America’s Most Loved City Parks

For sun, space, trails, and picnics, these urban gems are all worth a visit.

cardinal PARK IS NOT ON THIS leaning . To let in Central Park on a inclination of in force urban parks is like putting Harry Potter on a list of best son wizards : passably friggin ’ obvious . Central Park is the criterion against which we value all others : 843 Akko smack dab in the middle of the Manhattan grid , luxuriant with hayfield and lake , fountain and sculpture , hotdog marketer , and the pigeon peeress fromHome Alone 2 . There ’s a zoo and a rook and an open - air field of operations and so , so much more .

Back in the day , when cityfolks want a unruffled place to sit outside and just be , they ’d head to the near cemetery . So next metre you ’re sprawled out on your picnic blanketsipping rosé in the sunniness , pour out one out for Frederick Law Olmsted — house decorator of Central Park , Brooklyn ’s Prospect Park , Boston ’s Emerald Necklace , among many others — for experience the ultra whim that a pleasant , public immature space should not in any way involve dead hoi polloi .

There are whole courses and careers devoted to the provision of parkland — they’re sort of a fully grown stack , providing a literal breathing place of impudent melodic phrase from traffic , sprawl , and , at the moment , a pandemic that has put a bounty on wide assailable space . And for so many communities , they are a great equalizer , bring people from all manner of walking of life together to rest , mingle , and play . Here are 20 front-runner .

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Dolores Park in San Francisco|FTiare/shutterstock

Griffith Park

Los Angeles , CaliforniaJust compass north of Los Feliz ( one ofour preferent LA neighborhoods ) , Griffith Park is basically the Central Park of LA . It ’s much more rugged — mountain lions and coyotes roam here — but just as various , with some of LA ’s most value local mental home packed into one place . There ’s the iconicGriffith Observatoryfor the stargazers among us , as well as theGreek Theatre , which attracts touring artists ( admit Al Green , Imogen Heap , and Jimmy Eat World in coming months ) . TheLos Angeles Zooand theAutry Museum of the American Westsit right across the street from each other . Bronson Canyon offers a piece of picture show magic — it ’s been a go - to shooting location in B Movies for the last hundred years . And after you ’ve hiked some of the commons ’s 53 mi of trail ( include several routes up to Mt. Lee behind the Hollywood Sign ) , barricade by critically - acclaimedGolden Road Brewingfor some thirst - extinction , post - hike brews at the ready . — Michelle Rae Uy

Fairmount Park

Philadelphia , PennsylvaniaWith over 2,000 Akko of light-green space , Philadelphia’sFairmount Parkoffers miles of forested hike trail , plush meadows , dreamy hymeneals venues , and riverside view for hoagie picnic . Yet Fairmount Park also preserves much of the art and history that makes Philly unique , with celebrated landmarks like thePhiladelphia Zoo(America ’s first ! ) , the humanity - renownedPhiladelphia Art Museum(where Rocky ended his famous workout montage ) , and theFairmount Water Works , a national historic landmark along the shoring of the Schuylkill River . In West Fairmount Park , you ’ll find theShofuso Japanese Garden , which host ethnic effect include the annual Cherry Blossom Festival , one ofthe best places to spot sakura trees in the US . TheHorticulture Center ’s expansive greenhouse is free to visitor , and nearby , the Pavilion in the Trees , a part of Philly’sMuseum Without Wallspublic arts programme , takes guests 24 - metrical foot above the ground in an immersive art installation inspired by the puerility longing for a treehouse . — Kae Lani Kennedy

Falls Park

Sioux Falls , South DakotaSouth Dakotais more than just national parks and monument : Sioux Falls is a legit fun urban center , with legit fun places to eat , drink , be merry . But the city ’s piece de resistance is centrally - locatedFalls Park , a 123 - acre city green full of waterfall cascading 100 feet over the same black rock-and-roll that make up the residuum of the nation ’s spectacular formations . Most city parks are just lucky to have a swing lot . Not Falls Park : There ’s a café , a greenway , a dozen lasting outdoor sculptures ( outdoor sculptureis kind of a affair in Sioux Falls ) , and a seasonalfarmers grocery store . Finally , check out the historic seven - storyQueen Bee Millbuilt in 1881 , known as " the most challenging effort ever made to utilise waterpower west of the Mississippi River . " Free and undecided to the populace , head up there to walk around or translate a Quran or , much more likely , take 1,000 selfies and then support in other hoi polloi ’s way as you edit and put up to Instagram . — Nicole Rupersburg

