Riverside Park New York City
A sprawling, multi-level park along the Hudson River, offering scenic promenades, historic sites, and vibrant recreational spaces.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Riverside Park New York City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling, multi-level park along the Hudson River, offering scenic promenades, historic sites, and vibrant recreational spaces.
"This is the most underrated park in New York City that only the locals know about."
🚶♀️ Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is extensive! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort.
🚲 Bike Rentals Available
Rent a bike to cover more ground and enjoy the scenic Greenway. Book in advance during peak season.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Promenade's River Views
Along the Hudson River
Stroll or cycle this scenic boulevard offering stunning Hudson River vistas and glimpses of New Jersey.

Grant's Tomb
122nd Street and Riverside Drive
Explore the majestic resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, a significant historical landmark.

The Red Lighthouse
Around 151st Street
A picturesque, historic red lighthouse offering a charming photo opportunity and a landmark along the Hudson.

Playgrounds and Recreation
Various locations throughout the park
Numerous playgrounds, sports fields, and recreational areas make it a vibrant spot for families and active visitors.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Riverside Park's Expansive Beauty
Safety and Serenity in Riverside Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is extensive! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort.
🚲 Bike Rentals Available
Rent a bike to cover more ground and enjoy the scenic Greenway. Book in advance during peak season.
📍 Lamppost Location Hack
In emergencies, note the numbers on lampposts for precise location.
📸 Capture the Views
The Hudson River and city skyline offer incredible photo ops, especially at sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is extensive! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort.
🚲 Bike Rentals Available
Rent a bike to cover more ground and enjoy the scenic Greenway. Book in advance during peak season.
📍 Lamppost Location Hack
In emergencies, note the numbers on lampposts for precise location.
📸 Capture the Views
The Hudson River and city skyline offer incredible photo ops, especially at sunset.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The park is long; know your entry/exit points, especially if cycling or heading to specific attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Riverside Park's expansive beauty, stunning Hudson River views, and the peaceful escape it offers from the city bustle. The well-maintained Greenway is a major draw for walkers and cyclists, and historical sites like Grant's Tomb add a layer of cultural richness. While generally safe, some advise caution in less populated areas after dark.
"Riverside Park is one of the larger parks in NY. It has attractions for all kinds of people, and can yield beautiful views any time of year.
There is a whole string of various sports fields, hills for children to play on (or even go sledding), trails all throughout, and even a restaurant (Ellington in the Park) overlooking the river and some volleyball courts.
I would give it a full 5 stars if it weren't for the parkway running right next to and through the park. It can still be a beautiful, relaxing or energizing place though."
Garrett Bremer
"We passed by on a sunny day when Central Park was overflowing with people. To our surprise, Riverside Park was much less crowded and had a better view of city. Due to the decline, we could view the cherry blossom trees along the highway from the top towards New Jersey"
Andrew Lam
"An extensive park lining the Upper Westside, offering plentiful views of New Jersey through the greenery. There’s also a series of statues located up on the eastern ridge."
Matt B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverside Park is accessible via multiple subway lines. The 1 train serves the southern and central parts (e.g., 72nd St, 86th St, 96th St, 110th St). The A, B, C, D trains run along the eastern edge, with stops like 110th St-Cathedral Parkway. The A train to 190th Street is a popular route for accessing the northern end near Fort Tryon Park.
Driving is possible, with parking available along Riverside Drive and in some lots. However, traffic can be heavy, and parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Many visitors opt for public transit or cycling.
Yes, you can walk between the parks. From Central Park, head west towards the Hudson River. Streets like 72nd, 86th, or 96th can lead you directly into Riverside Park.
For the northern sections, including Fort Tryon Park, taking the A train to 190th Street is highly recommended. From there, it's a short walk into the park.
Several bus routes run along the avenues bordering Riverside Park, including the M5, M11, M12, M14, M15, M18, M55, M72, M79, M86, M96, M104, M116, and M125. Check MTA schedules for specific routes and stops near your desired park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Riverside Park is a public park and entry is free. You do not need tickets to access the park grounds, walking paths, or playgrounds.
Riverside Park is generally open from 6 AM to 1 AM daily. However, specific facilities within the park, like restrooms or visitor centers, may have different hours.
While park entry is free, some specific activities or facilities might have associated fees, such as sports field rentals or special event permits.
Yes, dogs are allowed in Riverside Park, but they must be on a leash at all times, except in designated off-leash areas. Always check posted signs for specific rules.
The Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial (Grant's Tomb) is part of the National Park Service and is free to enter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the scenic Promenade along the Hudson River, Grant's Tomb, the historic Red Lighthouse, and the various playgrounds. The northern sections offer a more rugged, natural beauty.
While many people cycle or walk through the park at night without issue, it can be poorly lit in sections. It's advisable to stick to well-trafficked and lit areas, or consider parallel routes if you have concerns.
You can walk, jog, cycle, picnic, play sports, visit playgrounds, and enjoy the natural beauty. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatching and photography.
Yes, restrooms are available throughout the park, though their availability and cleanliness can vary. Look for signs indicating their locations.
Many visitors enjoy walking or cycling the length of the park. Consider focusing on specific sections based on your interests, like the historic sites in the north or the playgrounds in the south.
📸 📸 Photography
The Promenade offers stunning river and sunset views. The Red Lighthouse is a unique subject. Grant's Tomb provides a grand architectural backdrop. The tree-lined paths and rocky outcrops also make for beautiful shots.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Weekday mornings are also great for fewer crowds and softer light.
Look for the historic lampposts, the varied landscape with rocky outcrops, and the seasonal foliage. The piers offer interesting perspectives of the river and city.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For professional photoshoots, especially with large equipment or for commercial purposes, you may need to check with the NYC Parks Department for permit requirements.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive river views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant cityscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Runners
💖 Couples and Romantics
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Riverside Park's Greenway
Navigating the Greenway is generally straightforward, but Redditors offer practical advice on the best entrances and potential challenges. The entrance at 72nd Street is noted as convenient, though it requires a short sidewalk segment. For those coming from the north, the path connects seamlessly to Fort Tryon Park, though exits can be spaced out, requiring a bit of planning for Fort Tryon access. Cyclists should be aware of potential hills, especially north of the Red Lighthouse and near the George Washington Bridge.
Key Takeaways for the Greenway:
* Accessibility: Well-connected via multiple subway lines and accessible from various cross streets.
* Activities: Ideal for walking, running, cycling, and enjoying river views.
* Tips: Go early to avoid crowds, be mindful of exit points in the northern sections, and enjoy the continuous scenic route.
Riverside Park's Historical Significance
Beyond Grant's Tomb, the park itself has a rich past, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same landscape architects behind Central Park. They envisioned Riverside Park as a more naturalistic and less formal space, featuring dramatic rocky outcrops and a winding promenade. The Red Lighthouse, located around 151st Street, is another historic structure that adds to the park's charm and serves as a picturesque landmark.
* Key Historical Sites: Grant's Tomb, Red Lighthouse.
* Design Influence: Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.
* Historical Context: The park's design emphasizes natural beauty and offers a historical narrative through its landmarks.
Safety and Serenity in Riverside Park
Redditors generally find the park safe, particularly during daylight hours and on the main paths. However, some advise caution in less populated areas or after dark. If you plan to cycle through the park at night, it's recommended to have a good bike light for visibility and to be aware that some sections may not be well-lit. Sticking to the main, well-trafficked routes and being aware of your surroundings are key to a safe and enjoyable experience.
* Emergency Tip: Note lamppost numbers for precise location.
* General Safety: Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night.
* Cycling at Night: Ensure you have adequate lighting and stay aware of your surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit