How well did it do? Count down the photo-illustrated top ten below, featuring TripAdvisor text and links to each location. To see the original post, click here.
Number 10: Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville, South CarolinaWho would guess that a little detour off I-85 to downtown Greenville could bring you to this bit of paradise! The downtown has been revitalized and in itself, is worth a walk -- hint -- look for the mice! Every weekend is an adventure at the park featuring, at random various times - tai chi, martial arts exhibits, plays, artists, musicians, food vendors, everything a park could ask! The big surprise is the very contemporary Liberty Bridge that spans an amazing waterfall. The rock scrambling that ensues, while not advocated, is a temptation that is too much to resist. Plan to spend a day, have an ice cream in the park and explore!Number 9: Forsyth Park, Savannah, Georgia
Originally named Forsyth Place, by the mid 1850s, one portion of the original lands of the colonial Savannah gardens were transformed into the Forsyth Park . Formerly the parade grounds, today Forsyth Park (Savannah's central park) offers the perfect place for a Savannah stroll, jog, or photography within the 2.5 miles of the Savannah Historic District....Continue to keep counting down the ten best U.S. parks according to TripAdvisor. Number 8: Bryant Park, New York City, New York
Bryant Park has a French-style merry-go-round, open year-round, plus a well-maintained lawn, with chairs and tables. The outdoor Reading Room has picture books and summertime story times. In winter. Take a spin on the free ice-skating rink. The park also has clean bathrooms, a rarity in midtown....Number 7: Balboa Park, San Diego, California
One of the most popular urban parks in the United States, this bucolic paradise is packed with an array of attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo....Continue to keep counting down the ten best U.S. parks according to TripAdvisor. Number 6: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California
The Golden Gate Park is a large urban park configured in a rectangular shape, much like the famous Central Park of New York City. The park contains gardens, museums and ample green space. Popular attractions within the Golden Gate Park include the California Academy of Science, the DeYong Museum, the Japanese tea gardens, Conservatory and the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. The Golden Gate Park is one of the most heavily visited parks in the United States and one of San Francisco's most important attraction areas....Number 5: Boston Public Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
This Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park, famous for its Swan Boats, has over 600 varieties of trees and an ever-changing array of flowers. It is America's first public garden....Continue to keep counting down the ten best U.S. parks according to TripAdvisor. Number 4: High Line, New York City, New York
The High Line is an elevated railway transformed into a public park on Manhattan's West Side. The park features lush horticulture, artworks, seasonal food vendors, community programing, and unique views of the Hudson River and New York City skyline. The High Line runs between Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues....Number 3: Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois
Millennium Park, completed in 2004 (4 years late and enormously over budget) covers the area north of the Art Institute in Chicago built on air rights over commuter train tracks along the lakefront. The Crown Fountain by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa features 2 glass block columns with LED display facing each other rotating 1,000 faces of Chicago residents at random for approximately 5 minutes, culminating with a pucker of the lips before a spout of water cascades onto the plaza below. The fountain is very popular with kids in the summer and extremely entertaining to watch. Many children bring swimsuits to play in the water. During the winter months the water show is not active however the LED display of faces continues....Continue to keep counting down the ten best U.S. parks according to TripAdvisor. Number 2: Central Park, New York City, New York
Extending from 59th to 110th streets between 5th and 8th avenues [Central Park West], Central Park is one of the iconic sights of New York City. While it may appear to be a beautiful natural area, be aware that it is entirely man-made except for the glacier scarred protruding rocks. It is claimed that more earth was moved in its construction than in that of the Panama Canal. The intent of the park's designers was to present as many varied landscapes as possible within the given area. One encounters lakes, hills, forest, formal gardens, and a vast lawn. The various bridges and arches of the park enhance the charm of the place. There are several hidden roads that cross the park---only the sound of the traffic gives them away....Number 1: Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Wonderful place to check out the rock formations, vegetation, and wildlife in the area - which are both typical or red sandstone rock formations found in many parts of the West, and also unique in detail to this location. Great views of Pike's Peak, and great trails for easy hiking with families (including trails with good wheelchair access). And best of all....FREE! Since the park was given to the City of Colorado Springs, it has seen millions of people. With 1319.12 acres, 1.5 miles of paved trails, 15 miles of additional trails that take you through the park to get up close looks at its beauty....
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