Gas Works Park

Seattle , WashingtonEver since landscape painting designer Richard Haag transformed this toxic barren into a public green space in the mid-’70s , sunshine - divest Seattleites have been flocking to its 20 acres of grassy hummock to toss Frisbees , protest war , celebrate the 4th of July , and soak up some vitamin D. Rising from the N shore of Lake Union , Gas Works serves up panoramic view of the city ’s ever - expand skyline and the hard - to - miss Space Needle . First , hit the Fremont neighborhood to pick up crunchy sourdough baguet fromSea Wolf Bakeryor let the budtenders atHashtag Cannabisselect the arrant strain to set your afternoon adrift . Then , shake off down a blanket on any of the side face the pee and view the endless regatta of sailboats , kayakers , hydroplane , and flocks of geese go by . you may also wander around the structures that remain from the original gasification plant that give off an eery , Mad - Max - ian vibe . — Ryan MacDonald

Piedmont Park

Atlanta , GeorgiaIn the Atlanta metro area , you ’re spoiled for choice when it comes to unripened space ( so long as you have a car)—but 180 - acre Piedmont Park digest out for wide capable space at the Meadow , utter for picnicking ( and eating popsicle from Atlanta stapleKing of Pops ) , and the astonishing view of the metropolis from Lake Clara Meer . Spread across the grounds , there ’s a greenmarket , a community garden , a dog park , and theAtlanta Botanical Garden ; from here , it ’s also a hop , skip , and a jump to the marrow of Midtown . In non-’rona times , devolve in Piedmont also brings the weekend music festivalMusic MidtownandAtlanta Pride , one of the oldest and bombastic pridefulness events in the US . While you ’re in town , you might also hit theBeltLineandFreedom Park . The latter is neighboring to one of ATL ’s cool neighborhoods , Little Five Points , where you ’ll find healing gems atCrystal Blue , nightlife atVariety PlayhouseandThe Vortex(look for the giant skull ) , secure chow atThai 5 , and time of origin shopping throughout.—Tiana Attride

City Park

New Orleans , LouisianaOnce a spot for dueling Creole gentlemen to root the scotch , City Park is a sprawling 1,300 demesne full of lagune , gardens , and regal live oaks ranging between 750 and 900 years old — the oldest collection of live oak tree in the world . Nestled amongst their strapping limb are a number of coolheaded attracter worth putting down your Sazerac andleaving the French Quarter : Storyland , a capricious kids ’ park with life sentence - sized storybook exhibit created by parade float builders;Carousel Gardens , an amusement park with an antique wooden carrousel ; the Art Deco - influencedBotanical Gardens , which opened in 1936 ; theNew Orleans Museum of Art , which sport a gorgeous Beaux - Arts interior along with nearly 40,000 objects ; and the unmoved woodlands , wildlife , and watercourse of the 60 - acreCouturie Forest . And do n’t forget to visit theNOMA Sculpture Garden(admission is always free ) andLouisiana Children ’s Museum , both recently renovated . — Missy Wilkinson

Zilker Park

Austin , TexasIf Austin was a solar organisation , Zilker Park would be its sun . The tramp and biking trails around Lady Bird Lake Snake River towards Zilker and lead to Barton Springs , a 70 - point natural swim pool and excellentpeople - watchingspot . Barton Springs Road is litter with post - swim nutrient options — the terrace at Shady Grove is usually a good move . Meanwhile , the Great Lawn serves as a hub for beak - up soccer histrion , slackliners , off - leash frankfurter , and students cautiously sipping beer against a downtown background . Zilker is also home to a numeral of big events year - round , let in summer concert seriesBlues on the Green , Austin City Limits , and theTrail of Lightsduring the holidays . Beyond that , you ’ll find nautical mile of greenbelt hike , sculpture and botanical garden , a field stage , kayak and paddleboarding , and even a miniature train that traverses the grounds . — Dan Gentile

