Serving as a breath of tranquility from the concrete jungle, NYC’s parks are an integral part of our city, all throughout the year! From bike rides and picnics in the summer to snow angels in the winter, these 1,700+ green spaces are what makes the nature of our city as picturesque as it is! If you’re looking for the best place to do your next summer activity…or just want to escape the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, we’ve gathered 15 of the best parks in NYC where you can relax. Check them out below:
1. Central Park
Starting with Manhattan’s most recognizable park, Central Park and its 843 acres of land stretches over 50 blocks! The green oasis is full of pathways, green areas, playgrounds, and iconic landmarks like the Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields. It’s the perfect relaxation spot for tourists and locals alike.
2. Washington Square Park
Although not as green as other parks on this list, Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is one of the best places to people watch in all of NYC. You’ll find everything from hordes of NYU students to street performers to chess players looking for a match. It definitely still reflects the hippie vibe it attracted back in the day, and you can even legally hop into the fountain on the hottest of days.
3. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Situated along the East River in Brooklyn, this waterfront park offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Thanks to its lawns, sports fields, and riverside promenade, you can do everything from riding the stunning 1920s Jane’s Carousel to playing basketball or soccer on their turf fields. And of course it’s a short walk from the famous Brooklyn Bridge!
4. Hudson River Park
Spanning nearly the entire side of western Manhattan, Hudson River Park is home to many waterfront piers, running paths, picnic spots, and cute outdoor bars. It’s a hotbed for outdoor public art and sports facilities, like a mini-golf course, sand volleyball courts, a driving range, tennis courts, and more. You can even find frequent outdoor concerts, film screenings, fitness classes, educational programs, and more!
5. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
NYC’s second largest park resides in Queens with over 1,200 acres of land! Flushing Meadows-Corona Park not only boasts lush fields, a boating lake, and even a zoo, it’s home to iconic landmarks like the Unisphere, which was featured in the 1964 World’s Fair as well as the notable Governors Ball Music Festival!
6. Bryant Park
Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan has just about everything you could want! The hustle bustle of the surrounding city juxtaposed with the calming green grass is so unique. There’s always something going on here! In the summer, there’s Bryant Park Movie Nights, and in the winter there’s the Bryant Park Winter Village and ice skating rink. This doesn’t even take their free yoga classes, free concerts, and more into consideration either!
7. Prospect Park
Funny enough, the same architects that designed Central Park also designed Prospect Park! At 526 acres big, it’s Brooklyn’s second largest, and it features tons of lush meadows, charming woodlands, and a serene lake. Park highlights include the 90 acre-long Long Meadow, Prospect Park Zoo, The Boathouse and Audubon Center, and even summer concerts presented by BRIC! Celebrates Brooklyn at the Bandshell. There’s even the Brooklyn Botanical Garden right next door.
8. Battery Park
The Battery is where stunning waterfront views meets incredible NYC maritime history. It’s located on the southern tip of Manhattan, and their green areas and seating options provide gorgeous views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New York Harbor. You can ride the SeaGlass Carousel, play on The Playscape, hit The Battery Bikeway, or even hop on a ferry or statue cruise.
9. McCarren Park
McCarren Park in Brooklyn is one of our favorites for many reasons, mainly because of their recreational facilities, community events, and open green spaces. Aside from their full-size track, they also have a historic outdoor swimming pool, farmer’s market, off-leash dog run, and so much more!
10. Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park is NYC’s largest park, covering over 2,700 acres in the Bronx. You can find saltwater marshes, forested areas, and scenic trails all over the place, as well as picnic areas, sports fields, and hiking trails. It’s also right near the stunning Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, a historic house museum showcasing a 19th century mansion.
11. The Hills at Governors Island
The gorgeous greenery of Governors Island is only reachable by ferry, meaning the park area is kept in the utmost shape! Their four man-made hills known as “The Hills” all offer unique panoramic views of the city and Statue of Liberty, as well as make for a perfect place to bike, hike, and explore the island. Check out more fun facts about Governors Island here.
12. Riverside Park
If you find yourself on the Hudson River in the Bronx, stop by Riverside Park’s gorgeous tree-lined paths which are perfect for walking or jogging. You’ll be delighted to gorgeous gardens and flower beds, skyline views, riverfront cafes, and even a section called the Cherry Walk, a particular path of blooming cherry trees. It’s peaceful, captivating, and beautiful.
13. Tompkins Square Park
Tompkins Square Park is an East Village staple, and probably where you’ll find the most dogs in all of NYC. This communal gathering spot has become a popular one for off-leash dog walking, impromptu jam sessions, acoustic performances, sports leagues, and a whole lot more. They too show free summer movies as well as host a Halloween Dog Parade in the fall.
14. Domino Park
Drawing inspiration from the once-famous Domino Sugar Refinery, this waterfront park in Williamsburg might just be one of our favorites in Brooklyn. Its riverfront promenade is modern and stunning, the industrial-style playground is perfect for kids, and it’s just steps away from Williamsburg’s bars and restaurants. There’s picnic areas, turf grass, and even lounge chairs to kick it at. Go ahead and take a load off.
15. Fort Tryon Park
Last on our list is an overlooked gem in Washington Heights known as Fort Tyron Park. Its most prominent feature is The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. The park’s sculptures and breathtaking gardens are something to behold…alongside other quaint locations like the Heather Garden and Cabrini Woods Nature Sanctuary of course.