Our shared public spaces play an important role in society, giving us a place to get outside, breathe some fresh air, be active, and take in the scenery. To celebrate these amazing spots across the nation, from city parks to main streets, we partnered with a panel of experts to make the nominations, then we asked readers to vote for their favorites. The results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list:
Best City Park: Gathering Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Gathering Place wins Best City Park in the U.S. for 2024 — Photo courtesy of Gathering Place
Gathering Place, a riverfront park in Tulsa, was designed as an inclusive green space where residents and visitors alike can relax and engage with one another. The expansive park features more than 6 million gallons of water and 80 tree species, with attractions and amenities like fireplaces, a 5-acre adventure playground, boathouse, a pond, sensory garden, and a reading tree.
Full list of winners: Best City Park »
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Best Main Street: Howell, Michigan
Howell, Michigan, is home to the best main street in the nation — Photo courtesy of Richard Lim Photography
Grand River Avenue, the main street in Howell, is home to numerous historic buildings that now house a variety of unique shops and local eateries. This street is where you’ll find the Howell Opera House, as well as the popular 2FOG’s Pub.
Full list of winners: Best Main Street »
Best Public Square: Campus Martius Park in Detroit, Michigan
Campus Martius Park is the best public square in the nation — Photo courtesy of Downtown Detroit Partnership
Campus Martius Park serves as Detroit’s gathering place, where locals and visitors alike can come to take in the skyline views, people-watch around the Woodward Fountain, grab a meal from a food truck, or go ice skating in winter.
Full list of winners: Best Public Square »
Best Recreational Trail: Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail wins Best Recreational Trail for second year in a row — Photo courtesy of Gulf State Park
You’re spoiled for choice at the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex, which offers 26 trails across nine different ecosystems. You can trek through wildflowers and tall pines on the Rosemary Dunes trail, take in the views from the overlook on the Gulf Oak Ridge trail, and enjoy the abundance of complex amenities, like the Butterfly Garden and the Pavilion.
Full list of winners: Best Recreational Trail »
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Best Riverwalk: Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy gorgeous waterfront views at Smale Riverfront Park — Photo courtesy of the Banks
At Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati, visitors can watch the river traffic float by, cycle along the Ohio River Trail, buy fresh produce at the Castellini Esplanade farmers market, cool off in the Fath Family Fountain, or stop to smell the flowers in the Gardner Family Grove and Rose Garden.