Boston Common

Boston , MassachusettsSay what you want aboutBoston(shoutout to Massholes ) , but the urban center itself is beautiful . Case in point , Boston Common , the oldest public park in the US . During the summer , the Frog Pond offers a cram pool for the kiddos ( and a outing spot for grown - ups ) ; in winter , it transforms into a skating rink . The adjoiningBoston Public Gardenon the west side of the Mungo Park — designed by Frederick Law Olmsted — was America ’s first public garden , and features historical monuments , over 600 variety of tree diagram , and the original swan boats , which have been around for over 140 years . Strolling along the paved path , weeping willows , and elegant bridges will enthrall you to an idyllic house painting . Being in one of thebest walking cities in the USalso means Boston ’s best attractions are literally minute away on foot : grab a bite in Chinatown , shop on Newbury Street , browse through rows of well - have it away reads at exposed - airBrattle Book Shop , or steep yourself in story on theFreedom Trail . ( Also , the originalCheersbar is there . ) — Tiana Attride

Dolores Park

San Francisco , CaliforniaMission Dolores Park is perhaps SF ’s most interesting public space . much any sunny day will see the park ’s grassy hillside mob with a checker board of child’s play blanket and sun - hunger body . Vendors cull their way between the mathematical group sellingpaletas , cold beer , cold water , and edible . The park ’s unconscionable slopes feature an unequalled view of the skyline , with the Bay Bridge , Treasure Island , and Oakland visible in the distance . mark out areas like Hipster Hill , where the sweet olfactory perception oflegal marijuanawafts from groups of bearded thirtysomethings drinking IPAs , or Gay Beach , with its miniature hot dog and rows of thong - raiment buttcheeks shining in the California sun . The parking area also host holiday events , such as an Easter Celebration host by titans of SF cultureSisters of Perpetual Indulgence , featuring the iconic Hunky Jesus drag show ( which includes an in - costume 100 one thousand hyphen — heel and all ) . — Conor O’Rourke

Theodore Wirth Regional Park

Minneapolis , MinnesotaWhen it come to surviving notoriously heinous winters , Twin Cities occupier have a hidden arm : Theodore Wirth Regional Park . The largest park in Minneapolis , Wirth is reasonably secure in the summertime , with a lake , golf game course , nature asylum , and miles of dirt trail . But it ’s Charles Percy Snow and ice that lures Smartwool - invest Minnesotans from their quick house . With snowshoeing , rich - tyre biking , tube , skijoring , and 20 miles of groomed crabbed - country ski trails , the park is a training undercoat for everyone from toddlers to Olympian athletes like Minnesotan Jessie Diggins . The newTrailhead buildingprovides an on - web site eating place , while outside , the612 Sauna Society ’s peregrine sauna lets you BYO solid food and deglutition and kick back in front of a roaring fire between sweat session . When it ’s time to leave the park , keep the Minnesota pride go with a visit to the nearbyUtepils Brewingfor a pint of the capably distinguish altogether Wirth It Irish stout . — Molly Each

Belle Isle

Detroit , MichiganThe Belle Isle is , as its name would suggest , a really , really pretty island . Wedged in theDetroit Riverabutting the Canadian border , the island sway unbelievable sentiment of both the Motor City and Windsor , Ontario , with landscape design by Frederick Law Olmsted . A metropolis park for 169 years , locals love its paved route , canal , and heap bike trails that lead to a “ mysterious ” beach which this writer is not authorized to expose . There ’s a lake for kayaking or ice skating , a premier swim beach , a officiate works indoor garden , an fish tank , and a yacht society ( yeah you know , we fly ) . All in all , there are spoiled places to pay heed out . The island hosts concerts ( Metallica took over the island for a weekend in 2013 ) and the annual Grand Prix three - day airstream car extravaganza , and is nursing home to theDossin Great Lakes Museum . On your room in , grab shawarma fromBucharest Grillor a pie fromBelle Isle Pizza . On your style out , check out nearbyAtwater Brewery and Tap Housefor a taste of some of Detroit ’s safe beer . — Megan Frye

