Top 5 Urban Parks In The U.S.

Sometimes we crave a bit of open space, and yet we’re stuck in the loud crowded streets of the city.

We’re lucky here at Outdoor Revival HQ because we’re in the country, but for many of you there’s not a lot of free time to spend on a trip to take in nature, even though you might be longing for it.

Well, there’s some other options that although not perfect are way better than just sitting in a stuffy office or wandering the busy streets. Here are five city parks where you can go and enjoy a few hours escape, take a walk, hike, ride a bike, play a sport or just relax on the grass.

1. Central Park in New York

Being one of the most active cities in the world, New York City has one of the most iconic and well-known city parks in the world, placed as a centerpiece and the heart of the city.

The 843-acre urban park has a variety of outdoor activities and attractions, like running and cycling tracks, horseback riding, boating, and many different terrains for sports events such as skating, volleyball, softball, Frisbee, etc.

While you are there, you might want to take a look at the famous areas of the park, like the Zoo, Tavern on the Green, Wallman Rink, Strawberry Fields, the Great Lawn and more.

So, if you want to escape from the crowded streets of New York City, the Central Park is the place for you.

2. National Mall in Washington, D.C.

If you are in Washington, D.C. and you want to savor the beautiful combination between open green space and incredible architecture, the National Mall is the place for you.

Filled with patriotic symbolism the 309-acres park is situated between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol. In the park, you can take a long walk, run, ride a bicycle, or visit one of the many national museums and memorials, like Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, WWII Memorial, Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, and many others.

3. Golden Gate Park in San Francisco

What the New Yorks Central Park is to the East Coast, the Golden Gate Park is to the West Coast. The parks stretches from the Height District to the shores of Ocean Beach, and it is slightly bigger than Central Park with almost 1,000 acres.

Like the other big parks there’s a wide variety of things you can do here, such as boating, golfing, archery, cycling, running and soccer, you can also visit the many attractions, such as the deYoung Museum, San Francisco Botanical Garden, Kezar Stadium, Dutch Windmill, Chain of Lakes Meadow, and many others.

The park is well known for its beautiful greenery, landscapes, and urban escapes and it’s well worth a visit if you need a break from the hustle and bustle.

4. Zilker Metropolitan Park in Austin, Texas

The funky city of Austin is well known for its music, BBQ scenes, and of course its open spaces, including the Zilker Park. Popular for runners, hikers, cyclist, and watersports enthusiasts, the park is 350-acres and situated between the Colorado River and Barton Creek.

Apart from taking a walk or doing some sports activities, you can take a look at the popular destinations in the park, like Austin Nature and Science Center, Barton Springs, Zilker Hillside Theatre, or visit the Austin City Limits Music Festival in October.

5. Tilden Regional Park in Berkley, Calif

Here we have the big daddy of parks, The Tilden Park combined with the Wildcat Canyon Regional Park and the Siesta Valley Recreation Area creates a vast open green space with 5,000 acres in the middle of the Bay Area metropolis, if you are want some wilderness that’s close at hand then this ticks all the boxes.

The park is excellent for picnicking, running, hiking, biking, swimming and so much more. It is located just above the University of California at Berkley, so it’s popular with the students, but it’s so big that you can always find a spot just for yourself.

In hot weather, you can enjoy the waters of the Lake Anza, hike up the Mineral Springs Trail, or just go for a picnic in the Mineral Springs Picnic Area.

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We live in a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it.

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