Table of Contents
New York City Parks – 10 Unusual Green Spaces and Parks to Explore In The Big Apple
Hello there, nature lover! If you find yourself in New York City and are looking for some green space to explore, never fear – there are plenty of options, even in the concrete jungle. Below are 10 unusual New York City parks and green spaces that are definitely worth a visit.
The High Line
This linear park runs 1.45 miles through the Meatpacking District, Chelsea and the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood on the west side of Manhattan. The High Line is built on elevated rail tracks originally built in the 1930s to lift freight trains carrying meat and other goods off the streets of New York City. The last train ran on the tracks in 1980, and they were left to decay until community members and city officials came up with the idea to turn it into a public park.
Today, the High Line is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. It is a beautiful park with incredible views of the city skyline and the Hudson River. The park is also home to various plants and flowers, as well as art installations
Wave Hill
This public garden and cultural center is located in the Bronx, and features 28 acres of gardens to explore, including a Native Plant Garden and a Butterfly Garden. There are also several art galleries on site, making it the perfect place to spend a day enjoying the outdoors, exploring your creative side and experiencing one of the New York City parks. Wave Hill is a great place to visit for all ages, and it’s especially perfect for those who appreciate nature and the arts. And if you haven’t had your fill after experiencing Wave Hill, consider checking out some of the best street art in NYC!
Central Park Central Park
Central Park is one of the most famous New York City parks, let alone parks in the world, and for a good reason. Spanning 843 acres, it’s not only the largest park in New York City, but also one of the largest urban parks in the United States. With something for everyone, Central Park is a must-visit for any nature lover visiting New York City
Whether you’re looking to relax in a picturesque setting, take a scenic stroll or get active with some outdoor activities, Central Park has it all. The park is home to numerous ponds and lakes, as well as forests, meadows, and fields. There are also plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, as the park is home to over 230 different species of birds.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the more elusive wildlife in New York City, Central Park is also a great place to try. The park is home to deer, squirrels, turtles, and even an occasional coyote.
No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be something for you at Central Park. So, next time you’re in New York City, be sure to add this iconic park to your list of places to visit.
The Battery
The Battery is one of the largest of the New York City parks, at a whopping 25 acres, and is located at the southernmost tip of Manhattan Island. The park is named for the historic battery of artillery that was once stationed there to protect New York Harbor. Today, The Battery is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering breathtaking views of the New York skyline, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty.
The Battery is home to a number of historical landmarks, including Castle Clinton, Fort Wood, and the Pier A Harbor House. The park also features a number of gardens, sculptures, and fountains. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the park’s pathways, relax on the grassy lawn, or enjoy a picnic lunch.
The Battery is the perfect place to appreciate the natural beauty of New York City. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to reflect or an exciting place to explore, The Battery has something to offer everyone.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City’s most iconic New York City parks. It was built in 1883 and spans the East River, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre park that stretches along 1.3 miles of waterfront, from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade to Dumbo. The park offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. There are also a variety of activities and attractions, including the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the Brooklyn Historical Society, and the New York Aquarium.
Socrates Sculpture Park
Socrates Sculpture Park was founded in 1986 by a group of artists who wanted to create a space where they could work on large-scale sculptures. The park is named after the Greek philosopher Socrates, who believed art should be accessible to everyone. Today, the park is still a place where artists can create and exhibit their work, but it is also open to the public for enjoyment.
This attraction is a great option for those who want to see some art while getting their nature fix. The park is located in Queens and features rotating exhibitions of sculptures from both local and international artists. Visitors can also take part in free yoga classes, Tai Chi, or meditation sessions offered throughout the year. The Socrates Sculpture Park is also host to a number of community events, including movie screenings and concerts.
There is no admission fee to enter this New York City park, making it a great option for those on a budget. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can take the subway to the Broadway stop on the N line and then walk about 10 minutes to Socrates Sculpture Park.
Freshkills Park
This park, which is still in development, will eventually be 2,200 acres when it’s completed, almost three times the size of Central Park. For now, there are three sections open to the public: Schmul Park, Williamson Park, and North Park. All offer great views of Staten Island and New York Harbor. The park will feature open spaces for recreation, environmental education, and community events. There will also be areas for picnicking, bird watching, and kayaking.
Fort Tilden
This beach park, is a part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, is located in the Rockaways on the Queens/Brooklyn border. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and picnicking.
Rockaway Beach is one of the most popular beaches in New York City, and it is well known for its surfing. Surfers from all over the world come to Rockaway Beach to enjoy the waves. There are also many restaurants and cafes along the beach, making it the perfect place to spend a day in the sun. Tourists should definitely visit both of these attractions to get a taste of what New York has to offer.
Inwood Hill Park
Inwood Hill Park is a beautiful natural park located in Upper Manhattan. The park features tall trees, rolling hills, and scenic views of the Hudson River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. Inwood Hill Park is also home to the last remaining natural forest in Manhattan. This makes it a great place to see wildlife and learn about the city’s history and ecology. Inwood Hill Park is a great place to visit for both locals and tourists alike.
Van Cortlandt Park
Van Cortlandt Park is yet another large one of the New York City parks, coming in at 1,146-acres (4.6 km²) park located in the northwest Bronx in New York City. The park, which is the city’s third-largest, was created in 1888. It is named after the Van Cortlandt family, who were Dutch settlers in the area during the colonial era.
The Van Cortlandt family owned much of the land that is now the park, and in the 18th century, the family built a large mansion on the property. The mansion, which was later destroyed by fire, was used as a headquarters by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War.
Today, the park is home to a variety of attractions, including the Van Cortlandt House Museum, the Van Cortlandt Golf Course, and the Croton Aqueduct. The park also has a number of hiking trails and is a popular spot for birdwatching.
Van Cortlandt Park is a great place to visit for those who enjoy the outdoors. The park offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and golfing. The park is also home to the Van Cortlandt House Museum, which is a great place to learn about the history of the area.
So there you have it – 10 unusual parks and green spaces to explore in New York City. Get out there and enjoy the great outdoors! But before you do, be sure to prepare your trip well in advance to make the most of it. How? Here are our top tips:
- Check the weather forecast in advance and plan your activities in the New York City parks accordingly.
- Buy your plane tickets or make your travel arrangements well in advance to get the best rates.
- Pack light, but be sure to bring everything you need for your chosen activities.
- Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses!
- Look for your accommodation options early to get the best deals. If you are on a tight budget, consider Couchsurfing or Airbnb. For a splurge-worthy stay, look for luxury hotels or apartments.
- If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to research family-friendly activities in advance, because there are plenty to choose from in New York City.
- Make a list of the places you want to see and activities you want to do, so you can make the most of your time in the city.
- Leave room for spontaneous adventures – you never know what you’ll find when you’re exploring a new place.
- Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
- Pack snacks and water to keep yourself fueled up throughout the day.
- If you’re visiting one of the parks on the outskirts of the city, make sure to book a professional car service in advance to make getting there hassle-free. You can use their service to get to and from the airport too.
- Of course, don’t forget your camera – there will be plenty of photo opportunities.
- And finally, have fun and enjoy your time in the great outdoors!
Now that you know all this, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to New York City today! And be sure to keep this handy guide close by – you never know when you might need it.
Have a great time exploring New York City’s green spaces!