Forest Park

St. Louis , MissouriSt . Louis ’ 143 - year - old Forest Park has receive hundreds of landed estate on Central Park , countless diversion options , and a rightfully astounding variety of natural and built surroundings to research — intimately all of which are free . In a metropolis grappling with longstanding disparities and divides , this immense rectangle of green knows no barriers ; it ’s a place that belong to everyone and sparks deep pride . Even though it ’s enormous , Forest Park seldom finger overwhelming . If the six - mile motorcycle drive around the perimeter seems a number much , capitulum for the paddle boats and leisurely navigate one toward the Grand Basin . speculate the masterpieces inside the gallery of theSaint Louis Art Museum , then take in the sky and everything below from a picnic perch on the talkative lawn of Art Hill . The 1904 World ’s Fair drew about 20 million masses to this place , and the park still draw 13 million visitors a year . It ’s also home to 17,000 animals and all sorting of baseless creature at theSaint Louis Zoo . — Evie Hemphill

Rock Creek Park

Washington , DCAn urban haven in our Carry Nation ’s working capital , Rock Creek Park spans some 2,000 acres and is actually manage by the National Park Service . It ’s less stately than , say , San Diego ’s Balboa Park or NYC ’s Central Park , but its more rugged vibration is as Mother Nature intended . DC resident love it for its Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree canopies , jogger- and biker - friendly trails , plus off - the - beat wage hike that take you deep into the woodwind , including a paththat lead to a graveyard ofstones torn off the U.S. Capitoldecades ago . It also just so happens Rock Creek Park is home to three adorable lesser panda — Tian Tian , Mei Xiang , and Bei Bei — that last at theSmithsonian ’s National Zoo . ( And admittance isfree!)If you ’re on the west side of the park and need to refuel , check outDuke ’s Counter , a specialty sando store . Or if you ’re on the green ’s east side , attempt out a rimy beer atRoofers Union , where the craft cocktails and suds are as enjoyableas the rooftop view . — Tim Ebner

The Gathering Place

Tulsa , OklahomaUnveiled in 2018to the melodic phrase of $ 465 million , this parkland was spearheaded , majority funded , and indue with $ 100 million for upkeep by local altruist billionaire George Kaiser and his family institution . But its foreign mission as “ A Park For All ” is root in ideals of diversity and equality . Every child — of any size or ability — should be able to recover a point on Swing Hill , slip down some elephantine blue Hero , or crawl through paddlefish or life - sizing blades of grass , and every adult should be able-bodied to waddle a canoe through the pool or enjoy a meal in Picnic Grove . It ’s as if someone miss a theme park down in the middle of the city , except it ’s entirely loose , even the lavishness seating in a ski - cabin - esque lodge overlook the 100 - Akko park on the bank of the Arkansas River . For visitors , it ’s a place to spend clip outdoors , enjoy “ Green Country , ” and drop time among the masses of Tulsa — all of them . — Naomi Tomky

Lincoln Park

Chicago , Illinois1200 - acre Lincoln Park encompasses a sizeable stretching of Chicago , bordered entirely by Lake Michigan to the east . The 18 - mile - long Lakefront Trail starts at the northernmost bakshish of the park and continue all the way through to Chicago ’s South Side . During warm calendar month , you ’ll find masses descending on the handful of beaches here . NorthernKathy Osterman Beachis a ducky for LGBTQ locals , while downtown’sOak Street Beachdraws out - of - towners , who flock for the coolheaded waters and even cooler skyline - meets - shoreline picture op . you could take in the full length of Lincoln Park in a day , but a number of nearby stops beckon for a detour , like the freeLincoln Park Zoo , Conservatory , andNature Boardwalk , an outdoor urban conservation project caparison Illinois - native plant and animate being . Feeling famished ? Hit up the tavern atTheatre on the Lake , a 1920s - era Prairie - way social structure that ’s also a young home to local theaters and festival . — Joseph Hernandez

