Encapsulating the western end of Portland’s peninsula, this 18.5-acre park stretches from Danforth Street to Maine Medical Center. Stroll down the brick sidewalk by the beautiful West End homes, then cross the street and take a seat on a bench overlooking the Fore River. Wooded trails, a walking path and an old cemetery make for plenty to explore.

Tim Greenway/Staff Photographer

This is the jock park. Covering nearly 50 acres between Back Cove and Ocean Avenue, Payson has a bunch of ball fields, tennis courts and a playground. It’s a popular spot for rec sport leagues in the warmer months and for sledding in the winter. It also plays host to community events, often as the starting and end point (and site of the after-party) for fundraising walks and races around Back Cove.

Gabe Souza/Staff Photographer

Just off the peninsula below Park Avenue and beside State Street is a 55-acre wooded wonderland. You can frolic on grassy lawns and explore gardens, splash in a pond (or skate on it in the winter), buy fresh produce at a farmers market on Saturdays and even get waited on Tiqa Cafe that’s inside a castle in the middle of the park. There’s also a playground, a baseball field and tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts. It’s also become a popular spot for pickleball which takes place on the tennis courts several times a week.

Gabe Souza/Staff Photographer