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Top picks in Saint Paul

Parks with nice views

Sitting in a park with a nice view is the best way to clear your head.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Como Regional Park image 1
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Spacious park with beautiful conservatory and Japanese garden offers a peaceful atmosphere and live music under glass. Zoo and outdoor pavilion add variety, while picnic areas support relaxed visits. Free access invites casual exploration despite limited parking.

Spanning a very spacious area, the park offers many shaded trails and a picturesque pond with a dock. It features a free zoo and conservatory, maintained by dedicated staff and supported by donations.

Scenic spots surround every path, offering great views of the lake and tropical landscapes. The colonial-style pavilion overlooks the water and swan pedal boats, adding to the beautiful scenery.

People are saying

"I loved Como Regional Park's scenic beauty and all the activities."

"The zoo is free, so I highly recommend donating to support it."

"I loved the beautiful scenery and the gorgeous flowers."

Good to know

1

Como Regional Park is free to access, but donations are appreciated.

2

Parking can be very difficult to find, especially during events.

3

The park features a small zoo that is also free to visit.

02
Shadow Falls Park image 1

Small park offers gorgeous views of the Mississippi River and a stream-sized waterfall covered in moss. Trails vary from paved paths for biking and running to steep, muddy dirt paths along the creek. Shaded areas with trees provide spots for relaxation and hammocking.

Small size combines with paved trails for running and biking. The park features a waterfall flowing into the Mississippi River and offers excellent views along with clean, beautiful surroundings.

Gorgeous views of the Mississippi River dominate the scene. Small park areas provide beautiful overlooks of the creek valley and river.

People are saying

"I loved exploring the fun trails by the creek."

"I found the views of the Mississippi River to be really beautiful."

"The parks offer beautiful views of the river and a magical waterfall."

Good to know

1

The park has a parking lot, drinking fountain, and porta potty.

2

Parents should have children use the restroom before walking any of the trails.

3

The park features a waterfall that leads into the Mississippi River.

03
Phalen Regional Park image 1

Traditional Chinese pavilion and arch add an oriental flair to the spacious park with lakeside views. The atmosphere stays peaceful and family-friendly, with walking and biking trails, a beach, and water activities. Sculptures and bridges along paths create an interesting environment for visitors.

A beautiful lake anchors this park, surrounded by walkable trails perfect for biking and walking. It offers family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, picnic areas, a beach, and sports facilities.

Beautiful lake views dominate the scenery. The walk offers scenic routes with outstanding lakeside sights throughout.

People are saying

"I loved walking and biking the scenic paths around the lake at this park."

"I loved walking my dog on the varied paths here."

"I loved the beautiful lake and scenery."

Good to know

1

Parking is available around the lake, especially on the western shore.

2

The beach area is great for families and swimming.

3

Dogs are welcome at the park, but be mindful of leash laws.

04
Summit Lookout Park image 1

Small park offers amazing views of the city and Mississippi River valley, surrounded by historic mansions. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, with an intimate vibe despite occasional car noise. Visitors often walk, bike, or relax on numerous benches in a well-maintained setting.

Quiet and well maintained, the park offers an amazing view of the river valley. Plenty of benches create a peaceful spot for reading, relaxing, or meeting up.

Views stretch over the Mississippi River valley and the city skyline, offering a peaceful and well-kept spot to sit and take it all in.

People are saying

"The view of the city and river is beautiful."

"It's a nice quiet place to sit and read or just relax."

"The parks here offer beautiful views of the city."

Good to know

1

Weekly donation-based yoga classes are held at Summit Lookout Park.

2

Summertime concerts at Summit Lookout Park are popular neighborhood events.

3

The park has no bathrooms nearby, so plan accordingly.

05
Lilydale Regional Park image 1

Park offers beautiful river and lake views with paved sidewalks for biking and roller skating. Atmosphere is peaceful and calm, especially early in the morning, with many trails and a spacious covered picnic area. Visitors include bikers and dog walkers who keep the area clean and friendly.

Trails offer steep hikes and scenic river valley views. A dog park provides a clean, safe space for dogs. The park features river and lake views with opportunities for fishing and watching boat traffic.

Views from the high bluff offer gorgeous vistas of Pickerel Lake and the Mississippi River. Trails lead to spots with beautiful river and lake scenery and a sweet view of downtown Saint Paul.

People are saying

"I loved the scenic river views and trails at these parks."

"It's a great place to walk your dog on the nice trails."

"You'll love the beautiful river and lake views here."

Good to know

1

The park has numerous hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

2

The dog park is a great space for pets to play and socialize.

3

Expect to see many birds, making it a good spot for birdwatching.

06
Crosby Farm Regional Park image 1

Park offers extensive trails through forests, riverbanks, and open fields with riverfront views and a natural, peaceful atmosphere. Wildlife like deer appear along paths, and many bring dogs to run off leash. Unique features include a notable fire pit setup and a special tree visitors can step into.

