Best Parks in New York (2025)

The city’s democratic commons keeps evolving: the Conservancy’s new Davis Center at the Harlem Meer adds a seasonal pool, rink, and lawn up north. Regularly featured in The New York Times and beloved by locals for rambles, meadows, and concerts.

Olmsted and Vaux’s Brooklyn masterpiece blends woodlands, Long Meadow picnics, and lakefront paths. Stewarded by Prospect Park Alliance and home to BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn—often praised by Condé Nast Traveler and Time Out for its vibrant, local heartbeat.

An 85‑acre waterfront revival with lawns, courts, playgrounds, and free kayaking—plus knockout skyline views. A regular in Time Out and CNN travel roundups, it’s the kind of park that turns a stroll into an afternoon.

This elevated rail line turned public park pairs prairie‑style plantings with site‑specific art and Hudson views. Overseen with Friends of the High Line and consistently recommended by major editors for a uniquely urban nature walk.

Uptown serenity with Hudson River overlooks and the acclaimed Heather Garden, supported by the Fort Tryon Park Trust. A favorite of garden writers and local critics, it pairs seasonal color with nearby Cloisters culture.

Manhattan’s last natural forest and salt marsh, celebrated by NYC Parks and the state’s DEC for raptors, shoreline ecology, and rugged trails. Come for true woods, Lenape history, and bald‑eagle sightings at the river’s edge.

A 407‑acre state park on reclaimed landfills honoring the Brooklyn trailblazer. Ten miles of car‑free trails, piers, and a free Bike Library make it a standout—regularly highlighted by New York State Parks and local outlets.

Artist‑founded and community‑run on the Astoria waterfront, this free outdoor museum hosts rotating installations, films, and yoga. Profiled by The New York Times and recommended by Time Out New York for culture with skyline views.

Restored gantries frame one of the city’s best Midtown skyline views. State Parks programming, piers, and play areas make it a locals’ favorite—often cited by travel editors for sunsets and photographs.

Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, this NPS‑managed refuge is a premier urban birding site with ponds, blinds, and the West Pond loop. Endorsed by the National Park Service and NYC birding groups for migration magic.

A midtown civic salon run by a local nonprofit, famed for free events, film nights, and seasonal markets. Frequently highlighted by Time Out and other critics for turning a dense business district into a cultural hangout.