Manhattan, the vibrant heart of New York City, is a whirlwind of non-stop activity. Yet, everyone needs a break from the daily grind and a chance to recharge. Fresh air and nature are ideal for unwinding, helping you relax and find a sense of peace. With this in mind, we’ve put together a helpful list of local parks perfect for both active and leisurely pursuits. Learn more about Manhattan’s parks below on manhattanname.
The Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors
Spending time in nature is incredibly important for both your physical health and overall well-being. Here are a few reasons why it’s so beneficial:
Improved Physical Health
Walks in fresh air can boost your immune system, improve cardiovascular health, help manage weight, and more.
Stress Reduction
The sounds of birdsong, fresh air, and gentle water significantly help people relax and feel a sense of relief.
Increased Concentration and Creativity
Outdoor recreation also helps clear the mind, which positively impacts brain function and boosts creativity.
Better Sleep
Fresh air can significantly improve sleep quality and help regulate your body’s natural rhythms.
Energy Restoration
Spending time in nature offers a chance to escape daily routines and emotionally recharge.
Manhattan’s Top Parks: A Curated List
To help you find the perfect spot to unwind, we’ve prepared this list of Manhattan parks. Whether you’re looking for solitude or a place to gather with friends, these parks offer opportunities for peaceful strolls and active fun.
Abingdon Square Park
Abingdon Square Park is located in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. It’s one of New York City’s oldest parks and, at just 0.25 acres (1,000 sq. m), also one of its smallest. Despite its compact size, it’s a cozy oasis featuring picturesque flowerbeds, lush greenery, comfortable benches, and an overall tranquil atmosphere.
Marcus Garvey Park
Marcus Garvey Park is a welcoming 20.16-acre (81,600 sq. m) park situated in Manhattan, between Harlem and East Harlem. The park is distinguished by a massive, steep outcrop of schist that interrupts Fifth Avenue’s street grid. Marcus Garvey Park offers flat lawns and sports fields, and is home to a historic fire watchtower built around the 1850s—a cherished city landmark.
Montefiore Square
Montefiore Square is a 0.34-acre public park in Manhattan’s Hamilton Heights neighborhood. This triangular park is bordered by Broadway to the west and the intersection of West 138th Street and Hamilton Place to the north. The park includes a garden, a lawn, and a spacious seating area with stone benches.
Morningside Park
Morningside Park is a 30-acre (12 ha) public park in Upper Manhattan, stretching from 110th Street to 123rd Street, between Morningside Avenue and Morningside Drive. The park’s varied landscape includes dramatic rock outcroppings, playgrounds, an arboretum, a man-made decorative pond with a waterfall, sculptures, and several sports courts.
Peter Detmold Park
Peter Detmold Park is a 0.59-acre (0.24 ha) public park in the Turtle Bay neighborhood on Manhattan’s East Side. This narrow park, running from East 49th to East 51st Streets, was created following adjacent roadway construction in the early 1940s. Visitors can relax and enjoy pleasant green views, stroll along neat paths, rest on a bench, or visit the dedicated dog run with their furry friends.
Sakura Park
Sakura Park is a public park in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights, extending north from West 122nd Street between Riverside Drive and Claremont Avenue. In Sakura Park, you’ll discover picturesque alleys lined with stunning cherry blossom trees and a commemorative stone lantern gifted by the city of Tokyo in 1960. Well-maintained lawns and gazebos add to its delightful atmosphere. If you’re seeking a peaceful and relaxed stroll, this park is a must-visit.
Sara Delano Roosevelt Park
Sara Delano Roosevelt Park, a 7.8-acre (3.2 ha) park, is located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The park was named for Sara Delano Roosevelt (1854–1941), mother of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It stretches north to south for seven blocks between Houston Street and Canal Street. If you enjoy active recreation, this park is for you, offering various sports facilities, including a soccer field, a roller-skating rink, and basketball courts. Additionally, there are gardens, green spaces, and walking paths.
St. Vartan Park
St. Vartan Park is a 2.76-acre (1.12 ha) public park in Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighborhood. It occupies a city block bordered by First Avenue, Second Avenue, and 35th and 36th Streets. St. Vartan Park is an excellent spot for both leisurely walks and active fun, featuring beautiful green plantings, field areas, a turfed athletic field, playgrounds, and courts for basketball and handball.
Thomas Jefferson Park
Thomas Jefferson Park is a 15.52-acre (6.28 ha) public park in Manhattan’s East Harlem, located on First Avenue between 111th and 114th Streets. This park is ideal for active recreation, featuring a playground, as well as fields and courts for baseball, basketball, soccer, and handball, along with running tracks and skating areas. The park also boasts a fully equipped children’s playground, a recreation center with a pool, and the striking “Tomorrow’s Wind” sculpture.
Tompkins Square Park
Tompkins Square Park is a 10.5-acre (4.2 ha) public park in the Alphabet City neighborhood of Manhattan’s East Village. This square park is bordered by East 10th Street to the north, Avenue B to the east, East 7th Street to the south, and Avenue A to the west. Opened in 1834, it was named after Daniel D. Tompkins, a former Vice President of the United States. The park offers a wide array of amenities, including playgrounds, handball and basketball courts, a skate park, and a popular dog run. You’ll also find diverse green areas, sculptures, and monuments.
Washington Market Park
Washington Market Park is a 1.61-acre (6,500 sq. m) urban park in Lower Manhattan’s TriBeCa neighborhood, bordered by Greenwich Street, Chambers Street, and the West Side Highway. It’s an excellent place for enjoyable recreation, featuring a community-favorite playground and beautifully landscaped gardens and lawns. It’s also a hub for numerous community events.
Jackie Robinson Park
Jackie Robinson Park is a public park of approximately 12.77 acres (5.17 ha) located in Manhattan’s Hamilton Heights and Harlem neighborhoods. It’s bordered by Bradhurst Avenue to the east, 155th Street to the north, Edgecombe Avenue to the west, and 145th Street to the south. Here, you can enjoy both active and passive recreation, with its beautiful landscapes for walking, basketball courts, baseball fields, and the renowned Jackie Robinson Play Center, which includes a recreation center and a pool.