Parks & Recreation
Regardless of the time of year, green spaces beckon people to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, whether it’s for a little yoga, a picnic, or a cup of coffee.
Bryant Park
Located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Bryant Park is home to plenty of impressive features, including the longest expanse of grass in Manhattan south of Central Park. From February until October, it’s the home of many events, including Bryant Park Movie Nights and Broadway in Bryant Park. In the winter months, the lawn closes to make way for Bank of America Winter Village, where visitors will find New York’s only free admission ice skating rink.
Between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues
212.768.4242
https://bryantpark.org/
Distance from hotel: 1.2 miles
Madison Square Park
Sitting smack in the middle of several busy streets, this park offers an oasis for shoppers, office workers, and tourists alike. Opened in 1847, the park has now become a well-known destination for ambitious, rotating art installations and sculptures, several food and drink festivals, and even a summer concert series. If you’re stopping by, don’t forget to visit Shake Shack, New York’s premiere homegrown fast-casual burger chain.
11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
212.520.7600
http://madisonsquarepark.org
Distance from hotel: 1.7 miles
Central Park
Lush meadows. Enchanting footbridges. Tranquil ponds. Cast-iron lamps. Picturesque from nearly any angle, New York City’s most iconic urban sanctuary is a must-visit for jogging, picnics, or a simple leisurely stroll. Though its ambience is always magical, Central Park imparts an especially mesmerizing experience as the seasons change.
North to South from 110th Street to 59th Street / West to East from Central Park West to 5th Avenue
https://www.centralparknyc.org/
Distance from hotel: 0.9 miles
Greenacre Park
Greenacre Park is a privately-owned but publicly accessible greenspace on East 51st St where a small urban space is transformed into a “vest-pocket park”. The greenspace, which is only 60 feet wide and 120 feet deep, impresses upon you a much larger size through well-crafted use of spatial definition, textural variation, and lush greenery. The greenspace culminates in the rear with an impressive 25-foot cascade water fountain.
East 51st St between 2nd Ave & 3rd Ave
https://greenacrepark.org
Distance from hotel: 0.1 miles
Sutton Place Park
Unless you were looking for it, it’s likely you’d never find this small tucked away oasis from the hustle of Midtown East. Sutton Place Park is a small park on the East River between 56th and 57th street that offers unobscured views of the Queensborough Bridge and the river traffic, along with and benches to sit and enjoy the moment. You may recognize the park from Woody Allen’s Manhattan.
East River between East 56th and 57th St
https://nycgovparks.org
Distance from hotel: 0.9 miles
Union Square Park
Named simply for being the convergence, or union, of Broadway and Fourth Avenue, the tree-lined Union Square Park provides a natural gathering place for folks coming north from the East and West Village, or south from Gramercy and the Flatiron District. On weekends during warmer months, find a bustling Greenmarket hawking vegetables, fruits, and other edible goods. Come winter, there’s an adorable festive holiday market with gifts, hot cocoa, and Christmas lights aplenty. In the summer, there is a concert series for kids.
14th St to 17th St between Union Square W and Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003
http://unionsquarenyc.org/
Distance from hotel: 2.3 miles
FDR Running Path (East River Promenade)
Feeling restless? Throw on your running shoes and head to this well-maintained riverside running path beloved by locals. Run alongside the FDR Highway towards the 1.5 mile stretch of greenery at East River Park, while enjoying a view of the East River and Brooklyn. In the morning you may see park goers fishing in the river or enjoying some of the many park amenities.
FDR Drive from E 125th St to E 60th and Battery Park to E 34th Street
Distance from hotel: 0.7 miles
East River Esplanade Dog Run
This large fenced-in park is one of the few places in the Upper East Side where you can let your furry friends enjoy some off-leash playtime. The park itself is located just north of the Queensborough Bridge on John Finley Walk, and has ample space for your pooch to get a workout in. The area is on elevated ground and offers decent views of the Brooklyn waterfront.
E 60th St and FDR Dr, New York, NY 10022
212.639.9675
https://www.yelp.com/biz/east-river-esplanade-dog-run-aka-andrew-haswell-green-dog-run-new-york
Distance from hotel: 1.1 miles
Pocket Parks
Though not as widely known as some of New York City’s larger parks, pocket parks punctuate Manhattan’s landscape. The most notable among them are Greenacre Park, home to lots of shade, seats and tables, as well as a small tea shop, and Paley Park, which is celebrated among urban designers, and hosts a waterfall that spans the entire back wall of the park.
217 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022 / 3 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022
Distance from hotel: 0.4 miles
Peter Detmold Park
It may look imposing, thanks to a cast iron gate, but Peter Detmold Park couldn’t be more peaceful. Gazebos, park benches, and trees abound here, and four-legged friends will also find a dog run.
454 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022
https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/peter-detmold-park/history
Distance from hotel: 0.5 miles
