Riverside Park
A vast urban oasis along the Hudson River, offering art, recreation, and natural beauty from playgrounds to historic tunnels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Riverside Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast urban oasis along the Hudson River, offering art, recreation, and natural beauty from playgrounds to historic tunnels.
"Riverside Park is a sprawling urban oasis, offering art, recreation, and stunning river views."
🚶♀️ Explore by Section
Riverside Park spans miles; focus on a specific section like Riverside Park South or the Freedom Tunnel area for a richer experience.
☕ Coffee with a View
Grab a coffee at Pier i Café for a relaxing break with beautiful river vistas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Freedom Tunnel
Upper West Side, Manhattan
Explore the graffiti-covered Freedom Tunnel, a mile-long historic train tunnel with vibrant street art.
Pier i Café & Riverside Park South
70th Street and Riverside Drive
Enjoy a coffee with stunning river views at Pier i Café, a charming spot nestled in the park.
Riverside Park Goats
143rd Street & Riverside Drive
Meet the park's resident goats! These adorable lawnmowers help maintain the park's landscape.
Riverside Park Playgrounds
Various locations throughout the park
Discover numerous playgrounds, including the popular 158th Street playground, offering fun for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Riverside Park
Best Times to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore by Section
Riverside Park spans miles; focus on a specific section like Riverside Park South or the Freedom Tunnel area for a richer experience.
☕ Coffee with a View
Grab a coffee at Pier i Café for a relaxing break with beautiful river vistas.
🐐 Meet the Goats!
Visit the park's unique goat herd at 143rd Street for a memorable encounter.
🌳 Nature Trails
Enjoy the natural beauty and walking trails, perfect for a refreshing escape.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore by Section
Riverside Park spans miles; focus on a specific section like Riverside Park South or the Freedom Tunnel area for a richer experience.
☕ Coffee with a View
Grab a coffee at Pier i Café for a relaxing break with beautiful river vistas.
🐐 Meet the Goats!
Visit the park's unique goat herd at 143rd Street for a memorable encounter.
🌳 Nature Trails
Enjoy the natural beauty and walking trails, perfect for a refreshing escape.
🏃♀️ Running Groups
Join local running clubs that meet at Riverside Park for group runs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Riverside Park for its expansive green spaces, diverse recreational activities, and stunning river views. The Freedom Tunnel's graffiti art and the unique goat herd are frequently highlighted as memorable attractions. While generally well-loved, some visitors note that certain areas can become crowded, especially during peak times or events.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverside Park is accessible via multiple subway lines. For Riverside Park South, the 1 train to 72nd Street is convenient. 
Street parking is available but can be limited, especially on weekends. Some areas may have metered parking. It's advisable to check local parking regulations.
The best entrance depends on what you want to see. For the Freedom Tunnel, access points near 125th Street are good. For Pier i Café, use the entrance near 70th Street.
Yes, Riverside Park is well-served by public transportation. The 1, 2, 3, A, C, and B trains all have stops near the park's various sections.
Absolutely! Riverside Park runs along the west side of Manhattan, making it easily accessible from most parts of the borough via subway or bus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Riverside Park is a public park and does not require tickets for general entry.
General admission to Riverside Park is free. However, some specific attractions or events within the park might have associated fees.
Riverside Park is generally open from 6 AM to 1 AM daily. However, specific facilities like playgrounds or restrooms may have different hours.
The Freedom Tunnel is accessible from within Riverside Park. You can view the graffiti art by looking through the fenced arches.
No, visiting the goats at 143rd Street is free of charge as part of your park visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Riverside Park offers a wide range of activities including playgrounds, walking paths, sports fields, the Freedom Tunnel, and seasonal events.
Yes, Riverside Park has numerous playgrounds, including popular ones at 158th Street and 79th Street, catering to different age groups. +1
Yes, Riverside Park is dog-friendly. There are designated dog runs where dogs can play off-leash.
The Freedom Tunnel offers unique graffiti art for photos. The riverfront views, especially near Pier i Café, are also picturesque.
Restrooms are available throughout Riverside Park, though their availability and hours can vary by season and location.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Pier i Café is a popular spot for coffee and light fare. Food trucks and vendors may also be present, especially during events.
Absolutely! Riverside Park has many open spaces and picnic tables, making it a great spot for a picnic.
The areas surrounding Riverside Park, particularly the Upper West Side, offer a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and delis.
Pier i Café offers a charming dining experience with lovely river views.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a great way to enjoy the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The Freedom Tunnel's vibrant graffiti, the scenic riverfront, and the historic architecture offer fantastic photo opportunities.
While the tunnel is fenced, it's generally safe to view and photograph from the park side. Be aware of your surroundings.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography along the river.
Drone usage in NYC parks is generally restricted. It's best to check with the NYC Parks Department for current regulations.
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, the various sculptures, and the river views are iconic landmarks for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the splash pads or spraygrounds during warmer months for extra water fun. 🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
🎨 Art and History Buffs
Discover historical monuments like the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument and learn about the park's development under Robert Moses. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Freedom Tunnel: Art and History
While the tunnel itself is not open for public walking, its presence adds a layer of intrigue and edginess to Riverside Park. The art is constantly evolving, with new pieces appearing regularly, making each visit a potentially different visual experience. It's a testament to the city's dynamic street art scene and a must-see for those interested in urban culture and hidden city gems.
Riverside Park's Green Spaces and Recreation
Beyond active pursuits, the park is ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature. Picnic areas are abundant, inviting families and friends to gather and enjoy meals outdoors.
The Goats of Riverside Park
These animals are not just a novelty; they serve a practical purpose as part of the park's vegetation management program. By grazing on invasive plants and underbrush, they help maintain the park's natural beauty and ecological health. Visitors can observe these hardworking goats from 7 AM to 6 PM. It's a delightful and unexpected encounter that adds a whimsical touch to the park experience. The program has been a success, highlighting innovative ways to care for urban green spaces.
It's a great opportunity for families and anyone looking for a unique wildlife sighting within the city.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit