As a lover passionate about nature, I try to search for parks and green spaces in each city I visit for a daily dose of greenery, fresh air, serenity and soft sounds of Chirrum birds. During my visit to the American West Coast, I was amazed by some of its large city parks – not only by their size, but also by their wealth in flora and attractions.
Balboa Park – San Diego, California
By far one of the best parks I have ever explored, Balboa Park, located in San Diego, California, is a cultural park with so much to offer. Balboa Park Take place on 1,200 acres of magnificent landscapes in the heart of the city and houses the world -renowned San Diego zoo as well as many museums – many of which are in some of the most amazing buildings that I have seen outside of Europe.
The other strengths include; Old Globe Theater, Spreckles Organ Pavilion, Spanish Village Art Center and even free Wi-Fi. Yes, you read that right, Balboa Park offers free Wi-Fi throughout the park. (Ideal for travelers!)
But it is the variety of gardens of Balboa Park which really makes a great escape. Park gardens include; A garden of native plants from the desert, rose and California as well as a Japanese garden and a palm canyon which covers 2 acres and which houses 450 palm trees.
One of the main attractions of the park is the Moreton Bay fig tree which called the park at home for 100 years and reached 120 ′ in diameter.
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco, California
If there is a park that springs in everyone’s mind with regard to the west coast, its Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Surprisingly, this vast, more than 1000 acres, the park was once sand dunes, but is now the third most visited park in the United States and which houses incredible attractions such as botanical gardens, the Japanese tea garden, a few museums and much more. What could you find elsewhere in the park? The Golden Gate Park houses buffalo, windmills, a golf course, waterfalls and on its west edge – the Pacific Ocean. But its most incredible features are its endless trails, its lush and dense flora and its picturesque ponds and lakes. Golden Gate Park is a wonderful place to escape city life for a walk, a picnic, a hike or to simply explore.
Washington Park – Portland, Oregon
Located in the heart of Portland, you will find Washington Park, covering more than 400 acres and has one of the most variable terrains of all the city parks that I explored, with roller hills, slopes and steep departures and lots of dense forests.
Shelter exceptional things Oregon ZooPortland Japanese Garden, a rose garden and a large system of trails, Washington Park offers something for all nature enthusiasts. The park is great for an outing or a picnic and certainly an ideal place to explore and hike. You certainly could not feel far from the city, as soon as you enter its wonderful embrace, you are surrounded by lush and dense greenery, massive trees and only the sound of large spaces.
Related article: Japanese gardens on the west coast
Other notable parks on the American West Coast
Woodland Park – Seattle, Washington – At nearly 100 acres, the park is home to the world renowned zoo of Woodland park and a pink test garden.
Shoreline Park – Santa Barbara, California – A 14 -acres coastal park with radical views of the Pacific Ocean, the city and the mountains of Santa Ynez.
Regardless of the big city you visit on the west coast, if it is an escape from the sounds of horns, vapors of cars and the rush of urban life, head for one of these best city parks for a breath of fresh air, to revel in peace and tranquility and be rejuvenated.
More destinations from the American West Coast
What is your favorite park on the west coast?
