BLOG
Which U.S. Cities Have the Most Green Space
We’re saying it loud for everyone to hear – access to green space isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for both the environment and personal wellness. Natural areas, such as parks and gardens, offer countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from rowing and biking to running and yoga, and research consistently shows how these spaces play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity.
Which cities have the most of this precious commodity–clean, green space? Let’s take a look at some of the top urban areas with the highest percentage of green space dedicated to recreation, according to The Trust for Public Land (2021) while highlighting some of the most popular parks from each city.
1. NEW ORLEANS, LA
Coming in at number one on our list is New Orleans, Louisiana with 26% of its city land used for parks and recreation. NOLA may be famous for jazz and cuisine, but it also boasts some of the country’s most beautiful green spaces. Here are some of our favorites to note:
City Park: One of the oldest and largest urban parks in the U.S., City Park offers bike paths, beautiful woodland views, and the New Orleans Botanical Garden.
Audubon Park: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, this park also features century-old oak trees and a scenic golf course.
Louis Armstrong Park: Louis Armstrong Park is a culturally rich green space celebrating jazz heritage, and features the most tranquil local ponds and walking paths.
Green spaces in New Orleans are as vibrant as its culture, offering residents and visitors a perfect blend of nature, history, and recreation and proving that outdoor beauty is an essential part of its charm.
2. Washington, D.C
The second top city with the most green space is the District of Columbia, coming in at 24%. Our nation’s capital is home to some of the most beautifully maintained green spaces, fostering an active and engaged population. Here’s some of the best you can find close by:
Rock Creek Park: You’re sure to enjoy this massive 1,700-acre park that provides ample space for your favorite outdoor activities and even offers space for horseback riding.
The National Mall: While primarily known for its monuments, The National Mall offers a stunning open space for walking, jogging, and public learning and gathering.
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens: These gardens are a truly unique natural area featuring vibrant lotus and lily-filled ponds.
Washington D.C. demonstrates how green spaces can merge history with modern recreation, providing space for both quiet reflection and movement.
3. San Francisco (tie)
Coming in tied for the top three is San Francisco, California with 21% of its space designated for green space and outdoor enjoyment. With an average year-round temperature of 57 degrees, San Fran is certainly a perfect place to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.
Golden Gate Park: Spanning over 1,000 acres, Golden Gate Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, even surpassing New York’s Central Park in size. This lush retreat features botanical gardens, scenic walking trails, and picturesque lakes where you can explore the Japanese Tea Garden, tour the de Young Museum, or simply take in the fresh air.
Buena Vista Park: Perched atop one of San Francisco’s highest natural peaks, Buena Vista Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. It’s the city’s oldest park, known for its steep trails, towering eucalyptus trees, and a peaceful escape from the city streets below.
Salesforce Park: Salesforce Park is a modern green space that showcases San Francisco’s innovative approach to urban parks. Featuring a walking trail, curated gardens, and a calendar packed with community events, perfect for runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
San Francisco’s abundance of green space makes it a haven for outdoor lovers. Whether you prefer a sprawling traditional park, a scenic hillside retreat, or a futuristic sky park, the city’s commitment to preserving nature within its urban landscape ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
3. New York City, NY (tie)
New York has tied for third place with San Francisco at 21% green space. While NYC may be known for its skyscrapers and bustling streets, it is also home to some of the most iconic urban green spaces in the world.
Central Park: The crown jewel of Manhattan, Central Park spans 843 acres and offers everything from running paths and biking lanes to opportunities for fun on the lake.
Prospect Park: Located in Brooklyn, this park provides lush woodlands, a scenic lake, and an extensive network of trails for walkers and cyclists.
The High Line: A unique elevated park built on a historic rail line, The High Line offers plenty of green space to enjoy with spectacular city views.
The City of New York’s commitment to its green spaces ensures that millions of residents and visitors have access to fresh air, recreation, and community engagement any time of year.
4. Las Vegas, NV
Fourth on our list of cities with the most green space is Las Vegas at 20%. Las Vegas isn’t just a place for those who love gambling and nightlife, it’s also a place for anyone who loves to get outside in the mild climate and low humidity! Here are some great parks to consider:
Sunset Park: One of the largest parks in the city, Sunset Park features walking trails, picnic areas, a large lake for fishing, and plenty of open space for sports and recreation. It’s a favorite among locals looking for a relaxing spot away from the Strip.
Desert Breeze Park: Desert Breeze Park features vast open fields, walking trails, and sports courts for basketball, tennis, and soccer, making it a popular spot for families and sports enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite pastimes.
Lorenzi Park: One of Las Vegas’ oldest preserved green spaces, this park offers a scenic retreat with two beautiful lakes, walking paths, historic structures, picnic areas, and sports facilities, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation.
