Where are the best community gathering spaces in the US?

USA Today

11-03-2025

Vote now for the best parks, main streets, and more
In recent years, the popularity of parks, open spaces, and trails has grown immensely. So, we're celebrating great public spaces across the country by looking for the best.
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We've teamed up with a panel of experts who made nominations in each of seven categories, from best city park to best main street, and now it's your turn to decide the winners by casting your votes.
Voting ends on Monday, April 7 at noon ET, and you can vote once per day, per category.
Click on each category below to vote:
Best Boardwalk
Which boardwalk ranks highly for you? — Photo courtesy of jacoblund / E+
With achingly gorgeous views of the water, the salty scent of French fries in the air, and the laughter of people from all walks of life having an incredible time together, there's nothing as quintessentially Americana as a stroll down a bustling boardwalk. There are all sorts of things that make boardwalks the places we long to be, such as the irresistible foods on offer, top-notch entertainment, compelling places to shop, and spectacular coastal vibes.
The expert panel assembled by USA TODAY 10BEST kept all this in mind when nominating the most outstanding boardwalks in the U.S., and our editors have narrowed their recommendations to a list of 20.
Now, it's your turn to determine which of these incredible boardwalks ranks as the best in the United States.
Vote: Best Boardwalk »
Best City Park
Which city park is the best in the U.S.? — Photo courtesy of Igor Alecsander / E+
City parks provide space to connect with nature and the community, 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. We're celebrating these verdant havens by looking for the best city parks across the United States.
An expert panel has nominated their top picks, and now it's your turn to determine the winners by casting your votes.
Which city park do you most enjoy visiting?
Vote: Best City Park »
Best Main Street
Where is the best main street in the country? — Photo courtesy of AzmanL / E+
Main streets across the United States are experiencing a renaissance. Once abandoned and boarded up as people shifted to the suburbs, these iconic thoroughfares are now thriving.
These 20 places with charming main streets — nominated by an expert panel for being the best in the U.S. — offer more than just a road; these streets are living history, have a vibrant culture, and serve as the hearts of their communities.
Which main street do you adore?
Vote: Best Main Street »
Best Public Playground
Which public playground is the best in the nation? — Photo courtesy of MelkiNimages / E+
Sure, playgrounds are wonderful spaces for kids to run and climb — "play" is right there in the name! — but they're more than just places to have fun. America's public playgrounds bring families, friends, and communities closer together and help forge unforgettable memories. But of the many thousands of public playgrounds throughout the country, which ones rank among the very best?
10BEST assembled an expert panel to highlight the playgrounds with the most thoughtful designs, inclusive features, interactive playsets, and family-friendly amenities. Our experts and editors have narrowed this to a list of 20, and now it's your turn to crown the best of the best. Which of these public playgrounds is the best in the U.S.?
Vote: Best Public Playground »
Best Public Square
Which public square gets your vote? — Photo courtesy of Dmytro Varavin / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Public squares have long been the keystones of American communities, serving as the stage for everything from farmers' markets to historic speeches. They're the heartbeats of cities, where culture pulses and people gather.
These public squares have been nominated by an expert panel as the best in the United States, not just for their aesthetic value, but also their historical significance and communal importance.
Which public square do you think is the best?
Vote: Best Public Square »
Best Recreational Trail
Which recreational trail do you enjoy the most? — Photo courtesy of SolStock / E+
Recreational trails have popped up across the country, providing people with new ways to explore the great outdoors and get some exercise. These 20 trails — nominated by an expert panel as the best in the U.S. — offer more than just a walk in the park, allowing users to bike, walk, and run (and sometimes even skate and explore by horseback), all while enjoying nature's grandeur.
Which recreational trail do you think is the best?
Vote: Best Recreational Trail »
Best Riverwalk
Which riverwalk do you think is the best? — Photo courtesy of Zoran Zeremski / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Cities across the United States have transformed their riverfront areas into multi-use spaces for recreational purposes, cultural activities, dining, and nightlife. And strolling along any of these 20 riverwalks — nominated by an expert panel as the best in the country — offers an experience that combines the serenity of nature with the liveliness of city life.
Which riverwalk would you most like to visit?
Vote: Best Riverwalk »
Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on Wednesday, April 16.