steps
Copy link
Copy linksteps
Picnic USA guide
Top 32 locations in New York for Great views
byTiffany Woods
Live update: Updated July 29, 2021Copy link
Copy link1. Astoria Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Emy MooreFound between the Robert F. Kennedy and Hell Gate Bridges along the East River, Astoria Park is the go-to spot for open-air dining enthusiasts in the neighborhood. Although wildly known for its beautiful pool, the oldest and largest in the city, Astoria Park offers more than aquatic pleasures. Here, you can play tennis or basketball at the courts, roll out a blanket and picnic, or have a panoramic vantage point on the central Great Lawn. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
2. East River State Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreThis park popped out when we were searching for the best places to see the 4th of July Fireworks. With a seven-acre lawn that stretches along the East River near North 7th, 8th, and 9th Streets, the park offers unobstructed views of Midtown Manhattan, several barbecue platforms and picnic tables, which makes it a great spot to roll out a blanket and chow down your favorite burritos. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
3. Governors Island
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreOpened in 2006, this thirty acres of greenery features 50 lounge-ready slings, two natural-turf ball fields, and human-made hills, one of them is as high as 80 feet above the harbor, from where you will enjoy a stunning Manhattan skyline view. Here, you can take free guided tours to Castle Williams, Fort Jay, and the surrounding National Historic Landmark District or attend to the occasional special events. However, our favorite activity here is to picnic on the Play Lawn or take a nap on one of the 50+ slings. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
4. Madison Square Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreThough this park doesn’t share the fame as its counterparts, it is a popular spot for midtown-ers in the Flatiron District to have lunch or simply take a mental break from work. If you visit on weekends, this is also a perfect place for picnics and take in some city sights without being annoyed by the traffic. Also, with the free Wi-Fi, you can now pair your food with your favorite TV show. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
5. Bryant Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreLocated along 5th Ave and 40th Street, Bryant Park is a popular spot for midtown-ers to have lunch or simply take a break from the city hustle. Here, you can roll out a blanket and picnic or enjoy the sun or catch up with an old friend. If you want to pair your picnic with some classic movies, come here in summer, as the park transforms into an outdoor theatre. Some great ones played in the past were Little Miss Sunshine to Big Daddy to Coming To America. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
6. Secret Garden At St. Luke In The Fields
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreLocated in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan, the two-acre Church of Saint Luke in the Fields welcomes you into a pristine world surrounded by high brick walls, where the dins and chaos of the city fade to nothing. Here, you will find a series of secret gardens, such as the Barrow Street Garden, the small Gene Morin Contemplation Corner, and the Rectory Garden, which is the oldest section and houses a rose garden and the ruins of the former parish hall, which burned down in 1981. This secret garden is the go-to spot for the locals to come to read or snack or sit, but no one within the garden’s confines generally speaks louder than a whisper. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
7. The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Julia SLocated within the Staten Island Botanical Garden, this hidden gem is the perfect spot to go for picnics and some serenity. In such a small layout, however, it is compacted with ancient Chinese culture, philosophy, and beautiful architecture, which portrays the type of garden you will only see in the Ming dynasty. Everything here was built by Chinese artisans in Suzhou, a city of gardens, and then shipped to the US. You will roam through rock formations, a bamboo forest, and a waterfall, which is meant to inspire harmony and peace. If you visit during select times, there are also cultural events like live performances held amidst the pavilions and bridges. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
8. Valentino Pier
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SOnce a major route for New York’s shipping industry, this waterfront park is now a scenic pier for the locals to come to read or snack or sit. Our other favorite activity here is to lie on the bench, sunbathe, and watch the flocks of seagulls as they slid across the sky. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
9. The Ford Foundation Atrium
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SNew York’s weather is like a teenager, emotionally unpredictable. It can be clear in the morning and suddenly turns cold and rainy in the afternoon. If you’re looking for an indoor spot to picnic on one of these days, this is your best bet. Here, you can enjoy picnicking in a tropical garden encased in a 10-story glass atrium. Ferns and hanging vines drape from the building’s girders, and with the scent of gardenias and the sound of water, create a pleasant ambiance where you can easily spend an afternoon. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
10. Elevated Acre
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia STucked three stories up a “hidden” escalator between two office towers in the Financial District, Elevated Acre is a popular spot for employees in the neighborhood to have lunch or simply take a break from work. On weekends, residents in the area like to come here to sit, have a picnic or read a book. Another great activity is to walk on the Brazilian hardwood boardwalk 30 feet above the East River and overlook the city as it comes alive at night. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
11. Creative Little Garden
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SLocated at 530 East Sixth Street, between Avenues A & B in the East Village, the Creative Little Garden has been an oasis of tranquility in the neighborhood since 1978. It might not be as popular as others in this list but offer an enchanting experience. Long and narrow, this little garden winds around a gravel path, rock garden, flagstone patio, and many seating areas. Here, you can relax, read, have lunch, work on your laptop, or just enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the garden. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
12. 6BC Botanical Garden
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SJust steps from the bustling East Village neighborhood, this compact Alphabet City garden features hundreds of plants and flowers plus a small pond, making it an excellent spot for picnics and free urban getaways. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
13. Ridgewood Reservoir
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SFound in Highland Park, Queens, this 50+ acre Reservoir that sits atop the Harbor Hill Moraine is a great spot for picnics and some dramatic views of nearby cemeteries, East New York, Woodhaven, the Rockaways, and the Atlantic Ocean. Also, the combination of forests, fields, and wetlands in this area makes it a great spot for wildlife viewing, where 127 bird species had been spotted. So, in addition to your favorite burritos, you might consider bringing along a binocular and a camera. Source: https://www.marcofeng.com/usa/best-places-for-picnics-in-nyc
