By providing a place to both commune with nature and admire innovative designs, parks remind us that a wonderful world is possible when a balance between Mother Nature and humankind is achieved. Featuring everything from architectural works of art to mountain valleys to flower gardens to volcanic craters, various parks around the world tell the layered story of existence with stunning landscapes.
Park Güell — Barcelona, Spain
Originally intended to be the site of 60 private villas, Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain, ended up as one of the most memorable parks in the world. The 360-foot bench, ornamented with mosaic tiles, is a kaleidoscopic masterpiece. Designed by architect Antoni Gaudi, Park Güell whimsically mimics nature, abandoning straight lines and even flaunting columns that resemble palm trees.
Mount Rainier National Park — Washington
The scene set at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington is hypnotizing. Wildflowers lace the forested foothills of mammoth Mount Rainier, a stratovolcano standing more than 14,000 feet above sea level. Containing assorted ecosystems, Mount Rainier National Park also houses 25 major glaciers, including the Emmons Glacier, which has the largest surface area of any other glacial mass in the U.S.
Ngorongoro National Park — Tanzania
Named for the massive Ngorongoro volcanic crater in its conservation area, Ngorongoro National Park is an oasis for wildlife in Tanzania. A swollen population of zebras, wildebeest, rhinos, lions, and much more can be found roaming the 3,200 square miles of land. Whether visitors take in the panoramic view on safari, or simulate a bird’s-eye view from the elevated lookout point, the sweeping sights found in and around Ngorongoro crater are beyond breathtaking.
Central Park — New York City
Most people have heard of New York City’s Central Park, but it’s hard to imagine such an amazing place without taking a look. The expansive green space includes the Central Park Lake, where rowing and fishing are enjoyed, and reaches into the Ramble, a 36-acre woodland area encompassing peaceful gardens and tucked-away coves. With its miniature castles and bridges, there’s a reason why Central Park is one of the most famously designed parks on Earth.
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park — China
In the heart of China, Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park gives life to the Sichuan Province with its fascinating features. Multicolored lakes complement tiers of waterfalls found throughout the nature reserve, as the Min Mountains border these bodies of water with tree-coated hills. Home to nine Tibetan villages, Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park also protects endangered species, including giant pandas and golden monkeys.
Piedmont Park — Atlanta, Georgia
Originally a forest, then a farm, Piedmont Park eventually turned into a vegetation-rich playground for all. About a mile away from downtown Atlanta, Piedmont Park incorporates Lake Clara Meer, acres of green space, and miles of pathways for walking, jogging, or biking. Backed by a perfect scope of the city skyline, the lively landscape of Piedmont Park feels like a masterpiece in motion.
Keukenhof Park — Lisse, the Netherlands
One of the largest flower gardens in the world, Keukenhof Park in Holland covers close to 80 acres of land. Explosions of color abound with blossoms of roses, tulips, lilies, irises, and many more kinds of flowers. Each year, more than 7 million bulbs are planted, creating a space that leaves visitors speechless and keeps cameras clicking.
Woodward Park — Fresno, California
Located in Central California, Woodward Park in Fresno offers a charming retreat into nature. Cherry trees and a redwood glen forest contribute to the lush surroundings, while the San Joaquin River edges along the northwestern border of the park. The Shinzen Friendship Garden is another enthralling section of Woodward Park, including a teahouse that looks over a serene koi pond.
Hyde Park — London, England
One of eight royal parks in London, Hyde Park is especially becoming. Plenty of quiet space is available, but the rose garden, with its aromatic air and tranquil sitting areas, is a standout scene. Beautiful blooms can be spotted throughout other sections of the park, along with visitors enjoying activities such as cruising in pedal boats on Serpentine Lake.
Grand Teton National Park — Wyoming
When the sun sets behind the Teton Range of Grand Teton National Park, prismatic hues paint the sky, canopying close to 310,000 acres of flora and fauna. Hundreds of miles of trails reach throughout this colossal ecosystem, where bison graze in the valley as golden eagles soar overhead. Boating along the Snake River is an excellent way to take in the magnificence of such a grand space.
Los Glaciares National Park — Argentina
When the ice fields of Los Glaciares National Park are viewed against the rockiness of the Patagonian Andes, surrounded by contrasting leafy forestlands, the resulting image becomes otherworldly. Located in the Santa Cruz Province of Argentina, an astounding amount of Los Glaciares National Park is covered in glaciers, which break off and feed the waters of Lake Viedma and Lake Argentino, creating roaring splashes and adding a unique soundscape to this already bewitching landscape.
Jackson Park — Chicago, Illinois
Situated in the Woodlawn community of Chicago and rimmed by Lake Michigan to its east, Jackson Park in Chicago, Illinois, is an exquisite example of a picture-perfect park. The Garden of Phoenix, located across from Yoko Ono’s Skylanding art piece, is a particularly placid area. Taking up more than 550 acres of land, Jackson Park includes beaches, lagoons, a golf course, and even the Museum of Science and Industry.
