With summer winding down and the brisk air of early fall just around the corner, it's prime time to spend a day at the park. Central Park may be one of the most famous city parks, hosting approximately 25 million visitors each year, but there are plenty of smaller options that provide the same bucolic setting and are right out your own backdoor.



Here are our picks for some of the most picturesque parks across America:

Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle, Wash.
Urbanites in Seattle can escape to this spectacular green space on the shores of Lake Washington.

First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Va.
At First Landing, located on the Chesapeake Bay, you can boat, swim, hike, bike, picnic and even camp out on the beach.

Arches National Park in Moab, Utah
World famous for its national sandstone arches, this scenic escape is majestic and magnificent.

Big Bend in Big Bend National Park, Tex.
With mountain, desert and river environments, Big Bend offers something for everyone.

The National Arboretum in Washington, D.C.
This incredible hidden beauty is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon. It's never very crowded and the aboretum's grounds are stunning.

Boston Common in Boston, Mass.
The oldest park in the country, Boston Common is a lovely spot for outdoor recreation right in the heart of Beantown.

Chastain Park in Atlanta, Ga.
Rated by locals as one of Atlanta's best places for a romantic picnic, Chastain Park boasts gorgeous open green space, walking trails and recreational facilities including a swimming pool, horse park and golf course.

Mission Bay Park in San Diego, Calif.
One of San Diego's most popular places to fly a kite or have a picnic, Mission Bay is an aquatic park offering beaches, recreation and wildlife preserve.

Al Lopez Park in Tampa, Fla.
The trails at this urban park wind you through a variety of different habitats and is easily accessible from anywhere in Tampa.

Forest Park in Portland, Ore.
Escape the bustling city and get lost in a tangle of cedars, alders, ferns and moss. Trickling streams and over 60 species of wildlife complete the Forest Park experience.