18 Best Parks in New York City & New York to Visit

The bustling city that never sleeps! Everybody knows New York has an exciting, fast-paced lifestyle – but even the busiest New Yorker needs a break sometimes. There’s no need to hop on a plane and go far away because NYC has so many parks (big and small) ready for you to escape from the concrete jungle.

From famous Central Park to paradise-like oases that make you feel like you’ve just stepped into another world – these green havens are beautiful places for a bit of outdoor escape.

Ready for an adventure? Let’s explore some incredible New York City parks. From infamous spots to lesser-known gems, we’ll take a peek at them all! So gather your supplies — picnic basket and book in hand — because it’s time to spend some leisurely hours in nature’s best playgrounds in New York City.

Best Parks in New York City

1. Central Park

Central Park is a lovely urban park ideal for an afternoon delight in exercising and picnicking in New York City. This beautiful park is situated between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods in Manhattan. It is the fifth-largest park in NYC, covering about 843 acres.

In 1858, the first part of Central Park was opened to the general public. It is still acknowledged as one of the city’s most significant achievements, as workers moved nearly 5 million cubic yards of stone, earth, and topsoil, built 36 bridges and arches, and constructed 11 overpasses.

They also planted 500,000 trees, shrubs, and vines. The park’s landscapes were manmade and all built by hand.

Central Park offers a multitude of trails and gardens, including the Shakespeare Garden and the Conservatory Garden. There is also the Central Park Zoo, multiple sports fields and courts, the Wollman Rink for ice skating, children’s playgrounds, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more.

There are also a few fountains and multiple monuments, such as the Bethesda Fountain and Belvedere Castle, and multiple public art installations provided by the Central Park Conservancy.

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2. Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a spectacular public park full of lush greenery and free Wi-Fi for park visitors. It has an area of 9.6 acres and is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The park is privately managed and ideally situated within walking distance of several of Manhattan’s best attractions.

One of the park’s most popular attractions is its seasonal ice skating rink. From October to March, visitors can rent skates and glide around the rink surrounded by the park’s towering skyscrapers. During the warmer months, Bryant Park offers a wide range of outdoor events and activities, including movie nights, concerts, and fitness classes.

For those looking to relax, the park offers plenty of cozy seating areas where visitors can enjoy a good book or people-watch. The Bryant Park Reading Room, located just behind the main branch of the New York Public Library, provides free books and a peaceful environment for reading and studying.

Foodies will appreciate the park’s numerous dining options, including the Bryant Park Grill and the seasonal Winter Village, which features over 170 vendors selling food, gifts, and holiday treats.

3. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Right near the illustrious Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges lies Brooklyn Bridge Park. With a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and New York harbor, this spot will make you double-take. Grandpas and grandmas, kids, and teenagers – no one will get bored with all the fun things there are to do at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is more than just some ordinary scenic pathways. There are sports fields to play on, slides to zoom down at playgrounds galore, and art installations like you’ve never seen before.

Movie nights beneath the stars? Sure thing. Plus, live bands playing your favorite tunes? Absolutely. It’s like a sweet oasis of never-ending awesomeness that you don’t want to miss.

Saunter along the 1.3-mile shoreline of the East River, taking in spectacular vistas of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Feel free to kick up your feet and breathe calm, refreshing air from this great waterfront esplanade – it’s one of the park’s best features.

If you’re ready to take a chill pill and relax, Brooklyn Bridge Park’s gardens and green areas offer the perfect escape from the noisy city. The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy is hosting guided tours of these dreamy gardens – they also provide free yoga and fitness classes so you can relax.

4. Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is tucked away right in the middle of bustling Greenwich Village, and it’s no surprise that this iconic destination has been delighting local New Yorkers and tourists for over one hundred years. From the gorgeous fountain to its proud arch, it’s a certified hotspot with energy abounding – who wouldn’t love exploring this beautiful NYC park?

You won’t be able to miss the iconic Washington Square Arch when you visit Washington Square Park. Modeled after the mighty Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this grand marble structure is stunning.

Commissioned in 1892 to honor George Washington during his centennial inauguration anniversary, today it’s become a favorite spot for people to congregate and marvel at its beautiful history.

Should you seek more excitement, Washington Square Park has many fun activities to choose from. There’s a dog run, playground, chess tables, and basketball courts – sure to get your heart racing. Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit pops up twice a year, so you can check out notable works of art by local artists.

As one of the oldest and most historical parks in New York City, Washington Square Park is bursting with rich and captivating chronicles entwined within this great city. It’s been an integral part of bohemian culture in the ’60s. Still, it has now evolved into a lively and well-liked public space — embodying the never-fading spirit of NYC and its outstanding citizens.

5. Riverside Park

Check out this glimmering gem. Riverside Park is a true urban treasure sitting cozily along the Hudson River. Meander through its over four-mile trail, and you’ll be treated to incredible waterfront views.

Riverside Park has been around since 1875. It’s gone through so many changes and updates since then – now it’s packed with fantastic, fun facilities such as tennis courts, basketball courts, and a skate park that kids love. There are many playgrounds, too, making it the perfect place to go with family members or friends of all ages.

But the most appealing aspect of Riverside Park has got to be its waterfront views. You can amble along the park’s promenade, and it’ll reward you with incredible panoramas of the Hudson River and New Jersey across the way. There are many places to stop for a picnic or relaxation – it’s an ideal way to escape all that city buzz.

6. Pelham Bay Park

Pelham Bay Park is an absolute oasis in the northeast corner of the Bronx. Did you know it’s the largest city park in New York City? That’s right – at over 2,700 acres, it’s more than three times the size of Manhattan’s Central Park.

Pelham Bay Park is an outdoor lovers’ paradise. For adventurous explorers, there are miles of bridle paths and hiking trails that wind through lush forests and open meadows.

And get this – there are dozens upon dozens of recreational opportunities and spectacular natural attractions for visitors to explore here. Talk about a magical place.

If you seek something a bit more relaxing, how about a dip in Orchard Beach’s stunning stretch of sand and surf? It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.

But Pelham Bay Park is so much more than just a park. It’s genuinely incredible – with many unique plant and animal life you won’t find anywhere else.

And here’s the top highlight: ospreys and foxes live in the park, and there are also plenty of forested areas coupled with open meadows to explore – all filled with beautiful plants, trees, and wildlife. Seriously, it’s an experience unlike any other – visit today to see it for yourself.

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7. Astoria Park

Address: 19 St. bet. Astoria Park S. and Ditmars Blvd., NY 11105, USA

Tucked along the East River in the charming Astoria neighborhood in Queens is another true gem – Astoria Park. It’s one of the best parks in NYC, partly due to its magnificent pool, the largest in the city (and has even hosted Olympic Trials).

Astoria Park is where it’s at. With its excellent position right on the East River and sandwiched between two of New York’s most fascinating bridges – the Triborough Bridge and Hell Gate Bridge, there are simply no better views anywhere in the city. Throughout the year, visitors come to take in the sounds of river life and gaze out at the beautiful chaos of NYC – all while relaxing on a handy nearby bench.

Without a doubt, you can’t go to Astoria Park without taking a dip in its epic pool. Initially built in the 1930s, this NYC staple is still as refreshing as ever – think crystal-clear waters that’ll undoubtedly beat the summer heat.

8. Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park is a memorial about the late president. This beautiful and grand park does its best to honor his legacy–it’s even recognized as one of the most incredible parks in all of NYC. This monument is located at the southern tip of Roosevelt Island and was designed by famed 20th-century architect Louis I. Kahn.

But the park is more than just a reminder of its historical namesake. It’s also a great place to kick back, relax, and enjoy the remarkable views across the East River toward Manhattan or Queens.

There are walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas across its 4-acre lawn – this park doesn’t mess around with great outdoor activities. The park also offers educational programming and resources for visitors to learn more about the Four Freedoms that FDR advocated: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

9. Prospect Park

Prospect Park is a little paradise tucked away in the middle of Brooklyn, New York City. Local and tourist hearts are won over by its rolling hills, calming canals, and dazzling greenery – no wonder it’s such a beloved icon.

Prospect Park, designed by the team of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (the same folks behind gorgeous Central Park in Manhattan), offers countless fun activities for everyone – no matter your age.

Sports fanatics? You’ll love all their fields and courts. Nature lovers? Take a walk through their gardens and wooded areas – it’s incredible.

