It's on 3 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
My guide to Roosevelt IslandIs Roosevelt Island Worth Visiting? An Honest Local’s Take
- Cost$2.75
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Roosevelt Island, nestled between Manhattan and Queens in the East River, offers one of the best spots for NYC fall foliage. Take the tram from the Upper East Side to Roosevelt Island for the price of a subway ride ($2.75) and spend the morning hanging out in Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park. There’s plenty of seating and you can soak in some of the best skyline views of New York City.
The mature cherry trees burst with color in the fall and the island swells with tourists like moths to a flame. Roosevelt Island is home to both Yoshino trees and Kwanzan trees, giving visitors plenty of fall foliage to enjoy.
Roosevelt Island has some of the best skyline views of New York City, but most locals tend to save their visit for the spring, not hard to see why. Roosevelt Island is home to both Yoshino trees (which bloom in early April) and Kwanzan trees (early May), giving visitors a four-week window to see cherry blossoms in NYC.
The trees along the waterfront create a stunning canopy of blooms. Take a stroll down the esplanade or park yourself on a bench and people watch for a while.
Best Time to Visit Roosevelt Island for Cherry Blossoms.Early-mid April through mid-May.
The tram itself is an experience that New Yorkers take for granted and tourists find remarkable; it travels 3,100 feet over the river and has been running since 1976.