Astoria Park
New York City, NY
If you want to be active outdoors in New York City, Astoria Park in Queens is your place. The park on the East River is best known for its large, free-to-enter outdoor pool, the oldest in the city. You’ll also find tennis courts, a running track, playgrounds, skate parks, picnic areas, and views across the East River to eastern Manhattan.
The basics
A visit to Astoria Park offers a break from the hustle of the big city—while keeping it all within view. The benches along its perimeter facing the East River offer views of Manhattan, Randall's Island, and the two bridges that cross the park, the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (formerly the Triborough Bridge) and the railroad-only Hell Gate Bridge.
You'll probably visit Astoria Park independently while exploring or staying in Astoria, but some guided tours of New York City’s outer boroughs—Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens—pass through on the way from Manhattan.
Things to know before you go
- The Charybdis Playground has many accessible features, including ground-level play features and accessible swings for kids over 5.
- You’ll need a permit to use the tennis courts, but the bocce courts are first-come, first-served.
- Dogs are permitted off-leash in certain areas of the park. They’re not allowed around the pool, however.
- Pool users must bring a lock to secure valuables while swimming—no lock, no entry.
How to get there
The nearest subway station is Astoria Boulevard (N and W trains), about a 10-minute walk southeast of the park’s southern end. There’s a parking lot at the park's southern end, beneath the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge. Access this from the corner of Hoyt Avenue and 19th Street.
When to get there
Astoria Park’s various facilities typically operate from dawn to dusk or from early morning until midevening. It’s a year-round destination, but some of its facilities are seasonal. For example, the popular Astoria Pool is outdoors and open seasonally between June and September. Events are held in the park throughout the year, including weekly running events; check the calendar before your visit.
Other Astoria attractions
Known for its large Greek population, the Astoria neighborhood in Queens has great Greek restaurants worth checking out before or after your visit to Astoria Park. Also, make time for two standout museums in Astoria: the Museum of the Moving Image and the Noguchi Museum, which displays the work of acclaimed local sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!