Maybe it's not your first time to New York City. Maybe you're sick of the sweaty scene at Central Park. Maybe heading off to the end of the subway line in another borough sounds cool. Whatever the reason, you've just got to check out these six semi-secret city parks in the Big Apple.
Note that these six are not just some we're listing off because we've been once or twice; all of them we frequent on the regular, after having had our fill of Bryant Park, Central Park, Battery Park and the other usual suspects. We're not even sure it's wise to spread the word since there's the chance you could end up sitting on our favorite bench, but that's a chance we'll happily take if it means you'll stray from the beaten tourist path every so often.
Peter Detmold Park, Manhattan
Pros: Super secluded (you have to zoom in quite far on Google Maps to find it, and know what to look for), right along the East River with water views, fenced-in dog run, cool secretive route to reach it (walk down 51st street to the end, then down some stone stairs).
Cons: No grass, occasional beggar, occasional PDA hotspot.
Who should go: Solo travelers in the company of a good book, friends wanting to play chess/checkers, anyone with a dog.
Nelson A. Rockefeller Park, Manhattan
Pros: Enough grass to attempt lawn games, picnic-friendly, right along the Hudson River with water views, upscale grocery markets within a quick walk.
Cons: Out of the way if your focus is Midtown, or really anywhere that's not the Tribeca/Battery Park zone.
Who should go: Families, tourists looking to have a nap in the grass after visiting Battery Park or the 9/11 Memorial, tourists staying in downtown hotels (like the Ritz-Carlton).
Four Freedoms Park, Roosevelt Island
Pros: Super new and clean, in the middle of the East River with water views all around, grassy picnic lawn, never crowded.
Cons: Could take a while to reach (via the Roosevelt Island tram + red bus, F train + red bus, or MTA bus from Queensboro Plaza), closes early at 5pm.
Who should go: anyone, everyone.
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