Parks and outdoors · Parks · 2026
The best parks in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 15 places.
If you’ve ever lived in New York City or even just visited for more than a weekend you know how essential green spaces are to staying sane. I get asked about the best parks in NYC all the time, so I finally wrote down everything I know. In a place built on noise, speed, and concrete, the city’s parks are small miracles. I lean on them daily.
Between neighborhood playgrounds, historic promenades, and sprawling escapes like Prospect Park, there are over 1,700 public spaces scattered across the five boroughs. And trust me, some are much better than others.
- Brooklyn Bridge ParkPark · BrooklynThis perhaps the best park in New York City for skyline views as it faces the iconic towering buildings of lower Manhattan (some of the tallest in NYC).
- Bryant ParkPark · Midtown ManhattanBryant Park in summer, with a free movie on the lawn and the library lit up behind you, is one of my favorite versions of this city.
- Central ParkPark · ManhattanCentral park is the most beautiful park in New York City (maybe the world?).
- Domino ParkPark · WilliamsburgDomino Park is the spot to be on a weekend night as the whole neighborhood (and beyond) turns out to relax and soak in some time next to the water.
- Fort Greene ParkPark · Fort GreeneFort Greene Park has an interesting claim to fame. it’s officially the first park in Brooklyn.
- Hudson River ParkPark · ManhattanHudson River Park is a sight to behold, especially considering what came before it.
- Inwood Hill ParkPark · InwoodIf you’re looking to spot a bald eagle in New York City, Inwood Hill Park is the spot for you.
- Little Island ParkPark · ChelseaI love coming here to relax, admire the park’s maturing greenery, enjoy the food & drink vendors, soak in the views (of midtown and lower Manhattan), and enjoy sporadic live music events.
- McCarren ParkPark · Williamsburg/GreenpointBordering trendy Williamsburg and Greenpoint, McCarren Park is very popular with Brooklyn locals because of the easy-going feel and ample green space (35 glorious acres).
- Prospect ParkPark · BrooklynProspect Park in Brooklyn, designed by the same architects, is equally beautiful with a fraction of the crowds.
- Riverside ParkPark · Upper West SideSituated along the Hudson River in the Upper West Side, Riverside Park is often considered Manhattan’s most scenic waterfront park and I can’t say I disagree.
- The Battery (Battery Park)Park · Lower ManhattanPro tip. most people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.
- The High LinePark · ChelseaIt’s always on my list of the best parks in New York City to take out of town guests because it never fails to be a highlight for them.
- Van Cortlandt ParkPark · The BronxMy favorite part about the NYC park is that it feels more natural and less manicured.
- Washington Square ParkPark · Greenwich VillageThis place is always happening and the lively atmosphere makes Washington Square Park one of the best parks in NYC for people-watching.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Park · Brooklyn
This perhaps the best park in New York City for skyline views as it faces the iconic towering buildings of lower Manhattan (some of the tallest in NYC).
Bryant Park
Park · Midtown Manhattan
Bryant Park in summer, with a free movie on the lawn and the library lit up behind you, is one of my favorite versions of this city.
Central Park
Park · Manhattan
Central park is the most beautiful park in New York City (maybe the world?).
Domino Park
Park · Williamsburg
Domino Park is the spot to be on a weekend night as the whole neighborhood (and beyond) turns out to relax and soak in some time next to the water.
Fort Greene Park
Park · Fort Greene
Fort Greene Park has an interesting claim to fame. it’s officially the first park in Brooklyn.
Hudson River Park
Park · Manhattan
Hudson River Park is a sight to behold, especially considering what came before it.
Inwood Hill Park
Park · Inwood
If you’re looking to spot a bald eagle in New York City, Inwood Hill Park is the spot for you.
Little Island Park
Park · Chelsea
I love coming here to relax, admire the park’s maturing greenery, enjoy the food & drink vendors, soak in the views (of midtown and lower Manhattan), and enjoy sporadic live music events.
McCarren Park
Park · Williamsburg/Greenpoint
Bordering trendy Williamsburg and Greenpoint, McCarren Park is very popular with Brooklyn locals because of the easy-going feel and ample green space (35 glorious acres).
Prospect Park
Park · Brooklyn
Prospect Park in Brooklyn, designed by the same architects, is equally beautiful with a fraction of the crowds.
Riverside Park
Park · Upper West Side
Situated along the Hudson River in the Upper West Side, Riverside Park is often considered Manhattan’s most scenic waterfront park and I can’t say I disagree.
The Battery (Battery Park)
Park · Lower Manhattan
Pro tip. most people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.
The High Line
Park · Chelsea
It’s always on my list of the best parks in New York City to take out of town guests because it never fails to be a highlight for them.
Van Cortlandt Park
Park · The Bronx
My favorite part about the NYC park is that it feels more natural and less manicured.
Washington Square Park
Park · Greenwich Village
This place is always happening and the lively atmosphere makes Washington Square Park one of the best parks in NYC for people-watching.
Best parks in New York, 2026
The seal
Every place on this list can show it. It links back here, so a reader sees the whole list and how it was made. No fee.
The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: The Most Beautiful Parks in New York City (Local’s Guide).