Top 10 popular parks in New York for dates, family picnics and exercise

Parks are versatile places where everyone can find one for every mood, occasion or moment. There are many factors why a person of any age is drawn to a park, but you can't argue with desire. The more a person surrounds himself with concrete walls and flooring under his feet, the more desire to look at the expanses without fences, to run barefoot on green grass, to listen to the sounds of nature, not cars, to be alone with yourself in the end.

Nature pleases, harmonizes, reduces stress levels, teaches elementary skills, and sometimes, very wise conclusions. Nature is simple and complex at the same time, understandable and always mysterious, it picks you up invisibly scanning and correcting all that you have done yourself.

Did you know that there are about 1700 parks in New York City, you can't even believe it walking among stone and glass high-rises. However, we have chosen for you 10 famous parks in New York that are sure to make you feel sad, happy, angry or delighted. Find your favorite among the best parks in New York Сity.

New York Central Park

The most famous park in New York Сity. Its fame has long gone beyond the borders of America and every tourist who has visited the city considers the park a must-see in New York.

What is so good about these 840 acres in the heart of Manhattan? The landscape is the first thing that catches your eye. It's not just nature that has done its best here, or rather, it's mostly not nature. All of Central Park's natural features are man-made. The park was designed by the brilliant landscape architects Lowe Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. This is not Lowe's only famous work. You can see such of his creations as the Niagara Falls Park, the Biltmore Estate Park in Asheville, the campuses of Stamford and Chicago Universities, and the picturesque expanses around the U.S. Capitol.

New Yorkers have found a place in Central Park that suits them only, and everyone has their own place, and that's the genius of the creator.

What to see in the metropolis Central Park:

• fountains;
• lakes and meadows;

• zoo;
• the castle;
• rocky cliffs and observation hills.

In the warmer months, whole "plays" unfold on the wide green meadows. You can see acrobats rehearsing or performing, martial arts or yoga classes, family picnics and romantic reunions, sports competitions and landscape photo shoots, lonely thinkers and studying students.

Plenty of activities and spectacular events take place right in Central Park, but one thing you definitely don't want to miss. Several times a year, the park hosts the Shakespeare in the Park play. It's worth checking out the schedule and visiting NYC famous park during this time.

Belvedere Castle, built in the Gothic style on a high hill in the park. Its towers once housed a weather station, but now it's a very convenient observation deck for one of the nice parks in New York and the city.

The Central Park Zoo is also one of the most popular and visited. It is home to rare species from red pandas to snow leopards.

One of the depressing facts about the park is that the park was originally the site of a settlement founded back in 1825, its inhabitants were considered "squatters". The settlement was destroyed to build the park.

Contrary to the beliefs of many New Yorkers, Central Park in Manhattan is not the largest park in the city, it is 300 acres ahead of Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. But in terms of attendance, the place deservedly takes the first place of one of the most popular parks in New York City. And one more honorable first place the city oasis takes among the oldest parks in New York.

Bryant Park

Here you are unlikely to get much alone time and silence. Bryant Park, a place to meet with friends, hang out, and enjoy an active cultural life at any time of the day or night. The traffic never seems to stop.

Bryant Park is easily accessible from Grand Central Station or the New York Public Library.

One of the coolest parks in New York for a very active and memorable weekend.

No matter what time of year you manage to visit this place, you will always find something to do and see in the park. The most popular winter activity is a visit to the Winter Village. Here you can go ice skating, pet the ice statues, warm up with hot drinks and participate in winter fun.

In the warmer months, you can come here for an outdoor movie theater or another play, or for summer refreshments that never end.

You can always check the park's website for a schedule of all sorts of performances and events.

Riverside Park

One of the most beautiful parks in New York. Its hills offer a stunning view of the Hudson River. Again, we return to the names of two talented landscape architects who designed Central Park - Lowe Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.

It seems that the emphasis of this work by the creators was on scale and vastness. It is home to two very iconic and famous US monuments - Grant's Grave and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. This is one of the parks to visit in NYC to get away from the cityscapes and see the Hudson River.

