The best green spaces in New York City
Think of New York City, and you’ll picture high-rise buildings, yellow cabs, and bustling avenues. But New York is much more than just hustle and bustle. It is also home to many green spaces that offer a refreshing escape from the urban jungle. From expansive parks to unique elevated gardens, the city boasts numerous spots where nature thrives amidst the concrete. Whether you’re a local looking for a peaceful retreat or a tourist wanting to experience the city’s natural beauty, the green spaces in New York City provide the perfect respite.
Below is a list of a few of my favourites that I came across on my recent visit to New York City. Do any of your favourite green spaces match mine?
Central Park
The obvious place to think of in New York when looking for blossoms and to experience park life is Central Park. It contains 843 acres and is the most visited urban park in the United States. It is also larger than Monaco. Offering serene lakes and picturesque paths, it is a green oasis in the heart of New York City.
Several must-see areas in Central Park include the Ramble and the Lake, the Conservatory Garden, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. The park also serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, with over 200 species of birds and various other animals calling it home.
The High Line
Located just off the Meatpacking district is the city’s first above street level park. It is an abandoned elevated freight railway that acquired its own distinctive flora and was adopted by a pressure group that wanted to save it from demolition. A large amount of the High Line is self-seeded, which means that the gardens are the remnants of the wild vegetation that grew here in the years since the trains stopped running.
Take a walk along the park and enjoy the flowering plants and trees along the way. It is possible to walk the High Line and wander by woodlands, grasslands and even water features.
At almost 1.5 miles long, it’s not exactly the shortest walk. But it’s definitely worth it to enjoy nature in an alternative way. One of my favourite green spaces in New York City.
Roosevelt Island
At one point a location for prisons and poor houses, Roosevelt Island contains several parks and lots of green spaces. Four Freedoms Park is a Zen-like space, which featured a stunning row of cherry blossom trees when I visited in April. There is also the Roosevelt Island Garden Club, a delightful community garden, open to the community at weekends.
The island is also home to the iconic ruins of the Smallpox Hospital, adding a touch of historic intrigue to the green spaces. For those interested in a bit of adventure, the Roosevelt Island Tramway offers stunning aerial views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline.
Roosevelt Island is easily accessible by tram, subway, and ferry, making it a convenient escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or explore some history, Roosevelt Island offers a unique combination of nature and urban charm.
Little Island
On the Hudson River, between West Village and and Chelsea, lies the city’s first floating island. We didn’t even know it existed until we spotted it and decided to visit. The main lawn is a great place to relax and people watch. There is a concert bandstand for hosting concerts. The park features hundreds of different species of plants and flowers.
Little Island covers 2.4 acres and is supported by 132 pot-shaped structures (called “tulips”) suspended above the water. These in turn stand on 280 concrete pilings extending into the riverbed.
One of the best things about Little Island is the stunning views of the lower- Manhattan skyline. And Little Island is perfect for this, as it is located in a very un-touristy part of New York City. Grab your lunch (or dinner) and enjoy a rest in gorgeous location.
Little Island is free to visit and there is no need to book in advance.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre park that stretches along 1.3 miles of waterfront, from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade to Dumbo. It connects to the bike and walking path that stretches all the way down the coast of Brooklyn. There’s also plenty of benches to enjoy the view.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a green space in New York that is very much part of the city around it- it allows you the opportunity to pause in a serene moment before rejoining the thrum of the city. Definitely recommend walking over the bridge and spending a few hours there.
https://brooklynbridgepark.org
Can you recommend any other green spaces in New York City?
6 Comments
Sasha
Interesting read! I will check these places out next time I go to New York ❤ Thank you ❤
Susan
I didn’t realize NYC has more nice parks other than Central Park. Sounds like a full day just to see all these lovely green spaces.
Michael Taylor
I Ivied in New York for three years, and it was full of hidden gems. Sometimes, I would just take the subway and get off at a random stop and explore the neighborhood. Your beautiful photos bring back fond memories!
Michael Taylor
I lived in New York or three years, and it was full of hidden gems. Sometimes I would board the subway and get off at a random location and explore the neighborhood, not sure what to expect. Your beautiful photos bring back fond memories!
Tyler
I’ve been to all of the green spaces, and they are certainly iconic in their own way. The High Line and Little Island are my favorites because they are a great example of adaptive reuse (the High Line) and ingenuity.
clairechambers85
Yes, I liked that too.