So - these might seem like an odd pair, but I can think of a simpler way to ask what I’m looking for than to use those two as examples.
I have been to Central Park numerous times and love it. The first time I went there (technically second, but I only made it a little ways in for indirect reasons) I was surprised at its beauty, scope, and mixture of the man made with the natural.
I can’t really describe exactly what I’m looking for - so I give these two as examples - and really can’t think of other places off hand that meet the same “requirements”. This is difficult to say - as I have no set requirements, but some of the things I like are:
They are places you can wander around for hours and hours, but not so vast it makes you feel like you didn’t accomplish anything
It is a nice place to be by yourself, but also makes for a good date or outing with friends
Although it gives you a feeling of being vast - it also - at least sometimes gives you a sense of privacy - I often wondered what was around the bend (I think this is probably a key point).
There is a nice combination/balance of man made with nature.
I sort of felt like I knew where I was going, but a map still came in handy
They have real rest rooms
You can buy stuff to eat and drink - and can sit down doing so if desired
It isn’t that far away from hotels and other places and easy to get to and from via taxi/uber.
I’ve been to numerous places and countries in the ten or more years that separated my visit to Central Park and San Diego Zoo - and I realize it seems odd typing it, but I kept thinking as I walked thru the zoo how much it reminded me of the way I felt in Central Park (for the record - I wasn’t even aware of the fact that Central Park had a zoo when I first visited - so it isn’t some secret love of Zoos).
So - any suggestions on other places that are similar to Central Park and/or the San Diego Zoo.
I’ve been to lots of park, but most are just for hiking and such. I’ve been to parks like Hyde Park in London - which while very nice - didn’t generate the same feelings as Central Park did. I think it was cause it seemed less 3D to me - for lack of a better word - there wasn’t as much of a feeling of “Oh - I wonder what’s over there”.
So whatcha got?
I’m I the only person in the world, while visiting the San Diego Zoo, was reminded of Central Park?
Perhaps if you had gone “over there” you might have discovered more than you expect. Often you need a degree of familiarity with a place to discover its full potential. Anyways, London is full of them, e.g. Hampstead Heath, Richmond park come to mind as personal favourites.
Haven’t been yet, but heard good things - thanks for reminding me - if I ever am in the area - I will definitely give it a try.
The inner harbor is fairly flat and doesn’t have quite what I’m looking for - although I do enjoy walking around there - so pretty good guess - I went there by myself at night for my birthday this year to take some photos (got a pretty good one of Domino Sugar and Ripley’w Believe it or Not
The Mall is right next to (pretty much) the Canadian Embassy - which has a wicked cool (and I think fairly unknown) echo/whisper chamber outside. That was a welcome surprise. I also enjoy walking around there.
Fair enough, but it didn’t quite flip the switch (I was there for a couple hours I think), but I still had a great time there. London is one of my favorite cities (if not favorite - sorry favourite) and I will give Hampstead Heath & Richmond Park (I don’t believe I’ve been - at least the names don’t ring a bell) a look next time I go. I don’t know if the underground is actually easier to use than other cities, but it feels that way to me - so I feel like I can get a lot done in London - which I like.
China is full of them. Almost every city has a large park or two with various amusements (temples, museums, memorials, amusement parks), restaurants, tea houses, and various gardens and lakes.
The Bronx Zoo and Bronx Botanical Garden might qualify. The Bronx Zoo has exhibits concentrated in certain areas, but there are vast areas wooded areas on the periphery with large enclosures where you can wander away from the crowds. The Botanical Garden is a bit wilder, and doesn’t have many amenities aside from the Conservatory and gardens, but it’s also a great place for wandering, with a large tract of native forest.
Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, though it is very large (spread out along the river Schuylkill River) and may not qualify :).
If you’re look for a similar zoo feature - the Cape May County Zoo (/Park) is fascinatingly, surprisingly large (for free admission!) and well worth the trip if you’re nearby. It’s been a few years, but I always found something else over the next ridge or around the next corner.
You mention the San Diego Zoo, but right next door the to the Zoo is Balboa Park, which has over a dozen museums, a Japanese garden, theaters and lots of other stuff.
That was my first St. Louis thought as well, although Forest Park in St. Louis has a lot of those features as well. It also has a Zoo, history museum, and art museum as well as more “park like” features.