Offers riverfront walking trails with views of ponds, woods, and prairie. Features mountain biking paths, a secluded natural feel, and diverse nature scenes including a beaver dam and slit canyon.

River views and a sand beach create a scenic setting. The mix of trees and water offers a cool breeze and peaceful atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved biking and hiking the many trails in this beautiful park."

"I loved the gorgeous river views and cool breeze."

"It's easy to find ample parking available here."

Good to know

1

Parking might be difficult at the east entrance due to limited space.

2

The south lot near the shelter has limited parking spots available.

3

Some trails are closed due to flooding, so check conditions before visiting.

07
Harriet Island Regional Park image 1

Park offers stunning river and city views with open lawn space and live music at a bandshell. Paths remain quiet and clear, attracting an older crowd seeking calm and scenic walks. Facilities support festivals and casual gatherings with picnic areas and food vendors.

Great views of downtown and the Mississippi River define the park. Amenities include barbecue grills, picnic tables, a playground, and open green spaces for activities like kite flying and frisbee.

Great views of the Mississippi River and Downtown Saint Paul stand out here. Walking spots like the Wabasha Street Bridge and Raspberry Island offer unique perspectives of the riverfront and cityscape.

People are saying

"I loved the nice view of downtown and the river."

"The fair had great food, beer, vendors, and live music."

"The parks offer beautiful views of downtown and the river."

Good to know

1

Paddleboats offer affordable midday rides and romantic sunset rides from the park.

2

Food trucks are available on select days during events at the park.

3

Parking can be confusing and limited at Harriet Island Regional Park.

08
Rice Park image 1

Urban park offers beautiful landscaping with flower-lined paths and a large fountain featuring whimsical statues. Atmosphere stays peaceful and quiet, enhanced by occasional live music and food trucks. Surrounding diverse architecture creates a striking backdrop for relaxation and photography.

A beautiful historic park with well-maintained landscaping, benches, and public art including Peanuts character statues. It offers a peaceful, scenic atmosphere perfect for relaxing, strolling, or enjoying views of the Landmark Center.

Views include Landmark Center, skyscrapers, and lush greenery. The scenery blends buildings, trees, flowers, and well-kept sidewalks for a spectacular setting.

People are saying

"This park is a beautiful, charming oasis in the heart of downtown."

"The scenery here is beautiful, with a great view of the Landmark Center."

"I saw the ice sculptures at the Winter Carnival."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging at Rice Park, especially during events.

2

Bathrooms are limited at Rice Park, so plan accordingly.

3

The park hosts outdoor skating every Friday from 5 pm to 8:30 pm.

09
Cherokee Regional Park image 1

Park offers breathtaking river views and spacious green areas with well-maintained walking trails. Atmosphere stays peaceful and serene, attracting families and nature lovers. Features include modern playgrounds, sports courts, and shelters suitable for picnics and events.

Open spaces include picnic areas with two shelters that have electricity, plus walking and riding trails for exploration. The playground features a 24-foot sky tower climbing structure with a tornado slide and a crooked house for kids. Sports facilities include basketball and tennis courts, and the park offers clean restrooms and free street parking.

Breathtaking views of the Mississippi River Valley and the St. Paul skyline stand out from the High Bridge Overlook. Multiple spots offer panoramic vistas, including areas perfect for picnics and city viewing.

People are saying

"These parks offer serene, secluded trails with gorgeous river views."

"It's a beautiful place for a picnic with serene atmosphere and great views."

"You get a gorgeous view of the river and city skyline."

Good to know

1

The park has picnic areas, pavilions, and a basketball court for recreational activities.

2

Restroom facilities are available and well-maintained throughout the park.

3

Free parking is available along the streets adjacent to the park.

10
Wicaḣapi Regional Park image 1

Cemetery with historic burial mounds and thousands-year-old trails offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning city skyline views. Walking paths wind through fields of prairie and wildflowers, creating a reflective space near urban areas. Playgrounds, pavilions, and courts add recreational elements uncommon for cemeteries.

Plane spotting is popular here with views of the Little Saint Paul airport runways. The park offers peaceful walks, a skyline overlook, and chances to see eagles and deer in a beautiful, historic setting.

Offers a skyline view of both cities with a clear sight of Saint Paul. Great spot for a walk while enjoying the beautiful city skylines.

People are saying

"The park's beautiful setting offers great skyline views and walking paths."

"I enjoyed the nice view of the city skyline."

"I enjoyed the great skyline view of the city."

Good to know

1

Respect the burial mounds as they hold cultural significance.

2

Police patrol the park at night to ensure safety.

3

Expect some areas, like tennis courts, to be in disrepair.

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