There are plenty of great parks, green spaces, and trails in New York City. Where should I start?
New York City has some of the most beautiful parks and green spaces in the country. The city boasts over 300 miles of parkland, and nearly half of the land area is dedicated to public space.
There are several great parks within the five boroughs, but here are our top picks for the best walks in NYC.
Central Park
This 442-acre urban oasis in Manhattan’s middle borough offers everything from ball fields and playgrounds to gardens and lakes.
Home to more than 2 million annual visitors, this national treasure is a great place.
Prospect Park
This 543-acre park located on Brooklyn’s East River waterfront was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux as their masterpiece.
It features two golf courses, numerous sports fields, play structures, and even an ice rink.
Riverside Park
Covering 600 acres just outside downtown, this sprawling green space is one of the largest urban parks in North America. Watch for bikers, runners, skaters, dog owners and families looking for a little nature time.
High Line
Located near Lincoln Center, this garden elevated above traffic can be used by both residents and tourists. The trail runs along the abandoned railway that once connected Lower Manhattan with Midtown.
Fort Greene Park
Part of Brooklyn Bridge Park, this 1,200 acre green space is perfect for a long stroll or run.
Washington Square Park
This small yet lively square in Greenwich Village offers art installations, performances, farmers markets and a nice view of the surrounding buildings.
Battery Park
At the southern tip of Manhattan, this large green space is home to the Statue of Liberty. Picnic areas, open grasslands, and sport courts make it a popular spot year round.
Governors Island
Located in the harbor between Manhattan and Queens, this 60-acre island is a military base, but is also part of the National Park system and is open to the public. Explore its beaches, bike paths and memorials.
Beacon Street Park
Just south of Downtown Crossing, Beacon Street Park is a quiet haven in the heart of Boston’s financial district.
Union Square Greenmarket
One of the biggest and busiest produce markets, the Union Square Greenmarket sprawls across multiple blocks at the center of the city.
Madison Square Park
A favorite among locals, this picturesque green space is surrounded by skyscrapers, but still feels like a hidden gem.
Gramercy Park
This tiny pocket park in the heart of midtown Manhattan is home to historic homes, old trees, and cultural institutions such as the Frick Collection.
Highline Canal Towpath
Running through West Chelsea alongside the Hudson River, the Highline Canal towpath is one of the city’s best trails for walking, running, biking, rollerblading and skating.
Boathouse Row
On the east side of the Hudson River in Upper Manhattan, these boathouses are the oldest standing structure in New York City.
Astoria Park
A park named after a famous writer. It’s located near Queens, New York City. There are many things to do here, such as walking around, eating, or playing sports.
This park is also an amazing place to go if you want to enjoy nature. You can enjoy beautiful scenery while relaxing in this park.
Center Blvd
The well known Center Blvd is found in Long Island, NY Max Touhey. This is this walkable thoroughfare which connects Hunter’s Point South to the Gantry Plaza State Park.
It’s got everything you might want: plenty of places to sit, and lots of sunshine on nice days. The newest section of hunter’s point South Park is an especially lovely place for strolling.
Brighton Beach
You can’t walk the beach in New York City without coming across Russians. There are many Russian restaurants in Brighton Beach.
In Coney Island, there are also lots of Russian restaurants. No matter what part of the city you’re walking in, you’ll come across Russians.
Bay Ridge Avenue
This is a pleasant place to walk. There are great views of the harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Staten Island. The pier is a popular spot for tourists.
5th Avenue
This is yet another great street to walk. 5th Avenue has some of the most expensive stores in the world. It’s perfect for window shopping.
But we think my favorite part about 5th avenue is the people watching. Don’t forget to look up at all the buildings towering over you as you walk along.
Van Cortlandt Park
The Bronx boasts some of New York City’s vast greenery and is often regarded as the greenest borough.
Spending time in Van Cortlandt Park is ideal for those looking for somewhere more peaceful away from the busyness of the City.
The more than 1100 acres feel like a forest or a jungle within the city, abundant with all kinds of wildlife – oak, red maple, tulip trees; tiny frog, and white-tailed deer to name a few. Back hills of the cross-country trail makes great terrain to walk or jog, offering cool shade and silence for miles.
Summary
Having read this guide all the way through we have provided you now with what we believe are 20 of the best places to walk in New York City.
You can walk around and explore these places or go for a run. It is all up to you.
The scenery and interesting things about these places make them impossible to miss off our list, and you will see why when it comes to visiting them.
You can go and explore one of these or all of them. We just couldn’t recommend just one that you had to visit because they are all that amazing. Go out and explore!
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