Summer means fun in the sun, and where better to go than the park! Perfect places to spend your past times, you can take a lovely stroll, enjoy a scenic bike ride, or have a late afternoon picnic with friends – parks are great places to unwind, relax, and make the most of this beautiful weather. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite urban parks in the US.
Central Park (New York City)
Image via Central Park Conservancy
Starting off with a classic, at an estimated 42 million annual visitors, Central Park in New York City is the most visited urban park in the United States, and for good reason. The 843 acre park, which sits right in the middle of Manhattan, breaks up the gray concrete jungle with its vibrant green canopy and shimmering blue ponds and lakes. Along with its diverse collection of flora and fauna, Central Park provides a refreshing change of pace from the rest of the city.
Visitors can rent a boat and paddle out on the lake or stop and smell the flowers at the Conservatory Garden. It’s also a favorite spot of many to take long walks. Take a stroll down the Mall, a beautiful stretch of the park lined with towering trees on either side, or go on the Literary Walk or visit park favorites like Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, and Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. With so much to offer and a rich history, one can easily spend an entire day roaming the park, enjoying the sights and sounds of this calm oasis in the heart of the bustling Big Apple.
Grant park (Chicago)
Image by Brian Miller (@chimilphotos) via Unsplash
A cultural hub and popular gathering spot, Chicago’s Grant Park, nicknamed “Chicago’s Front Yard,” is never a bore. Hosting festivals such as Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and Chicago Summerdance, the park is full of energy and excitement. And if festivals aren’t really your thing, don’t worry, Grant Park still has so much to offer. For instance, Grant park is a huge scene for the arts. You can visit the Art Museum of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the US, or walk around and enjoy all of the public art scattered throughout the park.
Grant Park is also home to a host of other popular attractions. Buckingham Fountain, modeled after fountains at Versailles, is the centerpiece of the park and boasts a sensational light and water display every hour for six months of the year. Millennium Park, which houses the iconic bean, is also located in Grant Park. Take a walk or go for a bike ride along the Lakefront Trail or enjoy some roller skating and rock climbing at the Maggie Daley Park. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to have a great time at Chicago’s Grant Park!
Griffith Park (Los Angeles)
Image via Griffith Park Observatory
The backdrop for films such as Back to the Future and La La Land, Griffith Park is the definition of picture perfect. Stretching over 4,210 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the US. The park features a zoo, museums, an amphitheater, and plenty of trails and nature. But, by far one of the biggest and most popular attractions of the park is the breathtaking view that it offers of the Hollywood sign and the entire city of Los Angeles. The observatory is also a favorite, with daily programs and events for visitors.
Moreover, the park is very kid friendly. Kids of all ages can enjoy a miniature train ride on the Southern Railroad as it passes through a lush green meadow, an old Western town, and a Native American village, or they can learn more about the park at the Ranger Station. Make sure you stop by the L.A. Equestrian Center to see the horses or go for a pony ride before you leave!
Balboa Park (San Diego)
Image by Michael Seljos via Flickr
Sitting on one of the oldest sites dedicated to public recreational use in the US, Balboa Park is rich with history and things to do. At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park houses a whopping 19 gardens, 17 museums, and 14 restaurants. Enjoy the serenity of the Lily Pond or the Japanese Friendship Garden, appreciate the arts at the San Diego Art Institute, or spend a couple hours at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Balboa Park is also known for its gorgeous architectural landmarks and venues, many of which have a strong Spanish influence. Visitors can enjoy 65 miles of hiking trails that travel through multiple canyons or see thousands of animals at the famous San Diego Zoo, which is know for its conservation efforts regarding the rare giant panda. Before you go, make sure you catch the sun as it sets over downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean, painting the sky with beautiful hues of orange and pink.
Golden Gate Park (San francisco)
Image via Golden Gate Park
Often compared to its East coast counterpart, Golden Gate Park in sunny San Francisco is similar in shape but 20 percent larger than Central Park in NYC. This extra space makes it possible for the park to offer a broader and less traditional range of activities. Aside from the more typical hiking, biking, soccer, and tennis, Golden Gate Park also sees archery and disco golf.
Other park attractions include The Japanese Tea Garden, the De Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the thousands of tulips surrounding the park’s giant windmills and the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and Mount Tamalpais, which can all be seen from the top of Strawberry Hill. With breathtaking views and an impressive list of activities, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories at Golden Gate Park!
From luscious green lawns to rich gardens and tranquil ponds, all of these parks are perfect places to unwind and enjoy the world around us. With gorgeous views, plenty of fresh air, and good old Mother Nature, you’re sure to leave feeling energized and refreshed after a visit to any of these parks. So, get out there and enjoy the sun!
Plan your visit or find more fantastic parks near you on the Exploring Paths app both online or in the Apple App Store
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