Things to do in the park:

• picnic at the barbecue areas;
• walk your pets in a designated area;
• play handball, baseball, hockey, tennis, and basketball on the playgrounds;
• play roller hockey;
• freshen up under the spray showers;
• ride in the skate park;
• play on children's playgrounds;
• play sports on treadmills and fitness equipment;

• hiking trails;
• eat at snack bars and cafes;
• canoeing;
• attend organized events in the park.

For lovers of space, freedom, and active areas, this is one of the best parks in New York. Take a look at the scheduled activities on the park's website.

Inwood Hill Park

If you want something real, ancient and mysterious, then go to the northern part of Manhattan, to one of the most naturally beautiful parks in NYC, Inwood Hill.

It will be quiet and interesting to stroll along winding paths among dense thickets, secret caves, high hills and ridges and valleys that have been preserving their vegetation and treasures for thousands of years.

Of course, the park is not devoid of islands of civilization and there are playgrounds, bike paths and places for snacks and barbecues.

This is a slightly different perspective on the Hudson River, but no less worthwhile. One of the most beautiful parks in NYC during the golden fall and blooming spring.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

For those who don't want to get away from the cityscape for a long time, one of the coolest Instagram parks in NYC near the Brooklyn Bridge.

Here there is everything you need for both active and relaxing vacation. A small sandy beach serves as an excellent location for sunbathing, landscaped gardens for leisurely strolls, green areas for sports, picnics and active games.

Here you can kayak, bike and have a great time during daylight and evening hours.

The location became the most famous park in New York thanks to the suspended Brooklyn Bridge, which is featured on many postcards, posters and advertisements.

The seasonal ferry can take you to Governor's Island, where it is interesting to sit in silence or take a leisurely stroll for two surrounded by water.

Governor's Island

Escaping from the stone jungle for a different perspective is very rewarding and exciting. Starting with a ferry ride, the view will become wider and wider and the hustle and bustle more insignificant.

The island is one of the top 10 parks in NYC for its stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the mighty ocean.

Among the island's 172 acres, you'll find both relaxation and activity areas. A great thing to do on the island is to hike the hills, not only is it fun, but all the time you get new views and angles for the most incredible photos against the backdrop of New York City.

Hudson River Park

One of the most beautiful parks in nyc, this 400 acre park is on the water.

Many water sports are available here, both sailing and non-sailing. Lounge areas are located throughout and you can safely grab your favorite plaid. The flying trapeze school will give you some adrenaline and test your courage. This is one of the cool parks in NYC where you can spend a leisurely whole day.

On warm days, this is one of thepopular and nice parks in NYC for a snack or breakfast outdoors.

Pelham Bay Park

Nice parks in New York can be found outside of Manhattan. And maybe the popularity of the Bronx borough itself isn't part of the tourist recommendations, but if you want to get a taste of the color and history of New York, don't miss this place.

Pelham Park is three times the size of Central Park, so it is officially the largest park in New York City.

The Long Island Sound perfectly complements the park scenery and laps the sandy beaches. It's a hiker's and bicyclist's paradise.

Historic homes, monuments and landmark locations are located throughout the park.

Golf enthusiasts will also be satisfied, thanks to the park's vast expanse and natural landscape, there's plenty of room to swing a club. This is one of the best parks to visit in NYC to find the perfect spots for photo shoots at any time of year.

Little Island

The latest addition to the park scene in New York City, located truly on a stage in the middle of the Hudson River. Huge pilings support the park, and two walkways serve as bridges for those wishing to have a great time in the park's entertainment areas. This was once the old Pier 54, where the surviving passengers from the famous Titanic landed.

Small, but undoubtedly one of the beautiful parks in New York with a modern design.

The park has everything you need for a vacation, from amenities to restaurants and the beach. If you are looking for interesting and stunning angles on the city, the park should be on your list of must-see places to visit in New York.

Flushing Meadows - Corona Park

Rounding out our top 10 parks in NYC is an oasis in the borough of Queens. The park is not only famous for being the second largest in the city, but also for City Field Stadium, where baseball fans can play the Mets.

There really is a lot to see and do in the park. You can visit the Queens Museum, play tennis at Arthur Ashe Stadium, relax at the Botanical Gardens within the park, and play on the golf courses. Take a look at the Unisphere structure to find yourself in one of the frames of the movie Men in Black.

This, one of the most beautiful parks in New York, is a great and interesting place to relax as a family or on your own.