Van Cortlandt Park.

Located in the Bronx, Van Cortlandt Park is one of the largest parks in New York City (spanning 1,200 acres!). The distance from the center of Manhattan ensures a proper escape into solitude, something that cannot be overstated while living in New York City.

My favorite part about the NYC park is that it feels more natural and less manicured. Home tons of playing fields and a tons of playgrounds, this a great family friendly park.

There’s an unmistakable energy here, how the landscape shifts as you move through Van Cortlandt Park. There’s a quality of light here that photographs never quite capture, you have to be standing in it to understand. I’d suggest giving yourself at least a couple of hours, more if you’re the type who likes to sit with a view and let it sink in. Wear layers, bring water, and resist the urge to check your phone. The best moments here happen when you’re fully present. Early mornings are magical if you can manage it, and you’ll have far fewer people to share the trail with.

If you take the 1 train all the way to the last stop you’ll find yourself at Van Cortlandt Park, one of the best parks to relax in if you’re looking for fun things to do in The Bronx. The area surrounding Van Cortlandt Lake is especially memorable. My favorite path to take is the Putnam trail from the south end of the lake until I reach the Putnam Bridge.

From there take the John Kieran trail back down along the edge of the water until I’m back at my starting point. This barely scratches the surface of the park’s 1100+ acres, but during the fall time, it satiates my need for colorful foliage in New York City.

And since it’s far above the city, Van Cortlandt Park is a nice reprieve from the crowds that frequent the more easily accessible parks. This is one of the more peaceful things to do in The Bronx (no matter the time of year) specifically in fall.