This ‘urban oasis’ in Florida ranks as the No. 1 park in US. Why it’s special
A Florida park is an “urban oasis” — and ranks No. 1 in the United States, a new report finds.
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland tops a list of the nation’s most-beloved public parks for relaxing and playing, according to results published April 16.
It turns out, another Florida destination wasn’t far behind in the rankings. Lake Eola Park in Orlando landed at No. 4 on the list from USA Today’s 10Best.
The website, which publishes vacation-related rankings, said it determined the nation’s best parks after it turned to travel experts. Editors narrowed down the list of nominees before members of the public could vote on their favorites.
“City parks provide space to connect with nature and the community,” 10Best wrote in its report. “And the best of them offer a variety of activities and attractions for residents and visitors, from playgrounds and community gardens to skate parks and live performances.”
What makes the Florida park special?
On the resulting list of readers’ choice award winners, Bonnet Springs Park reigned supreme. The outdoor attraction is in Lakeland, home to about 122,000 people and a roughly 35-mile drive northeast from Tampa.
The park — opened in 2022 — said it boasts a rooftop bar, nature center, children’s museum and other amenities. 10Best gave the destination nods for its event lawn and botanical gardens, but the praise didn’t end there.
“This 168-acre urban oasis and former railyard has been transformed into a stunning park full of natural beauty, complete with winding trails that showcase native plants and a magnificent 200-year-old Grandfather Oak,” 10Best wrote in its report. “Kids flock to the playground while fitness enthusiasts join outdoor yoga sessions beside the tranquil lagoon.”
Also earning a top spot in the rankings was Lake Eola Park in Orlando. Visitors to the downtown space can be treated to “postcard-worthy views of the Orlando skyline,” according to 10Best.
“Lake Eola Park centers around a lovely lake, where swan-shaped paddle boats drift past actual swans,” 10Best wrote. “The Walt Disney Amphitheater hosts concerts, movies, and plays, while the dog-friendly Sunday farmers market transforms the park into a bustling community gathering spot.”
In addition to public parks, 10Best named other fan-favorite “community spaces” across the country. Here are the Florida highlights from the other lists:
- Tampa Riverwalk at No. 2 for best riverwalk
- Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale at No. 7 for best riverwalk
- Withlacoochee State Trail at No. 2 for best trail
- Barrier Free Park in Boynton Beach at No. 9 for best playground
- Safety Harbor at No. 10 for best main street
In the past, 10Best has told McClatchy News it doesn’t reveal the number of people who vote in its contests.
This story was originally published April 22, 2025 at 3:43 PM with the headline "This ‘urban oasis’ in Florida ranks as the No. 1 park in US. Why it’s special."