South Mountain Park Preserve

Phoenix , ArizonaAt 51 substantial miles , South Mountain Park Preserve is the largest municipal car park in the country . This space was once inhabit by the Hohokam and prehistoric tribes , but the common people of theCivilian Conservation Corps — who build the ballpark during the Depression Era — eventually turned it into a space for today ’s hikers , mountain bikers , and risky venture type . The rocky Sonoran landscape consist of three flock mountain chain — the Ma Ha Tauk , Gila , and Guadalupe — brimming with nature and wildlife , which can be accessed for destitute via a series of entry points . ( Keepan eye out forchuckwallasand jump cholla . ) Drive up toDobbins Lookoutfor incredible scenic scene of the city , or fall in in on moonlight walk , the Phoenix Summit Challenge and UROCK Festival , ranger - head discovery hikes , art in the common activities , and stargazing sessions . It ’s appointment as aPhoenix Point of Prideis undeniable , andit ’s all just mo awayfrom the bestbeer , bagels , andfarm - to - table diningin The Valley.—Lauren Topor

Balboa Park

San Diego , CaliforniaBeyond theSan Diego Zoo , 1,200 - Akko Balboa Park boasts19 gardens(including a prominent cactus garden and a Nipponese garden),17 museum , 14 restaurants , the largest outdoor tobacco pipe organ in the world ( alright ) , an off - Broadway theater , an off - leash dog common , a golf form , sensational Spanish - manner architectural turning point , and65 mi of hike up trailsthrough multiple canyons . There ’s a luck to do here , but do n’t blank out to pause for those small witching moments , like watch the sundown over downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean , best see from the viaduct connecting the nearby Bankers Hill neighborhood with the rest period of the park.—Jackie Bryant

Portland , OregonAt a astonishing 5,200 Acre , the ably - namedForest Parkis one of the big urban timberland in the area — and it ’s only 3 miles from downtown Portland , easily reachedby public transportation . There are many entry point , but to feel the Pacific Northwest ’s famously riotous , ofttimes damp greenery , manoeuver to the Lower Macleay Trail , one of thebest hikes in the Portland area . ( carry a sandwich from theNW Thurman Streetbranch of Gallic bakery St. Honoré , conveniently located near the Macleay entrance . ) Keep an eye out for both huckleberry George H.W. Bush andbanana slugsalong the banks of Balch Creek , and if you confab in the fall , check out the deciduousMaple Trail ’s fiery , colored canopy . About a mi into the hike , towering fir trees lead to the remains of the lichen - coveredStone House , a graffitied structure that has since host many a high school day kegger . End your hike at the beautiful , historicPittock Mansionfor some rewarding city views.—Melissa Locker

Prospect Park

Brooklyn , New YorkCentral Park ’s funky ( and arguably well , and designedby the same folks ) opposite number in Brooklyn , Prospect Park is the ultimate play place for Brooklynites of all stripes . On Saturdays , it hosts Smorgasburg , the large hebdomadary open - melodic line food market in America with 100 + food trucks ( although it ’s currently on hold.)At open - airCelebrate Brooklyn ! , the common ’s ( sometimes free ) summertime concert serial publication , you’re able to take in touring human activity likePatti LaBelle , The National , and Iron & Wine — if you ’re not keen on forking up the entrance fee , know that you’re able to throng a field day and attend around the gates and still hear the performances . Buddingbirdwatchers can meet with like - minded birdersto peep almost 250 different specie , while the nearbyBrooklyn Botanic Gardenis a quieter , more milled escape . There ’s also a zoo , an ice skating rink , and the first urban - areaAudubon Center , which offers free programs year - round.—Joseph Hernandez

Golden Gate Park

San Francisco , CABigger than New York City ’s Central Park and complimentary of the smogginess that harass Los Angeles ’ Griffith Park , there ’s a very , very unattackable type to be made that Golden Gate Park is the best urban park in America . The ethnic attraction are unique : thede Young Museum , theCalifornia Academy of Sciences , theConservatory of Flowers , theBotanical Garden , the Nipponese Tea Garden ( the old of its kind in the US ) . The activity are eclectic : not just the usual hike and biking , but association football , lawn tennis , handball , phonograph record golf game , even archery . There are giant windmill flanked by thou of colorful tulips and places for reflection , like theNational AIDS Memorial Grove . Head to the top of Strawberry Hill for an iconic view of the visible horizon and Golden Gate Bridge , hire a rowboat at Stow Lake , or dream of attending beloved euphony festivalOutside Landsor theHardly stringently Bluegrassfest , which is liberal . Oh , andthere are even bison.—Kastalia Medrano

Griffith Observatory, Mount Hollywood, Los Angeles