Find your Urban Oasis in New York
Check out this list of green spaces NYC has to offer to freshen up during summer.
New York City prioritizes nature accessibility for its residents, with over 20,000 acres of natural areas. These green zones not only improve air quality by removing pollutants but also lead to annual health cost savings of $93.2 million. They provide opportunities for meaningful connections with nature, aligning with the Department of Parks and Recreation’s aim to have 85% of New Yorkers within walking distance of a park by 2030. Despite its concrete reputation, NYC boasts numerous urban oasis.
Discover our top favorite green spaces in the city.
This public park located in Greenwich Village in Lower Manhattan is one of the city’s most iconic parks, a perfect meeting spot, and a center for cultural activities. You’ll recognize this space for its pintoreques fountain and huge Arch, which honors George Washington, the man who the park is named after. The park’s cultural offering can be attributed to its close proximity to NYU and the New School; it has become an ideal place to get a dose of culture during your picnic lunch.
This public park on the West Side of Manhattan is built on a historic, elevated rail line. It was destined for demolition but was repurposed instead into the park we see today, a 1.45-mile-long greenway featuring 500+ species of plants and trees. While getting a unique perspective of the city you can walk and enjoy its gardens, art exhibitions, gatherings with friends, enjoy delicious food, and sometimes even experience a performance.
This Manhattan public park is located a few blocks away from bustling Times Sq. It is the perfect resting place in the middle of the city. Bryant Park is the activities host par excellence featuring an activity in accordance with the seasons; free summer movies on the lawn, markets, an ice skating rink during winter, and much more. This park is also within walking distance of the New York Public library.
Battery Park, located at the southern tip of Manhattan, holds great historical significance as the starting point of New York City. With its waterfront views, flower gardens, and monuments honoring soldiers, explorers, inventors, and immigrants, the park offers a glimpse into the city’s past. It also serves as a departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Did you know that Central Park was the first public park built in America? This man-made wonder is arguably one of the most iconic parks in the world. It is the urban oasis par excellence, a huge park set in the middle of lively Manhattan, that each day is filled with strollers, athletes, musicians, and daydreamers. You’ll find everything from grassy meadows, gentle hills, and fountains to rocky cliffs, lakes, a zoo, and even a castle!
Brooklyn D.U.M.B.O. is a stunning waterfront park in Brooklyn, spanning over 1.3 miles along the East River. With panoramic views of Lower Manhattan’s skyline, diverse piers, and recreational facilities like basketball courts, playgrounds, sports fields, and a historic Carousel, it offers something for everyone to enjoy.
This man-made park spans 526 acres and was designed by the renowned architects behind Central Park. It offers a range of sports facilities including tennis courts, baseball, soccer, and basketball fields. The park boasts attractions like the Long Meadow, Prospect Park Zoo, Picnic House, and Litchfield Villa. Adjacent to this magnificent green space, you’ll find the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Grand Army Plaza, and the Brooklyn Museum.
This green area stretches from 72nd street all the way to158th street along the Hudson River, some people call it Manhattan’s most spectacular waterfront. This park is the ideal place for recreational activities, relaxation, events, dining, culture, panoramic views, and much more. This space also contains a large portion of the Manhattans Waterfront Greenway for bicycles, so you can easily bike your way around the city from here.
In the heart of the East Village, this green space serves as the vibrant centerpiece of the neighborhood. It’s an ideal spot for people-watching and relaxing before exploring the bars in Alphabet City. The park hosts various performances including the outdoor drag festival Wigstock, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, and the Howl Festival honoring Allen Ginsberg. You’ll also find playgrounds, a handball and basketball court, and chess tables for your enjoyment.
These are just a few of the green space options you can find in New York City. These parks are an urban oasis amidst the bustling city, after reviewing our list, explore them all and find your favorite park.
