Even though the Big Apple is an urban jungle, there are so many New York City parks where you can escape from the humdrum of the city and enjoy a bit of down time in greenery.
Wondering which are the best New York City parks that you should know about? We’ve got 20 of them here for you.
Best New York City Parks to Visit
1. Central Park
Anyone visiting New York City should make time to visit Central Park. The world famous Central Park has more than 800 acres of sprawling greenery and it provides a haven from the city’s noise and bustle.
The park’s winding pathways invite visitors to take a leisurely stroll while admiring the park’s well maintained gardens and landscapes. There are also a wide wide range of activities that can be enjoyed at Central Park. These include the simple pleasures of picnicking on the Great Lawn or going boating on the lake. Kids and families can make their way to the Central Park Zoo.
The Bethesda Fountain and the Central Park Conservatory Garden are just two of the park’s many well-known landmarks.
Central Park is a must-see place in New York, whether you’re a fan of nature or are just looking for a quiet getaway from the busyness of the big city.
2. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which is situated in the borough of Queens, is one of the largest parks in New York City.
The Queens Museum, the New York Hall of Science, and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which hosts the US Open tennis tournament, are just a few of the well-known attractions located within the sprawling New York City park.
The park also played host to the World’s Fairs in 1939 and 1964, and it now boasts a number of famous buildings from those events, such as the iconic Unisphere and the New York State Pavilion. The New York State Pavilion has also had architectural lights installed in 2023.
3. Pelham Bay Park
The Bronx’s Pelham Bay Park is the third-largest park in New York City. The park occupies a total area of 2,772 acres (1,122 hectares).
There are plenty of recreational amenities at Pelham Bay Park. These include golf courses, baseball diamonds, and playgrounds for children. Amongst the natural attractions at the park are salt marshes, forests, and meadows.
Also located within this New York City Park is the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, the Pelham Bay Nature Center, and the Orchard Beach promenade. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of Long Island Sound from the park.
4. The High Line
The High Line in New York City is a unique park created on top of a former elevated freight rail line that connects West 34th Street on Manhattan’s West Side to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District. Take a walk along the High Line for breathtaking views of the city and the Hudson River. This elevated park offers lovely gardens and public art installations to enjoy.
The High Line also hosts numerous events all year long. It has established itself as a must-see attraction in New York City thanks to its innovative design and urban setting.
5. Washington Square Park
A popular and well-known destination in New York City, Washington Square Park has a long history that dates back to the 1800s. The Washington Square Arch, a marble memorial honoring George Washington, the first president of the United States, is one of the park’s most notable features. The arch, which makes a stunning backdrop for numerous events and performances, is open for visitors to walk underneath and take pictures of. In addition, the park has a sizable central fountain, play areas, and lots of places to sit and people-watch.
Washington Square Park is located in Greenwich Village. This makes it a popular gathering place for artists, musicians, and performers. Throughout the day, visitors to the New York City can expect to find street performances and live music enlivening the park.
In addition, Washington Square Park also hosts a number of occasions and celebrations all through the year. These include the well-known Halloween Parade.
Overall, Washington Square Park is a must-see location in New York City whether you’re looking for a tranquil afternoon picnic, a cultural experience, or some exciting people-watching.
If you are in NYC with kids, you may also be interested to know that there are three Washington Square Park playgrounds.
6. Prospect Park
Prospect Park is located in Brooklyn, New York City. The park has more than 500 acres and a range of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. There are numerous walking and hiking trails as well as its many sporting facilities for sports like baseball, basketball, and soccer.
Families can enjoy playgrounds and picnicking around the park. Prospect Park is also home to the Prospect Park Zoo.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden, reputably one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the United States when they are in season, and the Brooklyn Museum are adjacent to the park.
7. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a waterfront park situated along the East River. The 85-acre park offers great views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
Visitors can enjoy the gardens and the park has number of piers for kayaking and fishing. Over at Pier 1 and Pier 2, visitors will be able to get a view of the Statue of Liberty. This New York City Park playgrounds and a highlight is the beautifully restored Jane’s Carousel where visitors can ride the horse all year round.