14. The Sheep Meadow in Central Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SOn a sunny day, the 15-acre meadow in Central Park is filled with people doing pretty much anything you can imagine, from sunbathing and playing sports to picnicking and flying kites. A picnic in this iconic location not only affords you an escape from a busy city with breathtaking views but you will also have a prime opportunity to people watch. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
15. Riverside Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SLocated along the Hudson River, Riverside Park offers a free getaway for the residents in the Upper West Side. Here, you can roll out a blanket and picnic, cling to a favorite book, take a recuperating afternoon nap, or enjoy a wonderful firefly show when summer comes. After the picnic, you can take your kids (if you have any) to the nearby playgrounds, such as Dinosaur, located on 97th Street and Riverside Drive, which has Triceratops and Hadrosaur statues covered in fiberglass plant, sandboxes, swings, and a spray shower. Other popular ones are Hippo, River Run, and Neufeld. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
16. Socrates Sculpture Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SYou can easily spend a day at this five-acre, open-air art park in Astoria, wandering among the art exhibits, sunbathing, picnicking, or enjoying the amazing views of the East River and Manhattan. Best of all, it is free and open year-round. Also, there are many free family-friendly activities here, for instance, the Saturday Sculpture Workshops, Halloween Lantern Workshop, the Summer Solstice Celebration, and Queens Green Day. If that’s not enough, there are also free fitness classes, like yoga and tai chi in the summer. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
17. Coney Island Beach
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Tiffany WoodsLocated next to Scream Park in Coney Island, this beach is a great spot to take a nice break from the thrills or picnic or get gorgeously tanned in the sun. Also, be sure to stay to enjoy the sunset, which is even more beautiful with the wooden bridge when it’s lit up. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
18. Cadman Plaza Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsYou will come across this peaceful park after wandering off the Brooklyn Bridge, which is to honor Reverend Dr. Samuel Parkes Cadman (1864-1936), a Brooklyn Congregational minister and radio preacher famed for his oratory. Located on the border of the historical Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn neighborhoods, this small park features a newly renovated Central Lawn, plenty of shaded space, and Brooklyn War Memorial, which contains the largest sculptures in NYC. This memorial is dedicated to the heroic Brooklyn men and women who have fought for liberty in the second world war 1941–1945. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
19. Glimmerglass State Park Cooperstown
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsThe park overlooks Otsego Lake and has a nice beach, walking trails and picnic areas. It is in a beautiful, quiet location outside the town of Cooperstown. Pets are allowed. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
20. Letchworth State Park Castile
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsLetchworth State Park is a gorgeous park that's dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the East." There are a ton of things to do here. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
21. Fort Tryon Park New York
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsA large, well-flowered park near the Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park has outstanding flower gardens, great privacy and a plenty of wildlife. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
22. Gilbert Lake State Park Laurens
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsThis is a state park located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. It's beautiful with well kept picnic areas, and it has grills throughout, a clean beach and a family friendly location. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
23. Long Branch Park Liverpool
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsThis is a park on the northern end of Onondaga Lake Park. There are picnic areas, and it is named after the chestnut trees of the area. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
24. Calvert Vaux Park Brooklyn
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsAt the southern end of Brooklyn, not too far from Coney Island, is Calvert Vaux Park, which is right on the water. It has nice grass, hills, trees and water that makes you feel connected to nature. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
25. Upper Onondaga Park Syracuse
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Joshua KaufmanUpper Onondaga Park has beautiful scenic views of Syracuse, including a nice look at Syracuse University. When the weather is perfect out, you can lay out a blanket on the grass and relax with a picnic. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
26. Highland Park Rochester
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanHighland Park is home to the Lilac Festival in May, but it's just as beautiful other times of the year. There are rolling hills, flowers, trees, a reservoir and conservatory. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
27. Stiglmeier Park Cheektowaga
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanIt's a large park with many trails to walk through peacefully with deer. It's a quiet environment to have an enjoyable picnic with friends or family. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
28. Washington Park Albany
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanWashington Park is the largest public park in Albany. It has a lot of open, clean spaces that you won't be interrupted by passersby, which makes it nice and romantic. Or, if you're bringing the kids, there's a big playground there for them to frolic in. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
29. Battery Park New York
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanBattery Park features a pretty lawn with views of New York Harbor and lots of amenities, such as bathrooms. The historic value and ease of access make it a fun place to picnic. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
30. Queens Botanical GardenNew York
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanThe Queens Botanical Garden is just blocks from Flushing Main Street, and its 39 beautiful acres are free to visitors. A lot of wedding photography and ceremonies take place there. It's a wonderful place to relax and view a wide variety of plants. It's peaceful and romantic for a quiet picnic. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
31. Washington Square Park New York
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreWashington Square Park is always alive with street musicians and other performers. Since it's near NYU, it has a very young college crowd mixed with some other old souls. There's a lot of action at the park but still opportunities for privacy. It's a great place to have a nice picnic and watch the people. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
32. Ontario BeachRochester
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreOntario Beach Park can offer you the quintessential summer picnic adventure. The park has seven shelters and many open picnic tables with grills. You can go fishing or swimming in the lake, or you can simply take in the beautiful views while lounging in the sand. Source: https://www.thepicnicworld.com/best-picnic-spots/
Was this helpful?
