Places with Water Views in New York City
Enjoy the Waterfront
As New York City is centered around the harbor and rivers, and was built on islands, naturally one would expect to find some great places to enjoy some water views and have a good time on the waterfront. We've compiled this list of the best places to go for those water views so that you can have some relaxing time on the waterfront when you just need to escape the hustle of the city.Staten Island Ferry
Statue Of Liberty
NYC, Liberty Island, 07302-4522
If you're looking for more information about New York City, read Places to Bike in New York City and Where to See the Sunset & Sunrise in New York City.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Pier 86, W 46th St, Upper West Side, New York, NY, 10036
Brooklyn Bridge
NYC, New York, 10038
Fort Tryon Park
Fort Tryon Park, in Hudson Heights, has 67 acres of forest area that overlooks the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge. A certain 3-acre section resembles an English estate garden. Other areas have a unique collection of trees which bloom during various seasons.
63 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort George, NYC, New York, 10040
The High Line
This popular urban walking trail is located high above the city streets on an old rail line. It's a linear public park that has been lined with plants and trees that are particularly beautiful during the spring months. There are also benches and art work that give the trail a fascinating atmosphere. From the park there are impressive views of the city and access is available at various points along the route.
The High Line, NYC, New York, 100014
Hudson River Park
Stretching from Battery Park to 59th Street along the river, this is a nice grassy spot with bike and running trails. You can bike or jog along the waterfront looking at the river and across to the NJ side. You'll also find a playground here as well as some nice picnic spots in the grass.
Battery Park City to 59th St, Manhattan, New York City, NY
Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway
From Greenpoint Park to Sunset Park, this 26-mile route follows greenway paths around and on the East River so you don't have to worry about traffic. The views are also quite nice as you'll see greenery as well as the New York City skyline. It passes by Red Hook and the Bay Ridge neighborhood, too.
Brooklyn, New York City
New York City has plenty more to offer, so see also our other articles: The Best Art Museums in New York City and The Best Family-Friendly Activities in Queens.
Riverside Park 91st Street Garden
The curated garden at 91st Street in Riverside Park was made famous from a final scene in You've Got Mail starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Located right by the water, this small but scenic garden hosts a variety of flowers blooming throughout the warmer months.
Riverside Drive at 91st St, New York, New York, 10024
Manhattan Waterfront Greenway
Around the waterfront of nearly the entire island of Manhattan is a greenway trail for walkers, joggers, and bikers. If you start at Battery Park at the southern end of Manhattan, you can go either way up the east or western side almost entirely up the river. While the bike paths continue to make a full circuit around Manhattan, on the north side around Harlem the greenway paths on the river turn inland and become bike lanes on the streets of the city. However, it's quite a long ride if you wish to stick to the waterfront greenway paths!
Manhattan, New York City, NY
Chelsea Waterslide Playground
Located in Hudson River Park, this colorful playground is fun for all ages! There are water features, fun fish shaped climbing equipment, a sand area, and shaded seating that's perfect for a parent to who needs to rest their legs. After a busy day exploring, everyone will feel refreshed after a stop at this fun playground.
Hudson River Park
Whitney Museum of American Art
This impressive museum relocated in 2015 to the Meatpacking District in Lower Manhattan. It sits at the edge of High Line and has more than 63,000 square feet of space that includes both indoor and outdoor settings. The collection has about 15,000 pieces that represent works from more than 2,000 artists including Alexander Calder, Willem de Kooning, Edward Hopper, and Georgia O'Keeffe.
99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District, New York, NY, 10014
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sitting on the edge of the water between DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights, this park offers a number of great facilities and recreational activities. There's a bouldering wall, a roller skating rink, a pop-up pool during the summer months, and bocce courts. This is the perfect park to enjoy a run or a bike ride. The park also offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline as it meanders along the waterfront, with the most spectacular spot being by Jane's Carousel, between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.
Brooklyn
Battery Park
Battery Park is most notable for its beautiful views that look out over the water towards the Statue of Liberty. This is a larger park that can offer a quiet retreat from the chaos of the nearby Financial District. But it also serves as the departure point for the ferries to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, so there can be crowds of tourists in certain areas. Street performers are common in the park as well, but be prepared because watching for too long will likely come with a high price tag.Interested in more travel advice for New York City? Check out The Best Science Museums in New York City and The 17 Best Children's Museums in New York City.
Governor's Island
Head to this island between the months of May and October (it's closed other times of the year). In addition to fountains where kids can play, there's a zip line, rock wall, and even a mini golf course. The national park service also offers educational programming, so it's fun and informative. The island spans 172 acres and it's the perfect place for walking, running, or cycling. There's also a lot of history here. As you arrive on the island, the first thing you'll likely notice is the breathtaking views of the city. Bring your camera and enjoy your day!
New York Harbor
Greenpoint
Greenpoint was historically a Polish neighborhood, but today it offers a diverse mix of independent bookshops, eclectic art galleries, and dive bars. This neighborhood also has the McCarren Park, where you can swim, ice skate, or play a game of ball. This area is a bit trickier to get to from a transportation perspective, but it does have a lot of character.
Brooklyn
How much does it cost?
Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $16 to $999. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $114. A few of the best options are below.
Where to Stay in New York City
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Interested in more travel advice for New York City? Check out The Best Parks, Gardens, and Things to Do Outdoors in New York City and The Best Iconic Skyscrapers to Visit in New York City and Famous Squares and Plazas to Visit in New York City and The Best Planetariums to Visit near New York City.
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