Hudson River Park New York City
A sprawling waterfront park offering unique attractions like the floating Little Island, a rooftop park, and scenic greenways.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Hudson River Park New York City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling waterfront park offering unique attractions like the floating Little Island, a rooftop park, and scenic greenways.
"Hudson River Park offers stunning views and unique public spaces, a must-visit for any NYC trip!"
🎯 Rooftop Views at Pier 57
Take the elevator to the top of Pier 57 for Manhattan's largest public rooftop park – free views!
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
The park is long! Wear comfy shoes for walking or biking the Hudson River Greenway.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Little Island NYC
Pier 55
A unique floating park with undulating hills, lush greenery, and stunning city and river views.
Pier 57 Rooftop Park
Pier 57
Manhattan's largest public rooftop park offering panoramic views of the Hudson River and beyond.
Hudson River Greenway
Along the Hudson River
A scenic waterfront path perfect for walking, running, or biking with iconic city vistas.
Pier 25 Playground & Mini Golf
Pier 25
A family-friendly spot with a fantastic playground and a fun 18-hole mini-golf course.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting Around the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Rooftop Views at Pier 57
Take the elevator to the top of Pier 57 for Manhattan's largest public rooftop park – free views!
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
The park is long! Wear comfy shoes for walking or biking the Hudson River Greenway.
🚴♀️ Bike the Greenway
Rent a Citi Bike to explore the scenic Hudson River Greenway and cover more ground.
🌅 Sunset Spot: Pier 57
For sunset views behind New Jersey, Pier 57 is great and less crowded than Little Island.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Rooftop Views at Pier 57
Take the elevator to the top of Pier 57 for Manhattan's largest public rooftop park – free views!
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
The park is long! Wear comfy shoes for walking or biking the Hudson River Greenway.
🚴♀️ Bike the Greenway
Rent a Citi Bike to explore the scenic Hudson River Greenway and cover more ground.
🌅 Sunset Spot: Pier 57
For sunset views behind New Jersey, Pier 57 is great and less crowded than Little Island.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun at Pier 25
Pier 25 offers a great playground and mini-golf, perfect for a family outing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning views and unique architectural designs of Little Island and Pier 57's rooftop park. The extensive Hudson River Greenway is praised for its recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. While generally well-loved, some find certain areas can get very crowded, especially on weekends.
"This is a nice place for a walk with your dog and many people do this. It's nice,calm and not crowded. And you have a nice view from Hudson river.
Important to mention that there are no places inside the area where you can buy something to eat or drink.
In this specific area there are no playgrounds or restrooms."
Thais
"Beautiful place for picnics, art gatherings 🎨 , lovers ✨️, joggers, strollers, sun bathers, and more! --- Its a great way to enjoy 'nature' in New York City."
N Faye
"I really liked it. It's quite clean, the green areas are well maintained, there are water fountains, and the view of the Hudson River is fabulous. It's excellent for exercising, jogging, running, biking, or walking your dogs 🏃♀️🚴♀️🐕🦺. The route runs from Pier 62 practically within sight of the vessel. Highly recommended.✅️✨️"
marco rios pita
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access Hudson River Park via multiple subway lines. The A, C, E, L, 1, 2, 3, 7 trains all have stops within walking distance. Many visitors also opt for buses or ride-sharing services. +1
Parking in the area can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services. If you must drive, look for parking garages in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Yes, the High Line connects to Hudson River Park. You can easily transition from the High Line to areas like Pier 55 (Little Island) or Pier 57.
The closest subway stations to Little Island NYC are 14th Street (A, C, E, L) and 23rd Street (1, 2, 3). From there, it's a short walk west to the pier.
While there aren't direct ferry stops within the park itself, you can take ferries to nearby terminals and then walk or bike to the park. Some dinner cruises depart from nearby piers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Hudson River Park itself is free to access. Popular attractions within the park, like Little Island and Pier 57's rooftop, are also free to enter.
Entry to Little Island is generally free. However, during peak times or special events, timed entry tickets might be required. It's always a good idea to check their official website before your visit.
Hudson River Park is typically open from 6 AM to 1 AM daily. Specific attractions within the park, like Little Island, may have slightly different hours, so check their individual schedules.
