Gantry Plaza State Park
New York City, NY
In the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, spread out over 12 acres (5 hectares) along the East River, Gantry Plaza State Park is a grassy waterfront area with fantastic views of midtown Manhattan’s skyline. It’s also a great place to jog, play sports, or bring your kids, particularly in the summer when the park’s splash pads are turned on.
The basics
The park’s proximity to Manhattan—just across the river—makes it a popular spot among visitors looking to take the perfect skyline photograph. While many people go for the views alone, it’s also a favorite for riverside strolls, jogs, and other fair-weather recreation. Highlights include handball courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, and even a fishing pier.
Things to know before you go
- Gantry Plaza State Park is ideal for taking photos of the Manhattan skyline.
- Dogs are allowed in the park, but can only be off-leash in designated dog runs.
- The park has wide, paved pathways that are suitable for wheelchair users, but some areas are not accessible.
How to get there
Set along the East River, the park is in Long Island City in Queens. To get there from Manhattan, take the 7 train to the Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue station, a 7-minute walk from the park.
When to get there
The park is open throughout the year from dawn to dusk. Summer is the best time to visit, and there's a spray pad for kids to splash in from Memorial Day Weekend until mid-September. For photos of the Manhattan skyline, aim to go before sunset on a clear day.
Where to find the best views of Manhattan
Gantry Plaza State Park is known for its views of the Manhattan skyline, but there are plenty of other spots worth considering if amazing views are your goal. You can look out over the city from the top of the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center, or you can go even higher in the air on a helicopter tour. River cruises are another top choice, particularly for photographers looking for unobstructed cityscape views.
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