Best Parks & Nature in
1. Laurelhurst Park, Portland
Urban park on the east side of the Willamette River. A 32-acre green space filled with trees, picnic lawns, walking routes, and a large pond that is home to native, and migratory, ducks.
Urban park on the east side of the Willamette River. A 32-acre green space filled with trees, picnic lawns, walking routes, and a large pond that is home to native, and migratory, ducks.
Rather one of the worst kept secrets in Sydney, Wendy's Secret Garden is a haven of shaded pathways, reclaimed sculptures, and an abundance of lush flora. The garden overlooks Lavender Bay and is an ideal setting for strolls and picnics.
This outdoor preserve comprises eight natural habitats: including a swamp, marginal jungle, pasture, lagoon, and more. A place of abundant wildlife and flora. There's a boardwalk that provides access to all areas of the reserve.
The park stretches for over two kilometers along the city's seafront, and features stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado, and the Bay of Rio. A great place to relax and take in the sights of Rio.
A showcase of Brazil's flora. Around 6500 species are spread throughout the 130-acre space. Expect to encounter a variety of fauna too - from toucans to marmosets. The garden also hosts a highly important research center.
Scenic botanic gardens split into two areas: Moroccan and North African plants in one, and exotic global species in another. Fountains, flowers, and coffee - ideal for an afternoon of leisure and relaxation.
It's hard to imagine Seonyudo Park - which occupies a small island on the Han River - started life as a sewage-filtration plant. Today, the park is a great place to wander and enjoy respite from the city.
Wollemi is a large national park located north of Sydney and west of Newcastle. The park supports a wealth of flora and fauna. Visitors can partake in hiking, camping, canoeing, kayak tours, and explore its resident glow worm tunnel.
Popular swimming location reached by a hike along the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail. A refreshing spot to cool off mid-outing. The falls themselves are roughly 45 minutes from the trailhead.
Originally part of a military reserve, this well-used park offers open fields alongside a range of community amenities - two indoor pools, a fitness center, running tracks, and tennis courts. A momentary escape from the city.
Hamburg's oldest landscaped park, and one of its best. An ideal place to escape the urban center and take a stroll. The park is filled with meadow-flowers and trees, whilst also being intersected by the Flottbek river.
Being the highest point in Portland, Council Crest Park offers panoramic views of the city, as well as Mount Hood. The rolling hills and forestland are a perfect spot to enjoy nature. Best during sunrise or sunset.
A public park with many green spaces, small squares with children's playgrounds, and a lake with ducklings and geese. The park is surrounded by vegetation native to Atlantic Forests.
Tranquil spot for visitors to relax, jog, or have a family picnic alongside Biscayne Bay. Grab a couple of kayaks or paddle boards from the watersport rental service for a more adventurous perspective.
You know when you see people on Instagram with the perfect photos of the Golden Gate Bridge? They're taken here 📸. Absolutely stunning views no matter the weather. Great to lay out when the weather is nice.
This scenic park offers lovely views of the native Lac Inférieur - visitors can rent a traditional wooden canoe to explore the lake. There are also bikes available for hire, allowing travelers to cycle around the full 2088-acre plot.
One of the highest points in Austin; hike up the 781-foot ridge for views across the Colorado River. Visit during sunrise or sunset hours for the best atmosphere - arrive early to secure an unobscured viewpoint.
Popular, spring-fed pool drawing crowds of swimmers and sunbathers. The spot, located conveniently near Downtown Austin, maintains a constant year-round temperature and attracts up to 800,000 visitors annually.
Kanangra-Boyd National Park sits 180 kilometers west of Sydney, adjacent with the Blue Mountains. There are some great hiking and biking trails to explore, along with campsites for those who want to be fully immersed in nature.
One of Toronto's premier public parks. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Scarborough, the space comprises historical structures, sculptures, vast woodlands, and numerous walking trails. A popular retreat from the city.
Central, pink granite dome of the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - the peak itself rises to a height of 556 meters. The surrounding landscape includes kilometers of trails and offers rock climbing opportunities.
An island park with a stunning protected beach. Features natural sand dunes, picnic tables, barbecue areas, and a café. Also contains golf and tennis facilities.
Urban park in front of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the oldest of its kind in the Americas. The space consists of lofty poplar trees, shaded walkways, fountains, and statues - a relaxed atmosphere amidst the bustle of the city.
Domed greenhouse full of exotic plants 🌸. Super beautiful on the inside and fun to walk around. It's usually not too crowded in this area. There are also light shows on the outside of the building at night!
