The most stunning city parks in America

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6. Arlington, VA - ParkScore: 76.5 /
Park acreage: 1,787 acres /
Spending per resident: $229.93 /
Amount of city area used for parks: 11%

 

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6. Arlington, VA - Other than sprouting vibrant tulips and cherry blossom trees in the spring, the parks in Arlington are the perfect family-friendly escape from city life. Some local favorites are Shirlington Park and Rocky Run Park.

 

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5. Portland, OR - ParkScore: 77.5 /
Park acreage: 14,504 acres /
Spending per resident: $164.56 /
Amount of city area used for parks: 18%

 

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5. Portland, OR - This hipster hub has some of the most gorgeous greenery you can find in the US. Portland's Forest Park is the largest urban park in the country. Washington Park is where you can find the International Rose Test Garden and the Japanese Garden.

 

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4. Washington, D.C. - ParkScore: 79 /
Park acreage: 8,525 acres /
Spending per resident: $269.98 /
Amount of city area used for parks: 22%

 

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4. Washington, D.C. - Other than boasting an impressive number of monuments and museums, our nation's capital also has a plethora of pristine parks. One of North America's largest collection of bonsai trees can be found in the U.S. National Arboretum.

 

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3. San Francisco, CA - ParkScore: 80.0 /
Park acreage: 5,888 acres /
Spending per resident: $235.08 /
Amount of city area used for parks: 20%

 

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3. San Francisco, CA - As far as natural beauty and popularity go, the Golden Gate Park takes the cake. From the Japanese Tea Garden to the Conservatory of Flowers, this park is a pure oasis. Not to mention, Hippie Hill is a great spot for people watching.

 

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2. St. Paul, MN - ParkScore: 82.5 /
Park acreage: 4,937 acres /
Spending per resident: $202.12 /
Amount of city area used for parks: 15%

 

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2. St. Paul, MN - With its vibrant collection of flowers and birch trees, Mears Park is a local favorite. The Como Regional Park is nationally renowned for its zoo, lush gardens, and vast array of recreational activities.

 

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1. Minneapolis, MN - ParkScore: 87.5 /
Park acreage: 5,064 acres /
Spending per resident: $232.59 /
Amount of city area used for parks: 15%

 

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1. Minneapolis, MN -

The Trust for Public Lands has ranked Minneapolis number one for parks since 2013 for its amenities, accessibility, and city investment. 97% of city residents are within a 10 minute walk of a park. Lake Harriet Bandshell Park remains one of the most popular natural spaces for visitors.