Experience Brooklyn’s most magnificent sight–the awesome Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Packed with more than 50 acres of picturesque gardens and nature-filled spaces, you’ll be delighted to take a peaceful saunter through the tranquil Japanese Garden, be mesmerized by the Rose Garden’s brilliant hues of color, and breathe in the heavenly aroma of blooms in Cherry Esplanade.

10. Hudson River Park

Get ready for adventure and find respite from the chaos down at the Hudson River Park, which extends from West 59th Street in Midtown to Battery Park in the Financial District.

What a treat – the second-largest park in Manhattan at 550 acres offers a gorgeous waterfront green space with incredible panoramas of the Hudson River. The perfect place to take a breather away from city life and immerse yourself in nature on Manhattan’s West Side.

Experience the Hudson River Park like no other and enjoy all the recreational activities available. There are plenty of enjoyable things to do – rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the river, head out on an exciting fishing charter, or shoot some hoops at one of the sports courts. Plus, there are kids’ playgrounds for hours of fun.

11. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Visit Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens — the fourth-largest New York City public park, with 897 acres of adventures just waiting to be had. Have you seen the Unisphere? It’s the world’s biggest globe and was created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

The New York Hall of Science is one of the park’s most significant attractions – giving you access to over 450 interactive exhibits that will entertain and educate you for hours. There’s also the Queens Museum, which perhaps contains one of its most exciting items: the Panorama of the City of New York – a scale model copy showing all five boroughs.

The nearby Queens Botanical Garden was created for the 1939 New York World’s Fair and used to be in the park itself, but was moved across the road in 1963 in preparation for the 1964 World’s Fair. If you’re in the area, it’s worth checking out as well.

If you’re a sports fanatic, Flushing Meadows Park is the place to unleash your competitive spirit. They’ve got everything from baseball and soccer fields to tennis courts and basketball courts – plus a kickin’ skate park.

Even if you’re more into lounging around, Meadow Lake has you covered with fishing and boating rentals for maximum chill time. Don’t forget that peaceful saunter you can take or a picnic lunch in the lush greenery– all backed by stunning fountains and spectacular views.

12. Union Square Park

If you’re searching for a lively park in the middle of all the action in New York City, you have got to check out Union Square Park. This impressive green space is situated at a highly bustling location — think Greenwich Village, East Village, and more — which means it has something happening all year round.

Union Square Park is the place to be – it’s known for its exciting central plaza, where you can find street performers and farmers’ markets coming alive. And of course, being a 19th-century park, it has so much more. With 6 acres of green space, you’ve got plenty of room to wander around and soak up everything this beautiful New York City park offers.

Among the standout things about Union Square Park? It’s jaw-droppingly incredible statues and monuments. Everyone’s heard of the most impressive one – George Washington, standing majestically at the north end. It was crafted way back in 1856 by Henry Kirke Brown — a fitting symbol for this park and its surroundings.

13. The High Line

The High Line is an incredible park of nearly two miles of elevated gardens with lush, green landscapes. Plus, it’s built right on top of a historic old railroad line in Manhattan, so you know it’s one-of-a-kind.

But this spot isn’t just filled with gorgeous views – its intentions have gone way beyond that. This super cool park has taken NYC by storm.

Should you seek a place with some chill vibes, High Line Park is where it’s at. With around 500 different species of plants and trees, this peaceful oasis will have your stress melting away in no time. Walk through the grounds, check out all the artwork, join some outdoor events, or gather up a few friends for an epic picnic – all while taking in gorgeous views of NYC.

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14. Zuccotti Park

Zuccotti Park was formerly known as Liberty Plaza Park and is a whopping 33,000-square-foot open area in NYC’s Financial District. And get this – on the park’s southeast corner is an iron sculpture by master artist Mark di Suvero titled “Joie de Vivre” that towers 21 meters tall – so impressive.

Another highlight of the park is the incredible bronze sculpture called Double Check – which phenomenal artist J. Seward Johnson crafted.

One of the park’s most notable features is its abundance of food trucks and vendors. Visitors can sample a medley of delicious street food, from falafel and gyros to tacos and sushi. The park’s central location also makes it a convenient spot for grabbing a quick lunch or snack while exploring the surrounding neighborhoods.

