New York City Riverside Park

The Basics

A favorite among locals living on the Upper West Side, Riverside Park is a quieter alternative to Central Park. Walking tours of Riverside Park follow meandering pathways and typically include stops at the community garden between West 90th and 91st streets, and Riverside Park Bird Sanctuary, a protected area of forest and meadow that runs between 116th and 124th streets. The park also features a paved riverside promenade, which is often covered by bike tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Riverside Park is a must for travelers looking to unwind in between sightseeing.

• There are playgrounds, dog runs, kayak launches, sports fields, and walking and biking paths in the park.

• The park is wheelchair-accessible.

• There are several food carts stationed in the park, as well as restaurants at 79th and 105th streets.

How to Get There

Riverside Park is in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and runs from 72nd street up to St. Clair’s Place in West Harlem. The 1 train runs along Broadway, parallel to the park, with stations at 72nd street, 79th Street, 86th Street, 96th Street, 103rd Street, 110th Street, and 125th Street, all of which are within walking distance of the park.

When to Get There

Riverside Park is typically tranquil, even on hot summer days, though the bike track by the river does see a high level of two-wheel traffic. Sunset is a particularly scenic time to soak up views of the river.

General Grant National Memorial

History buffs visiting the park should make a beeline for the General Grant National Memorial—more commonly known as Grant’s Tomb—on 122nd Street. The largest mausoleum in America, this Grecian-style rotunda holds the remains of 19th-century president Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant, and is the only presidential burial site in New York City. Inside the visitor center, exhibits chronicle episodes in Grant’s life.

Ways to explore

Riverside Park is known for its winding nature trails and riverfront access, but it also has lots of free entertainment and sightseeing. Bring your kids to a handful of playgrounds, including a themed Dinosaur play area and a tot lot, or search for bronze sculptures and monuments scattered throughout the park.

Walking tours of Riverside Park follow meandering pathways and typically include stops at a community garden and the Riverside Park Bird Sanctuary, a protected area of forest and meadow between 116th and 124th streets. The park also features a paved riverside promenade, which is often visited on bike tours. Alternatively, you can see the park on boat tours of the Hudson River, many of which sail by while showing off the Manhattan skyline.

Accessibility

Many areas of Riverside Park are accessible to wheelchair users, although some are accessed via steps. There are a number of accessible restrooms.

Age limits

None; Riverside Park is popular among families traveling with children.

What to pack

Sunscreen, water bottles, picnic blankets

What to wear

Comfortable clothes for the weather, walking shoes, layers for river breezes

Not allowed

Smoking or vaping, alcohol

Amenities

Restrooms, playgrounds, water fountains, barbecue areas, fitness equipment, sports courts and fields, eateries

Address

Riverside Park runs from 72nd Street to 158th Street, along the riverfront across Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Morningside Heights, and Hamilton Heights neighborhoods. It’s easy to access by walking or public transit.

Driving

Driving is generally not recommended due to limited parking in the area. If you must drive, look for parking in nearby garages and consider using a parking app to reserve a spot in advance.

Public transportation

The 1 train runs parallel to the park and makes frequent stops between 72nd Street and 125 Street. You can also take the A, B, C, or D trains between 72nd Street and 100 St-Cathedral Parkways and walk west for about 5–10 blocks.

Best times to visit

There’s something extra special about the park at sunset, when you can soak up scenic views of the river.

Best days to visit

The park is generally popular on the weekends; visit midweek to avoid the crowds.

Best months to visit

Visit in the spring to view the scenic Cherry Walk and crab apple trees in full bloom.

Special events

Take part in more than activities such as film nights, concerts, and dance performances during Summer on the Hudson, which takes place from May through October.