NYC is a busy city with crowded markets, teeming sidewalks, soaring skyscrapers and a complex subway system. Finding a place to take refuge from the bustling city can prove to be a challenge. Fortunately, green spaces are plentiful here and stretch across all five boroughs. These green spots are a great way to escape fast-paced city life and submerge in needed quiet time necessary for recharging. Don’t miss including one of these parks in your New York sightseeing itinerary.
Here’s a list of the best parks in NYC:
Central Park
Legendary Central Park is a great place for fun and relaxation. There are plenty of serene shady spots, perfect for a secluded getaway. The Ramble and Sheep’s Meadow are two of the best locations for a relaxation on a blanket. Explore and enjoy all the scenic beauty the park has to offer at your leisure on a bike tour. This is New York’s most iconic green space and most visited urban park in the US. Visit notable sites like Belvedere Castle, Gapstow Bridge and Bethesda Fountain.
Prospect Park
Prospect Park is an ideal place to unwind with lots of kid-friendly activities, including the Zoo and Wollman Rink. Visitors will find plenty of spaces to spread a blanket and indulge in quiet relaxation in the 585-acre park, making this the largest park in Brooklyn. Early morning bird watching, Arts in the Park and Smorgasburg, a gathering of 100 delectable culinary treats from local food vendors from April through October are just a few of the interesting things to do. This park has an app to help you connect with all the exciting happenings.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is one of the most popular parks in the Big Apple and a major destination for picnicking and fun. Home to an extensive plant collection, the cherry trees bloom in the spring and attract a huge rush of visitors. Some major attractions include the Japanese Garden and the Bonsai Room.
The High Line
This magnificent 1.45-mile walkway sits on the elevated defunct West Side Line railroad running to Manhattan’s Lower West Side. It’s adorned with lovely gardens and outdoor sculptures and offers plenty of spaces for picnics and people watching. Visitors can take gentle strolls along the walkway and enjoy views of the Hudson River. Lounge chairs and benches are abundant and make this a perfect spot for reading on lazy days.
Pelham Bay Park
Take some time out and visit the city’s largest park for a relaxing getaway in the woods. The park is home to plenty of small islands, rivers and salt marshes and for a moment, you might forget you’re in NYC. Don’t miss visiting Orchard Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand on the Long Island Sound.
Governors Island
It’s a wonderful place to escape the bedlam of the city for a day! Although open only for a few months every year, it still is one of the most visited places for sightseeing, picnics and quiet time in the midst of nature. There’s everything from bike riding and beach parties to art exhibits and performances. You’ll capture gorgeous views of the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower too.