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15. Domino Park

Situated along the beautiful East River in Brooklyn lies Domino Park, a beloved spot that locals and tourists enjoy. It was created from what used to be the Domino Sugar Refinery, an iconic site that proudly ran for over a hundred years before finally closing its doors in 2004.

You won’t believe all the cool things to do and see at this park today. From taking a leisurely walk along the beautiful esplanade with spectacular Manhattan skyline and Williamsburg Bridge views to diving right in – literally, into the incredible public pool that was designed based on an old sugar-refining process – you’ll find something new to explore and enjoy around every corner.

Domino Park’s defining feature has to be the epic refinery smokestacks. Reaching up to an incredible 130-plus feet, these incredible smokestacks are a reminder of the site’s history and add some serious personality. You won’t find anything quite like this anywhere else in NYC!

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16. Van Cortlandt Park

Van Cortlandt Park is a remarkable space of over 1,000 acres in the northwest Bronx. It’s the third-largest park in New York City, and it’s full of great outdoor activities – you can golf or explore its storied locales or revel in its natural beauty.

The lush greens of this park with its rolling hills are such a beautiful sight – Tibbets Brook flowing through it makes it even more magical. So many activities here, too, from playing fields and playgrounds and exploring the forests – you can go hiking, biking, and exploring – what better way to enjoy the hot summer days? It’s an unmissable gem for outdoor adventurers.

You can also take the trails and pathways in this park to the Putnam Trail, Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, and even further – there’s a vast network of outdoor recreation right at your fingertips. The park also houses the Van Cortlandt House Museum, the oldest building in the Bronx.

17. McCarren Park

McCarren Park in Brooklyn is your go-to if you’re itching to get out and have fun in the sun. Thirty-five acres wide and filled with locals and visitors alike, this park buzzes with activity. Located in the Greenpoint and Williamsburg neighborhoods – families come together for joyous games of kickball, soccer, basketball, baseball – the list goes on; it’s endless fun at McCarren Park.

The McCarren Park Pool & Play Center is the ultimate hotspot in the park. This popular pool and play center will provide fun, whether on a scorching summer day or any other time of year. You won’t believe how refreshingly cool you’ll be after taking a dip in its inviting waters for some laps or to chill out. You have to check it out when you’re around NYC.

18. Tompkins Square Park

Tompkins Square Park is a beautiful neighborhood public park in the Alphabet City portion of the East Village in Manhattan. Spanning over 10.5 acres, it’s shaped like a square and offers many fun activities. Play areas, trails to explore, picnic spots, sports facilities – you name it.

Plus, Tompkins Square Park was first supposed to be used as a market square – but ended up becoming this incredible community park instead. The park was opened in 1834 and named after Daniel D. Tompkins, a former Vice President of the United States.

It features several basketball and handball courts, a dog run, a playground, and a popular skate park. The park is also home to several public art installations and sculptures, including a statue of former New York Governor Samuel J. Tilden.

During the summer months, the park hosts a variety of free performances and festivals, including the annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival and the HOWL! Festival, which celebrates the art and culture of the East Village.

Where to Stay When Visiting Parks in New York City

• The Lucerne Hotel – Searching for a neighborhood that is safe, convenient, and celebrated? Head to the Upper West Side. This area is home to some majorly famous parks – Central Park and Riverside Park are just a few. And when searching for a top-notch place to stay nearby, check out The Lucerne Hotel. With its luxe accommodations (including a fancy workout center and delicious restaurant) and steps away from Central Park bliss, it’s perfect.
• The William Vale – If you’re all about checking out parks other tourists don’t know about, then Brooklyn is the place to be. The borough has many gorgeous parks – Prospect Park, McCarren Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park, just to name a few. And if you want an excellent place to stay while exploring them, you should check out The William Vale. This luxurious hotel offers a rooftop pool and dining options and is steps away from McCarren Park.
• The Boro Hotel – If you’re dying to explore the diverse beauty of parks that Queens presents, look no further. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and Astoria Park should be on your NYC-park bucket list. The Boro Hotel is the place for pampering yourself if you want to stay in Queens. From modern accommodations with a rooftop bar and a fitness center – you’ll love it here.

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