It's on 6 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- CostFree
- AddressPier 55 in Hudson River Park
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Little Island is part floating garden, part performance space, and completely unique. Built on tulip-shaped concrete pillars over the Hudson River, it’s a green escape in the middle of the city with some of the best views on the west side. I love walking the winding paths, stopping at the viewpoints, and finding a quiet spot to relax.
It’s located near the Meatpacking District and Hudson River Park, so it’s easy to combine with a walk along the water or a visit to the Whitney Museum. I usually go in the late afternoon and stay through sunset, the light over the river is beautiful, and there’s often live music or events in the amphitheater! Little Island is still fairly new, but it’s already become a popular outdoor attraction in NYC (for good reason!).
Little Island is a redesigned pier that extends over the Hudson River with a beautiful design meant to be an oasis in the concrete jungle. Access won’t cost you a penny making this one of the best Instagrammable places in NYC.
The views are spectacular and the experience feels like being on an adult playground. I bring all of my out of town guests here because it’s so unique. Green grass compliments gorgeous landscape design with ample seating and views to enjoy from.
Bonus: Neighboring Pier 57 is also home to a park, only this one is on a rooftop! It’s a hidden gem that even some locals don’t know about yet and one of the best spots in NYC for pictures.
Little Island is a redesigned pier that extends over the Hudson River with a beautiful design meant to be an oasis in the concrete jungle. Access won’t cost you a penny making this one of the best it. The views are spectacular and the experience feels like being on an adult playground. Green grass compliments gorgeous landscape design with ample seating and views to enjoy from.
Bonus. Neighboring Pier 57 is also home to a park, only this one is on a rooftop! It’s a popular spot for locals to sprawl out and try to get some sun. It’s not uncommon to see bathing suits and sun hats up there. Like hanging out at Little Island, this one of the best it.
There are a lot of great parks in New York City but Little Island is the one I recommend visiting while exploring New York City with teens. It’s a redesigned pier that sits over the Hudson River on bulbous, cement pillars.
Visiting this small New York City park is free and quick. Take the short hike up to the viewpoint where you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Manhattan. When you’re done climb back down and enjoy a bite at one of the seasonal food trucks or check out the newly opened food hall at Pier 57.
Little Island (Pier 55, Hudson River Park) isn’t exactly a secret anymore, but on a weekday morning it’s still surprisingly empty. The park sits on sculptural concrete pillars in the Hudson River, and the design is unlike anything else in the city. It opened in 2021 and it still feels futuristic.
Free entry. The amphitheater hosts free performances in summer. Go before 10am on a Tuesday and you might have entire sections to yourself.
There are a lot of great parks in New York City, and more than one deserve a shout-out. Having said that, Little Island is a redesigned pier that sits over the Hudson River on bulbous, cement pillars so how could I not give it a shout-out? Standing at a mere 2.4 acres, there’s a small hike up to a viewpoint that offers a priceless view of the Manhattan skyline, but you’ll get to snap your photos for free!