Urban oases can be found in all kinds of places, from the deep forests of the wilderness to hidden gems nestled in the heart of our nation’s cities. On this journey of exploration, you’ll discover the best parks and gardens throughout city destinations across America. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy these enchanted destinations. The sights, sounds, and experiences are memorable and often found nowhere else. So come join us for a tour of urban oasis retreats and be inspired to create your own paradise!
1. Escape to the City: Exploring Exceptional Parks and Gardens
Escape to the city and explore the many exceptional parks and gardens for a break from the hustle and bustle. Get ready to discover tranquil landscapes that boast unique landscapes and foliage.
Explore the variety of parks: From grand botanical gardens to small city parks, there’s something for everyone. Feel free to explore the following iconic spots:
- Central Park in New York City
- Jardin des Tuileries in Paris
- Victoria Park in London
Stroll through a exotic garden: Immerse yourself in a garden that displays the beauty and diversity of nature from around the world. Here you’ll find exotic plants and flowers planted in inviting alcoves, water features, sculptures, breathtaking views and more.
Visit a serene park: Unwind and take in the great outdoors while visiting a secluded park. Whether it’s a small city park or a sprawling parkland, find a tranquil space to relax and take a break from city life. Have a picnic, listen to the birdsong or take a hike along the trails.
2. Finding a Corner of Calm in the Urban Jungle
In the hustle and bustle of the big city, a quiet corner of calm can be hard to come by. But, for those who seek it, there are a variety of places that offer a brief respite from the overwhelming urban jungle.
No matter the city, one can seek out a nearby park or green space. This allows people the chance to immerse themselves in nature, even if only for a short while. Whether it’s walking around a lake, feeling the warmth of the sun on a bench, or finding a hidden tree to lay beneath, a park can be a much-needed escape from hectic everyday life.
Another option for a moment of peaceful reflection in the city can be the local library. Libraries provide a comfortable and calming atmosphere with the added bonus of having plenty of books to dive into. Desks and chairs are perfect for those who just want to sit silently and read, or there are plenty of cushy couches for lounging and daydreaming. Libraries can be a great place for visitors to get lost in the world of literature if only for a short while.
Lastly, there are often many hidden cafes, tucked away on side streets that offer a great place of refuge. A well-made cup of coffee can add to the already relaxed atmosphere, and a cozy corner will make anyone feel as if they have stepped away from the hustle and bustle of the city chaos.
No matter what city you may be visiting, there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of the surrounding environment and carve out a little corner of quietness. It might take a bit of exploring, but that can be an adventure of its own. How you spend it is up to you: read, write, wander, explore, sit, or simply take in the surroundings.
3. Unveiling the Greener Side of City Culture
Cities are known for their hustle and bustle, with people of all walks of life gathered in one place, constantly on the go. However, cities can often be viewed as oppressive or impersonal, when in fact they can be vibrant centers of culture and life. Taking the time to explore what cities have to offer can unveil a greener side of city culture in unexpected places.
- Start With Nature: Though few and far between, many cities offer protected nature preserves or parks within their city limits. Taking time to visit these will reveal an appreciation for wildlife and natural beauty within the city, and they can often be oases of greenery during the hot summer months.
- Explore the Libraries: Libraries often exist in cities that are open to the public depending on the city, and can most certainly be a portal to the greener side of city culture. Libraries are often hubs of knowledge-sharing and can provide opportunities for attending events and meeting people.
- Seek Out Local Art: It’s often possible, even in cities, to find art galleries and other creative outlets. Exploring these outlets often reveals a tremendous appreciation for nature and the environment within the city and can provide an opportunity to engage with modern creativity.
- Visit a Community Garden: Community gardens are located in many cities, and growing in popularity. They provide an opportunity to engage with a local community, often within the city, and often host events or workshops on urban agriculture as well.
By taking a different approach to their cities, people can explore the culture and beauty hidden within. Through exploring nature preserves, attending events in libraries and discovering artwork, and even visiting community gardens, the greener side of city culture can be experienced and enjoyed.
In the end, learning to appreciate what cities have to offer can prove to be a rewarding experience, as it can help to build an understanding and appreciation for the environment, while also allowing for exploration of community and culture.
4. Refresh Your Senses at these Refreshing City Oases
After a long work week, why not treat yourself to some quiet me-time and some soothing city oases?
Green Lake, Washington – This lake and park in the north Seattle area is a great spot to relax with picturesque scenery. Take a leisurely walk around the lake shore and be amazed at the romantic willow trees and lush park lawns. Don’t miss out on the iconic park, which offers a great spot to sit by and take in the serene atmosphere.
Clark Reservation, New York – Share an intimate moment with nature at this hidden gem nestled in Central New York. Enjoy the magnificence of a geologically defined glacial lake surrounded by 100-foot bluffs and fern-filled cliffs. Take in the sight of the 120-foot cascade of Gorge Falls, a rocky stream, and the majestic glacial lake.
Presidio Park, California – Walk along the forest trails in this inviting park and be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Spend some time here to recharge your mind surrounded by the wonderful sights and sounds of nature.
Chicago Botanic Garden, Illinois – Situated on 385 acres in Glencoe, the garden is composed of various habitats such as meadows, tallgrass prairies, and an arboretum. Enjoy a walk through the cultured, yet wild nature of the gardens — host to over 2,100 plant species — and admire the beauty of nature with each step.
5. Discovering Hidden Natural Wonders in City Hotspots
Urban cities often have a plethora of surprises that wait to be discovered. From secret gardens tucked between bustling buildings to hidden waterways and parks, it is still possible to find tranquility and beauty in city hotspots. Here are some of the natural wonders out there waiting to be found.
- Abandoned Graveyards: Look beyond the city facades for forgotten, abandoned graveyards to explore. Many of these are from the later half of the 19th century, and will offer up a unique glimpse of time frozen in history.
- Propitious Lookouts: Many cities have a network of lookouts dotted amongst its high rises. These quiet vantage points offer remarkable views of the cityscape from a different perspective.
- Hidden Waterways: Urban regeneration projects across many cities are slowly uncovering hidden waterways that often go unnoticed. Uncovering these is a great way to connect with nature in the midst of a busy city.
It is still possible to find the gems of urban cities out there, waiting to be discovered. From tucked away creeks to lookout points and historic graveyards, it is easy to connect with nature in the midst of the hustle and bustle. All it takes is a bit of exploration and discovery!
Now that you’ve had the opportunity to explore some of the most spectacular parks and gardens around the world, you can easily find an urban oasis in almost any city. So wherever your travels take you, don’t forget to bring your camera and take some time to explore the beauty of nature and the peace of a city park.