Las Vegas may be surrounded by arid and populated landscapes, but the city’s commitment to green spaces ensures residents and visitors always have access to the great outdoors.
5. San Diego, CA
In fifth place is San Diego, California with 19% green space. San Diego has an average of 266 sunny days per year, so there’s never an excuse to stay indoors and not enjoy one of its many rich green spaces!
Mission Beach Park: A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Mission Beach Park offers a perfect blend of sandy shores, grassy picnic areas, and scenic bike paths. Located along the iconic Mission Beach Boardwalk, this park is ideal for sunbathing, volleyball, and your favorite watersports.
Coronado Tidelands Park: Coronado Tidelands Park is a picturesque waterfront park offering stunning views of the downtown skyline and Coronado Bridge. The park features walking and biking trails, open green spaces, and a playground for the kids.
Tecolote Shores North: This expansive park is a prime destination for outdoor activities. With vast open fields, a scenic waterfront, and designated areas for flying kites, it’s the perfect spot for jogging, cycling, picnicking, and simply enjoying the San Diego sunshine.
With its unbeatable weather and breathtaking landscapes, San Diego is truly a top destination for those who love to embrace the crisp outdoors.
6. Portland, OR (tie)
At number six is Portland, Oregon with 18% of city land used for public parks and gardens. Celebrated for its eco-conscious culture, Portland is a city where nature seamlessly blends with urban life. You simply can’t miss these parks when you’re in town.
Forest Park: One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., with over 80 miles of trails that are perfect for hikers and runners.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park: A local favorite, Tom McCall Waterfront Park offers stunning riverfront views where you can enjoy a leisurely picnic or your favorite sport.
Washington Park: Home to the Oregon Zoo and the International Rose Test Garden, this park is a true nature lover’s paradise that hosts numerous community events and festivals throughout the year.
With its bike-friendly streets and vast grasslands and woodlands, Portland encourages the seamless blending of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
6. Virginia Beach, VA (tie)
Virginia Beach has officially tied for number six on the list at 18%. Nestled on the east coast in the Mid-Atlantic, this one may be a bit of a surprise to some. Perhaps best known for its Naval Air Station Oceana, here are a few green spaces people love in Virginia Beach:
First Landing State Park: As Virginia’s most-visited state park, First Landing State Park is steeped in history and natural beauty. This coastal retreat features over 2,800 acres of diverse landscapes, including maritime forests, freshwater ponds, and 19 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Mount Trashmore Park: Yep, your eyes didn’t deceive you—Mount Trashmore Park is a former landfill turned into one of Virginia Beach’s most iconic green spaces. This 165-acre park features two man-made mountains, two lakes, and several walking and biking trails.
Little Island Park: Little Island Park is a hidden gem located in Sandbridge, away from the hustle and bustle of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Visitors enjoy volleyball and tennis courts, while nature lovers appreciate the serene coastal views and opportunities for birdwatching.
Virginia Beach’s green spaces provide a refreshing contrast to its bustling boardwalk and military presence, proving that a coastal city can offer both sandy shores and lush green spaces.
7. Boston, MA
Boston is seventh in top cities with the most green space with 17% of city land used for recreation. Anyone who is familiar with Boston’s seamless blend of history and green space is also aware of how fun and easy it is to walk almost anywhere. As a matter of fact, Boston is the 3rd most walkable city in the U.S.! Walking or utilizing public transportation is the perfect way to take in the area’s most beautiful parks.
Boston Common & Public Garden: As the oldest public park in the U.S., Boston Common & Public Garden offers a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city.
Charles River Esplanade: Charles River Esplanade is a scenic park with trails along the great historical river, perfect for running, biking, or even kayaking.
Arnold Arboretum: A vast botanical park maintained by Harvard University, Arnold Arboretum features stunning tree-lined paths and diverse plant species.
These parks provide a perfect blend of nature, conservation and recreation, making it one of the most livable urban environments for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Minneapolis, MN
Rounding our highlighted list is Minneapolis with 15% space dedicated to parks and recreation. Minneapolis is known as the “City of Lakes” for a reason—its expansive park system makes it one of the greenest cities in the U.S. You can’t miss these next time you plan a visit:
Chain of Lakes Regional Park: This park offers a stunning network of lakes which nestle among a vast network of scenic trails, perfect for planning a walk and picnic or inviting friends for a lively flag football match.
Minnehaha Park: Home to Minnehaha Falls, Minnehaha Park offers breathtaking natural beauty and plenty of space for your favorite outdoor activities.
The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway: This scenic byway is a massive system of parks and trails connecting some of the city’s most celebrated green spaces. It’s perfect for your favorite activities and taking in sights of the area’s unique wildlife.
Based on Percentage of City Land Used for Recreation
