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The Best of New York · Parks and outdoors · Parks

The best parks in New York City beyond Central Park

Updated September 2026. 9 places.

I need to say something that might get me in trouble. Central Park is not my favorite park in New York City. I love it. I go there constantly. I have probably spent more hours on the Great Lawn than in my own apartment. But if I had to pick one park to visit every single day for the rest of my life, it would not be Central Park.

That feels like sacrilege to say out loud. But hear me out. New York has so many incredible parks that never show up in the guidebooks. Places where you can sit on the grass without being surrounded by tour groups. Places where the skyline views make you actually stop walking. Places where it genuinely feels like you stumbled into a different city entirely.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best parks in New York City beyond Central Park, 2026

  1. Brooklyn Bridge ParkPark · DUMBO, BrooklynI was standing on Pier 1 looking back at the Manhattan skyline at sunset and the whole city was turning golden and I genuinely felt emotional about it.
  2. Domino ParkPark · WilliamsburgIt’s a quieter, more intimate alternative to Brooklyn Bridge Park and just as photogenic.
  3. Fort Tryon Park and The CloistersPark · Washington HeightsFort Tryon Park in Washington Heights is the most underrated park in Manhattan and I will defend this position with my whole chest.
  4. Gantry Plaza State ParkPark · Long Island CityWhat photos don’t convey is how good this park is for just hanging out.
  5. Governors IslandPark · New York HarborIt is genuinely one of the best-kept secrets in New York even though it’s getting more popular every year.
  6. Hudson River ParkPark · Manhattan West SideIt doesn’t feel like exercise. It feels like being in a movie about exercise.
  7. Prospect ParkPark · BrooklynHaving spent significant time in both, I think they might have been right.
  8. The High LinePark · Chelsea/Meatpacking DistrictBut I still love it.
  9. Washington Square ParkPark · Greenwich VillageI never get tired of this park. It gives me energy every single time.
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: The Best Parks in NYC (Beyond Central Park).