12 Great Urban Parks

Wrapping around the north end of San Francisco, the Presidio, a 14,491-acre park that’s part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is an outstanding destination for families, adventure seekers, history enthusiasts and anyone else who likes to relax on the edge of one of the most beautiful bays in the world. First, there are the beaches (and how many major cities have several beaches?).

South-west of the Golden Gate Bridge, there’s Baker Beach, which has a wild feel and amazing views. Be warned though: clothing is optional, particularly on its north end. Crissy Field, the sandy stretch on the Presidio’s north-east corner, attracts families, water-loving dogs (they’re okay off-lead here) and kite-boarders and wind-surfers. Golfers can hit the links at one of the oldest courses on the West Coast, the Presidio Golf Course. Splurge on a stay at one of the two historic hotels on-site, the Inn at the Presidio or the Lodge at the Presidio. And just inland from Crissy Field is the grandiose Palace of Fine Arts, originally built for the 1915 Pan-Pacific Expo and now home to an intimate theatre.

Walking and mountain-biking trails loop through the heavily wooded park and are a wonderful way to see evidence of the Presidio’s past life: from 1846, before California was even a state, until 1994, it was an active US Army base. Today, the more than 790 buildings that once housed personnel and fulfilled other needs of the Army serve as excellent examples of military architecture through the years. Thanks to preservation efforts many of them have been handsomely converted into open to the public destinations including justly popular restaurants such as Sessions at the Presidio, the Presidio Social Club and The Commissary. Also taking up residence is the Walt Disney Family Museum which focuses on the personal history and brilliance of the man behind the mouse. It’s definitely not Disneyland (don't let the children get overly excited) but more for grown ups.

Another notable site is the Letterman Digital Arts Center which is part of the Lucasfilm empire. Though the buildings are generally closed to the public, you can give your regards to the Yoda statue in the campus’s main courtyard.

With its noble columns and snappy cupola, all painted wedding-cake white, California’s State Capitol building looks like a mini replica of US Capitol in Washington, DC. Take a free tour to learn about the 1869 building’s architecture and history. In the Capitol Museum, check out the collection of coolflags—including those carried by California soldiers during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War I, as well as artwork by formerlegislators and government staffers. Kids can download puzzles and colouring sheets that feature fun Golden State facts. (Quick: Which city is the Raisin Capital of the world?)

This is very much a working capitol building, and, if legislators are in session, ask about access to public galleries to watch bills being debated or votes being cast. Outside, stroll through the adjacent 40-acre Capitol Park, where you can admire trees from around the world, and visit the sweetly scented International World Peace Rose Garden. Take note of the Civil War Memorial Grove—in 1897, saplings from famous Civil War battlefields were planted here.

With green spaces and gardens, museums, and assorted playing fields, Exposition Park is a place for playing, learning, and being entertained.

Most of its museums and attractions are free. A quick stroll takes you to the impressive California Science Center, with hands-on exhibits and a dramatic centerpiece—the space shuttle Endeavour, which completed 25 space missions, including ones to the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. (Keep in mind that you often need timedreservations to see the shuttle on weekends.) Or, check out paintings, sculpture, photography, and video exhibits at the excellent California African American Museum

Visit the park anytime between April and December, and you can stop and smell the roses for free—roughly 16,000 of them—at the adjacent Exposition Park Rose Garden.

Dino-fans, meanwhile, flock to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (which offers Free Tuesdays  about a dozen times a year) to see the impressive collection of prehistoric creatures, especially a remarkable trio of complete T. rex skeletons of various ages and sizes. Other notable sites include the Becoming L.A. permanent exhibit, a1,300-square-metre masterpiece that tells the history of the city. Learn about Spanish padres and their missions during the 1700s, the era of Mexican ranchos, the water wars, the Great Depression, and, of course, Tinseltown

Stroll through cherry trees and alongside calm pools in the Shinzen Friendship Garden (check the schedule for interesting guided tours). Follow paths for pretty views of the San Joaquin River and surrounding Central Valley. If you’re lucky, daredevil mountain bikers will be testing their skills and speed in the park’s time-trial course.