The Best Parks in NYC
Text by Alanwriter
Looking for the best places to get outside, enjoy the warming weather, do activities, and get your exercise on in NYC? New York City has more than 1,700 parks to choose from, so we’ve whittled the list down a little so you can find the one that works best for you.
1. Prospect Park
Prospect Park was designed by the same people who designed Central Park, but this time they had more freedom to create an organic layout and play around a little more. The result is a lot of natural plant life, with a regal entranceway in the Grand Army Plaza.
There are many walkways connecting the various landmarks and things to see. Take a stroll through the Prospect Park Zoo, LeFrak, Center at Lakeside, Lefferts Historic House, or Audubon Center to find awesome activities in the city.
2. Riverside Park
If you’re looking for the perfect scenery for your walk, run, or bike ride, look no further than the Manhattan River. Riverside Park stretches four miles along the Hudson River (from 72nd street to 158th street) and features breathtaking views of the river.
It’s also full of recreational facilities, from a skate park to sports fields and playgrounds. So no matter what kind of event or exercise you’re looking for, you will find one.
3. Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Brooklyn Bridge Park is the perfect example of turning unused land into an oasis. Wrapping around a 1.3-mile bend in the East River, the park runs under the bridge in Dumbo to Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn Heights.
The Bridge Park is the perfect place to go, even if you’re only looking for jaw-dropping views of Manhattan, but it has more than that to offer. Plenty of playgrounds, walkways, and lawns allow plenty of different activities to occupy your time.
4. The High Line
The High Line Park is an artful mix of old and new. As NYC’s first elevated park, it’s always attracting new visitors. Perched on the remnants of the West Side Elevated Freight Road, it creates an intriguing place to get a new perspective on the city. There’s something for everyone to see: over 210 species of plants, shallow pools, lounge chairs, food stands, shopping, historical points of interest and art installations.
5. Washington Square Park
If you find yourself hanging around Greenwich Village, you have to drop by Washington Square Park. Not only does WSP have the famous grand arch, but the fountain in the center is a great place to cool off in the sweltering heat. Always plenty to see and do, the park boasts a character-filled stroll along Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
6. Central Park
Central Park is such an iconic spot that people sometimes think they should avoid it because it’s probably overhyped. But the hype is real. With great landmarks, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the famous boathouse, the conservatory, Belvedere Castle, and way more, there are plenty of sites to see.
With all that space (843 acres), you can always take advantage of events and activities. And if that’s not your thing, then you have lots of exercise options, from the lush Sheep Meadow, where thousands of people hang out and play, or the boulders that litter the walkways and make for the perfect place to knock out a few burpees.
Put It In Park
New York City has a huge variety of parks for you to visit for events, activities, or just a stroll through nature. Check out our website for more recommendations on how to get the most out of spring activities and events in NYC.