Even the busiest cities need spots where people can chill and connect with nature. Here are some of the most famous parks across the United States.
When people hit up America’s biggest cities, going to a park usually isn’t top of mind. Still, green spaces have become a key part of many urban areas, and some parks are just as cherished as the bustling neighborhoods around them. Check out these ten urban parks that locals adore.
Central Park, New York City
As New York City’s population boomed in the 1800s, city leaders worried about the lack of recreational space for the poorer folks. To tackle this issue, they brought in Fredrick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux in 1857 to design what would turn into America’s first landscaped park.
Central Park is way more than just some grass patches. It mimics the rolling hills found north of the city, giving you a taste of the countryside. While the towering skyscrapers ruin that vibe a bit, the stunning landscaping against the backdrop of the bustling city is still a sight to see.
It’s easy to lose your way in this surprisingly expansive and winding area, but if you take your time, it’s the best way to uncover the park’s hidden treasures.
Park Highlights: Strawberry Fields, Central Park Zoo, Bethesda Fountain, Belvedere Castle, The Ramble, Antique Carousel
Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
After the Civil War, folks in Philadelphia got increasingly worried about the quality of their water. They realized that having new, high-quality waterworks wouldn’t matter much if the water was contaminated.
So, the city snagged land north of the waterworks along the Schuylkill River (pronounced SKOOL-kuhl) right up to Wissahickon Creek. Now, historic Fairmount Park boasts historic homes, museums, art, and winding trails that feel worlds away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
This park hosted the first American World’s Fair and Centennial Exhibition back in 1876, which led to the development of park facilities that are still used today. Fairmount Park also holds the title of being home to the first zoo in America (The Philadelphia Zoo) and the first Doomsday Cult (monks who followed Kelpius).
Today, locals flock here for scenic hikes or strolls by the famous boathouses. It’s no surprise Fairmount Park is one of Philly’s beloved hangouts.
Park Highlights: Cave of Kelpius, Philadelphia Zoo, Strawberry Mansion, Lemon Hill, Boathouse Row, The Please Touch Museum, Historic Rittenhouse Town
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Golden Gate Park serves as the West Coast counterpart to New York’s Central Park, and it’s a go-to spot for both locals and tourists. It’s also recognized as the largest urban park in the U.S.
Designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead as well, Golden Gate Park was built in an unexpected area known as the Outside Lands, due to its tough accessibility and sandy terrain.
It’s wild to think that this lush park once was just sand! Initially, Olmstead wanted to use native plants suited for dry conditions, but the city opted for a bigger version of Central Park. They ended up constructing a huge irrigation system to maintain its current greenery.
With museums, gardens, sports fields, and tons of walking paths, it’s no wonder Golden Gate Park is one of San Francisco’s top attractions.
Park Highlights: AIDS Memorial Grove, The Music Concourse, Dutch Windmill, Strawberry Hill, Japanese Tea Garden
Lincoln Park, Chicago
Along Lake Michigan, there used to be several cemeteries holding more than 35,000 graves. In the mid-1800s, concerns about health risks from having cemeteries near homes led to the relocation of the remains, and the remaining land was named after the recently assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln Park’s most popular attraction is likely the Lincoln Park Zoo, which began when two swans were gifted to the city and expanded from there. One of the zoo’s most memorable residents was a bear cub bought from the Philadelphia Zoo back in 1874, who became notorious for escaping his enclosure and exploring the park at night.
Until recently, Lincoln Zoo was home to a burr oak tree believed to be over 250 years old, but the city had to cut it down in 2023 due to its poor health. They did graft some cuttings to grow roots at the arboretum, keeping the tree’s legacy alive.
Park Highlights: Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Lily Pool, public beaches
The National Mall, Washington DC
Stretching westward from the U.S. Capitol to the Potomac River, the National Mall is home to some of the country’s most recognizable memorials. French engineer Pierre L’Enfant envisioned a grand boulevard connecting Congress with a statue of Washington that was never created.