Get more details about Brooklyn Bridge Park.
8. Bryant Park
Bryant Park can be found in New York City’s Midtown Manhattan. The six-acre park provides a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy.
There are numerous benches and outdoor tables where visitors can sit, unwind and do a bit of people-watching. Play chess at the southside of the park, across from Le Carousel. The park also host numerous free events. In the winter time, a popular winter village is held at the park.
Get more details about Bryant Park.
9. Riverside Park
One of the most beautiful waterfront parks in New York City is Riverside Park. It stretches for four miles from 72nd to 158th street and is one of the City of New York’s eight officially designated scenic landmarks.
The park has a sports courts and field, as well as a skate park. A prominent landmark is the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, which pays tribute to Union soldiers and sailors who served in the Civil War.
You can also find Sakura Park across the street from the General Grant National Memorial.
10. Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park offers four miles of piers, sporting grounds and beautiful landscapes and attracts 17 million visitors each year. A bike path runs through Hudson River Park and connects to the Riverside Park South. The park is also decorated with public art and sculptures.
Head to the end of Pier 66 to view Long Time, a sculptural water wheel that pays tribute to the Hudson River. At Pier 40, the Village Community Boathouse provides a chance to learn about the art of seamenship. you will also see the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, set in the aircraft carrier Intrepid docked at Hudson River Park’s Pier 86.
Stop by Little Island, an area within Hudson River Park at what used to be Pier 54. It has a modern design and programming through out the year and opened in 2021.
Pier 26 will be getting a new 4,000 square foot marine-science themed playground in 2023.
Find out more about Hudson River Park.
11. The Hills at Governors Island
The Hills at Governors Island opened in 2016. It rise 70 feet above sea level, offer breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. The Hills’ four man-made mounds, which range in height from 25 to 70 feet and are made of pumice, general fill, and recycled demolition debris, provide panoramic views of the nearby harbor.
12. Domino Park
Domino Park extends along the waterfront just north of the Williamsburg Bridge. Views of the surroundings and Manhattan can be seen across the river from an elevated walkway. Visitors can cool off with the help of two water features, which is great if the kids have been playing in the playground with a factory theme.
13. McCarren Park
McCarren Park is a park that is equally loved in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. It has facilities for kickball, soccer, baseball, bocce, handball, basketball, football, and tennis matches. Families can enjoy the playground at McCarren Park. The McCarren Park Pool and Play Center, a haven on hot days in New York City.
14. Snug Harbor Cultural & Botanical Garden
Snug Harbor has 14 unique botanical gardens, a two-acre urban farm, wetlands, and park land. The 83-acre historic campus has something for every visitor, whether an arts and culture enthusiast, a family looking for a getaway, or for those with a soft spot for lovely botany.
15. The Battery
The Battery has an expansive public gardens, organic urban farms and lawns. It is also home to the SeaGlass, an aquarium carousel, in Downtown New York.
16. Inwood Hill Park
Innwood Hill Park is a piece of old New York and contains the last natural forest and salt marsh in Manhattan. The Hudson River Bike Trail and a hiking trail give visitors the chance to take in the park’s natural beauty in environmentally responsible ways. The park is also among the best places in the city to see a bald eagle.
17. Union Square Park
Union Square Park is bounded by 14th Street to the south, 17th Street to the north, and Union Square West and East to the west and east, respectively. It is noteworthy because of the Greenmarket. This public market is held year round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and sell produce like fruits and vegetables.
18. Tompkins Square Park
This 10-acre park has brownstones as well as historic tenements on its fringes. Cafes, restaurants and boutiques make this into a quaint park to visit in New York City.
19. Fort Greene Park
Fort Greene Park was the first designated park in Brooklyn. It can be found at the edge of Downtown Brooklyn and has fields, hills and playground. It is also historic connections as it was a post of the Continental Army.
20. North 5th Street Pier and Park
North 5th Street Pier and Park is a favorite spot in New York City for photo enthusiasts, anglers, and locals alike because it offers breathtaking views of the East River and convenient access to the North Williamsburg NYC Ferry stop.
Map of the Best Parks in New York City
View a map of the best parks in New York City
