Slideshow

America's Best Parks

Slide 1 of 28

< back
next >

America's Best Parks

There are over a million acres of urban parkland across the U.S., and city dwellers take serious pleasure in arranging a blanket on these great lawns for a delicious picnic feast. Some plots are nobler than others, however, and a little extra planning can mean the difference between a crispy, sun-scorched setting and a shady stretch overlooking snowcapped peaks. Not far from the country's outstanding picnic spots, there are also fantastic places to cobble together a portable meal—from renowned chefs' take-out joints to gourmet markets selling cult California cheeses.—Ratha Tep