Most piers within Hudson River Park are free to access. Attractions like the playground and mini-golf at Pier 25 may have small fees.
For specific activities like kayaking or paddleboarding, booking in advance is recommended. Check with individual vendors operating within the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy free activities like walking the Hudson River Greenway, exploring Little Island, relaxing on the Pier 57 rooftop, and visiting the playgrounds. +1
Absolutely! Pier 25 has a fantastic playground and mini-golf. Little Island also offers open spaces for kids to explore.
Many find the areas south of Chelsea Piers, around 14th Street and below, to be the most tree-lined and pleasant. The Greenway offers continuous scenic views.
Swimming in the Hudson River is generally not permitted due to water quality and boat traffic. However, you can enjoy water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Yes, restrooms are available at various points throughout Hudson River Park, particularly at the larger piers like Pier 25 and Pier 57.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options. Pier 57 features a food hall with diverse vendors. You'll also find cafes and seasonal food stands throughout the park.
Pier 57's Market 57 food hall offers a variety of cuisines, from seafood and pizza to international flavors, catering to different tastes.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and have picnics in designated areas of Hudson River Park. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery on a budget.
Many of the dining spots offer lovely views of the Hudson River. The food hall at Pier 57 and cafes on various piers provide scenic backdrops for your meal.
Alcohol consumption is generally permitted in designated areas of Hudson River Park, especially at establishments with liquor licenses. Always check park rules and regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
Little Island offers unique architectural shots, Pier 57's rooftop provides sweeping cityscapes, and the entire Hudson River Greenway is perfect for capturing sunsets and river views.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photography conditions. Golden hour before sunset is particularly stunning.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks in New York City, including Hudson River Park, for safety and privacy reasons. Check official park regulations.
From the piers, you can capture the classic Manhattan skyline. For a different perspective, consider the views from the Hudson River Greenway looking east.
General photography for personal use is usually allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more active adventure, consider kayaking or paddleboarding on the Hudson River, with several vendors offering rentals and lessons suitable for various ages. The Hudson River Greenway is also great for family bike rides, with dedicated paths ensuring safety. Remember to check the operating hours for specific attractions like the mini-golf and playgrounds.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To save money on food, take advantage of the park's many open spaces for picnics. You can grab affordable eats from local delis or grocery stores and enjoy them with a stunning waterfront backdrop. While some activities like mini-golf or boat rentals have fees, the core experience of enjoying the park's beauty and public spaces is entirely free.
couples
Consider a sunset dinner cruise departing from nearby piers for a truly special evening. These cruises often include dining and entertainment with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Little Island NYC
Visitors can wander through its various levels, discover intimate seating areas, and enjoy performances at the amphitheater. The design emphasizes a connection with nature, with seasonal plantings that change throughout the year. It's a popular spot for photographers and those seeking a tranquil escape from the urban bustle. Remember to check for any timed entry requirements, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth visit.
Key features include the Amphitheater, the Glade, and the Play Area, each offering a different experience. The park is accessible via a pedestrian bridge from the esplanade. It's a testament to innovative public space creation and a must-visit for anyone exploring the Hudson River Park area.
The Hudson River Greenway Experience
Travelers often praise the Greenway for its scenic beauty and the variety of experiences it offers. You can bike from the southern tip of Manhattan all the way up to the George Washington Bridge, passing by numerous piers, parks, and cultural attractions. Some sections are more tree-lined and serene, particularly north of 59th Street, while others are more urban and bustling.
Safety is generally good, with the path being well-lit and frequented by many people, especially during daylight hours. However, as with any urban area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. The Greenway connects to other major parks and attractions, making it a central artery for exploring Manhattan's waterfront.
Pier 57: A Multifaceted Destination
Ascending to the top reveals Manhattan's largest public rooftop park. This expansive green space offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Hudson River, the city skyline, and the New Jersey waterfront. It's a popular spot for enjoying the sunset, picnicking, or simply taking in the scenery without the crowds often found at other viewpoints.
Beyond dining and views, Pier 57 also houses the TCL Chinese Theatre, adding a cultural element to the pier. The combination of food, views, and entertainment makes Pier 57 a dynamic destination within Hudson River Park.
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