Today, that grand vision has exceeded L’Enfant’s wildest dreams. With amazing museums lining the eastern side and memorials plus ample space to roam on the western side, the National Mall showcases the splendor of a national capital, alongside the beauty of the Potomac River.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town during the cherry blossom bloom, the Tidal Basin transforms into a beautiful sea of pink and white blossoms. Visitors from all over come to stroll through these fleeting blooms, turning the area into a busy hotspot. Despite the crowds, witnessing the Tidal Basin in full bloom is definitely worth it.
Park Highlights: The Lincoln Memorial, The Smithsonian Museums, The Tidal Basin, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Washington Monument
Griffith Park, Los Angeles
Griffith Park, home of the famous “Hollywood” sign, ranks among the largest urban parks in America and is less landscaped compared to Central Park or Golden Gate Park. This vast space is a favorite spot for Angelenos to hike and soak up the gorgeous Southern California weather.
The park was donated by wealthy mining magnate Griffith J. Griffith, who aimed to enhance the park throughout his life. However, he faced challenges in securing funding after getting convicted of attempted murder. But he didn’t give up; he established a trust fund after his release to support park improvements.
Today, it’s a fantastic place for hiking and features the renowned Griffith Observatory and the Los Angeles Zoo. Griffith Park plays a vital role in LA life and is absolutely worth checking out!
Park Highlights: Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, Greek Theater, Hollywood Sign
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park in San Diego, CA, captured by Carol M. Highsmith between 1980-2006. Source: Library of Congress
Balboa Park is notable for being the oldest site designated for public recreation. Before becoming a park, it was home to a Kumeyaay village called Hata’am, which was established to help Native Americans and Baja Californians find work. The city dismantled this community to create the park we know today.
Now, Balboa Park features a stunning mix of urban forest, vibrant gardens, museums, and more. Both San Diego locals and visitors love strolling its pedestrian paths and soaking in all the park has to offer.
Plant enthusiasts will delight in the many rare trees, desert gardens, and the beautiful botanical building. With 350 plant species to explore, there’s so much to discover and learn. Most of the 1,500 trees were carefully selected and planted by Kate Sessions, known as the “Mother of Balboa Park,” a prominent botanist and landscape architect from the 19th century.
Park Highlights: San Diego Zoo, Botanical Building, Japanese Friendship Garden, Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park Carousel
Boston Common, Boston
Acquired by the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1634 for £30, Boston Common is the oldest city park in the nation. The area is rich in history, featuring numerous statues and landmarks that remind visitors of its various past uses.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, parks served not only as leisure spaces but also as functional grounds for the city. The “commons” acted as a pasture for families’ cows, a tradition inherited from England. However, the situation spiraled when wealthier families overused the commons for their large herds until the mayor banned cows in 1830.
Over time, parts of Boston Common have been utilized as a jail, burial ground, military encampment, and execution site. Nowadays, it’s a lovely place to relax and learn about Boston’s history along the Freedom Trail.
Park Highlights: Freedom Trail, Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, Boylstown and Park Street Stations, Parkman Bandstand
Audubon Park, New Orleans
Named after the famous naturalist John James Audubon, this former sugar plantation became a city park in 1870. Spanning 350 acres, this urban oasis offers a peaceful escape from the busyness of the French Quarter.
The park hosted the World’s Fair and World Cotton Centennial in 1884; while most event structures were removed, Horticultural Hall lingered until a hurricane wiped it out in 1915. The 20th century saw multiple improvements made to the park via the Works Progress Administration, including a little train ride and a public pool.
These days, Audubon Park is a fantastic spot to walk and enjoy the abundant wildlife and nature alongside the river.
Park Highlights: Miniature Train, Audubon Zoo, Golf course, Ring Road
Forest Park, St. Louis
While many might instantly think of Gateway Arch National Park when picturing St. Louis, Forest Park actually attracts around 12 million visitors every year, surpassing the combined numbers of both the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium.
The city drained wetlands in the park for the 1904 World’s Fair to create lakes and other water features. This effort allowed the park to host diving, swimming, and water polo during the 1904 Summer Olympics. Although the lakes are still there, recent restoration work aims to bring back the original wetlands, attracting plenty of wildlife.
The park hosts fun annual events like the Great Forest Park Balloon Race and the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis.
