Summer may be coming to a close, but the warmer weather will likely stick around for a little while longer. NYC parks, rich in history, culture and views, are a great place to enjoy the remaining weeks of fun in the sun.
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Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn
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Originally the port of a ferry linking Brooklyn to Manhattan in 1642, Brooklyn Bridge Park spreads 85 acres and 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s East River edge. The site of the old ferry is now a place for enjoying live music at Bargemusic and eating lobster rolls at Luke’s Lobster. The NYC park offers a range of outdoor activities from riding bikes along Brooklyn Greenway to playing sports at Pier 2 and lounging on Pier 4’s beach. Phone: 718-222-9939 / Address: 334 Furman Street Click to go
Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens
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Flushing Meadows–Corona Park stretches 1,255 acres, making it the second largest park in New York City. Home of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the park also encompasses the Queens Zoo and Queens Museum. The focal point of the park, the Unisphere, was created for the 1964 World’s Fair to demonstrate advances in technology (the park also hosted the World’s Fair in 1939). Today, standing 140 feet tall, it is the largest replica of earth in the world. Phone: 718-760-6565 / Address: 11101 Corona Avenue Click to go
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
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This park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, who famously designed Central Park. The northernmost entrance is home to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch. Once inside the park, visitors can lounge on the Long Meadow, a mile-long patch of grass perfect for picnics, or explore the Ravine, Brooklyn’s only forest. Phone: 718-965-8951 / Address: 95 Prospect Park West Click to go
The High Line, Manhattan
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Elevated above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side, the High Line was built on a historic freight train rail line from the 1930s. A stroll along the High Line is surrounded by gardens and outdoor art and accompanied by beautiful views of the Hudson River. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th avenues. Phone: 212-500-6035 / Address: Start- 34th Street and 12th Avenue, End: Gansevoort Street Click to go
Hudson River Park, Manhattan
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At Hudson River Park, there is something for everyone. Extending 500 acres, the park has dog parks, mini golf, skate parks, kayaking and a carousel. Along the boardwalk, the park has breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the city skyline. For dinner, climb aboard one of the park’s charming boat restaurants: Hudson’s or the North River Lobster Company. Phone: 212-627-2020 / Address: 353 West Street Click to go
Bowling Green, Manhattan
Rich in history, Bowling Green is NYC’s oldest park. It is said to be where the Native Americans sold Manhattan to the Dutch in 1626. After its sale, the area was used as a parade ground, meeting place and cattle market. Today, this small park serves as the starting point for ticker-tape parades. There is a fountain surrounded by benches and gardens. Phone: 212-408-0100 / Address: Broadway and Whitehall Street Click to go
Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
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Three times the size of Central Park and spreading 2,766 acres, Pelham Bay Park is the city’s largest park. Visitors can enjoy miles of saltwater shoreline, a beach, nature trails, biking trails, monuments and gardens all while taking in the views of Pelham Bay, Eastchester Bay, Hutchinson River and a lagoon. For those who’d rather stay indoors, the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is the only remaining mansion from the area. Phone: 718-430-4670 / Address: Watt Avenue and Middletown Road Click to go