnificent trees and forests, while the text explores the myths, cultures, and traditions that celebrate trees.
This would be a great gift for anyone who loves the outdoors and has a deep appreciation for nature.
22. Seeing Silence: The Beauty of the World’s Most Quiet Places
Another classy coffee table book option, this award-winning book is a visual journey to the quietest places around the world.
From isolated mountaintops to remote deserts, stunning photographs capture the beauty of silence and the importance of preserving these vanishing sanctuaries.
23. National Geographic: Greatest Landscapes
This National Geographic book is a stunning collection of rarely-seen photographs showcasing the world’s most majestic natural landscapes.
From deserts bathed in twilight to snow-capped mountains at dawn, the book captures the breathtaking beauty of nature in a single click.
Insights from renowned photographers accompany the images, making this a coffee table book you’ll return to again and again.
24. Camp: Stories & Itineraries for Sleeping Under the Stars
This camping guidebook is your ticket to unique and secluded campsites around the world. The book can serve as a unique and vibey decor piece.
Packed with stunning photos, inspiring stories from experienced campers, and practical advice, it caters to all types of campers, from families to solo adventurers.
25. 50 Places to Camp Before You Die
Another great coffee table book for camping lovers with a classy cover. The book highlights the world’s best camping destinations, from classic U.S. National Parks to exotic locations worldwide.
It includes photographs and practical tips for beginners and experienced campers, making it a great resource to dream about and plan your camping adventures.
Bonus Idea: Photo Books Showcasing Your Adventures
Memory books filled with photos and excerpts from your vacations and personal adventures can serve as unique and meaningful coffee table books.
There are many options for creating your memory books, whether you want to do some old-school scrapbooking or use a digital service like Shutterfly or Snapfish.
That rounds out our list of the Top 25 best adventure & hiking coffee table books!
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best coffee table travel books and that you are inspired to add to your travel bucket list and explore more of our world’s most amazing places!