This botanical garden is free to the public, and offers a variety of events and exhibits throughout the year. If possible, visit during the springtime when all of the flowers are in full bloom.
Such an idyllic 19th-century garden as this is hard to come by, with views of Lisbon that envelop the esplanade. The Jardim do Torel is atop one of Lisbon's seven hills and must be reached by the Lavra funicular.
Hike the second tallest peak in Hong Kong. The start of the hike at Pak Kung Au includes a climb up some steep steps but leads to flatter land. Views of the Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha make the 4-hour hike to the summit worthwhile.
Not easy to reach but worth the trip. Renting a boat or kayak is the only way to discover this beach, making the journey part of the fun. Not a congested spot, and remains undeveloped.
Located on a wildlife migration route, this forest is an ideal location for those seeking some rural respite. The park also contains a 6.5-kilometer jogging trail. The best time to explore is during weekday daylight hours.
A seemingly obscure entry, but Congress Avenue Bridge is center stage for Austin's bat population. Upwards of 1.5 million bats take to the sky at sunset between the months of March and October. Expect crowds.
Large and diverse park which houses walking gardens, an amusement park for thrill seekers, and even one of Vancouver’s only horse racing tracks.
"The best views of San Francisco" - most people. In all seriousness, the adjoining summits do offer an unrivaled 360-panorama of the Bay Area. Come sunrise, sunset, or any hour in between. The 64-acre park also offers some gentle hikes.
Popular dog-walking trail that begins in the high-end suburb of Constantia. The route, which follows a waterway, is suitable for all ages and abilities. Take note of the ancient ferns and resident wildlife.
Large park within the Nişantaşı residential area - an ideal space to exercise, or for simply enjoying the fresh air. There are numerous trails for jogging and dog walking, as well as areas for children.
State park south of the city center notable for all things outdoorsy - camping, swimming, biking, fishing, and hiking. Resident landmarks include the namesake falls and "Old Baldy," a 500-year-old cyprus tree.
A park in Leopoldstadt, Augarten is also the convergence of Baroque influence and multiple historic landmarks. Augarten Palace and the famous Augarten Porcelain Manufactory sit alongside symmetrical flower gardens and avenues of trees.
A large park and reserve that provides the people of Amsterdam with a place to relax, enjoy nature, and partake in outdoor activities. With one-third of the park being water, visitors can swim, sail, and kayak at their leisure.
Named as if the ridgeline was the spine of a mythical beast, Dragon's Back provides panoramic views of Hong Kong and the surrounding islands. A highly recommended hiking area that provides respite from skyscrapers and sidewalks.
Where sports, recreation, and nature meet - the largest area of common land in the capital. The park that inspired C.S. Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia, and a the subject of many of Constable's finest paintings.
Beautiful staircase that began as a community project in 2005. Each set is a mosaic 🖼 tile art piece.
Major urban park in Austin spanning 351 acres along the Colorado River. The space has something for everyone - from sports facilities and an outdoor pool to an amphitheater and a botanical garden.
The oldest official rose test garden in the States - with over 10,000 rose bushes of ~650 varieties. Though the rose garden is an inspiring sight, other parts of the wider Washington Park area are also worth a wander.
A popular beach away from buildings and crowds. The northernmost stretch of the beach is designated for nudists, making it the largest of its kind in the United States. Dogs are also welcome.
North Beach Oceanside Park offers public beach access, along with an eight-mile running-biking trail with views of the Atlantic. Barbecues and picnic tables are available for cookouts.
A dormant volcano 🌋 covered in snow that makes for great ski trips, climbing, and hiking 🏔️. One of the most prominent views from Portland. Serious skiers can choose from six ski areas, including Timberline and Meadows.
The perfect fairytale-like vistas make this well worth the trip, even for an overnight or weekend stay. Think lush forests, gleaming lakes, and neoclassical architecture.
Royal National Park is located just south of Sydney and comprises both coastal and inland landscapes. The park's hiking trails are headlined by its popular coastal track. Can be accessed by train direct from Sydney.
National Park just 20-minutes from Mexico City. Desierto de los Leones is an ideal spot to retreat from the urban buzz - great for jogging and cycling, or even just a walk through the woods. Harbors the ruins of a 17th-century convent.
One of the most picturesque parks in the city, Treptower offers lush greenery perfect for leisurely strolls alongside the river front. It's also home to the breathtaking Soviet War Memorial, the biggest of its kind outside Russia.
The worlds second largest botanical garden 🪴. Beautiful outside and inside the glasshouses 🌴. Stunning light display around Christmas 🎄.
