Pier 45
New York City, NY
Pier 45 is no longer in the boat game—it’s now a 900-foot (275-meter) promenade that’s essentially a waterfront lawn, with shade structures, seating areas, and plenty of live music when the sun is shining. For a free afternoon in NYC, this spot in Hudson River Park offers an ideal break from the hustle of the city.
The basics
Pier 45 is a great example of New York City’s long history of “adaptive reuse”—other similar examples include the High Line (a rail line converted into a park) and Pier 57 (repurposed for mixed-use development). Crowds flock here to simply lounge on the water, take in the view of the Manhattan skyline, jive to summer concerts, and meet up with friends. It’s like a mini version of Central Park, with better views and smaller crowds.
Things to know before you go
- During summer, the park hosts a full programming season—check the website for details.
- Alcohol is not permitted on Pier 45.
- Dogs are allowed on the promenade but not on the lawn.
- You can’t cycle on the pedestrian paths and landscapes, like the lawn.
How to get there
New York City’s Pier 45, and Hudson River Park at large, is in Manhattan's West Village. Skip the car—the nearest subway stations are Christopher Street (1 train) and West 4th Street (A, C, E, B, D, F, and M trains). From there, walk west towards the river along Christopher Street or West 10th Street to reach the pier.
When to get there
While the Pier doesn’t exactly close (it’s open-air), it is part of Hudson River Park, which opens from early morning until late night, unless otherwise posted. If you’re attending an event, like a live concert, come early to nab a prime spot on the lawn, as the pier is quite small.
A green day in NYC
Exploring Hudson River Park—not just Pier 45—makes for a fabulous afternoon in NYC. It runs for 4 miles (6 kilometers) up and down the Hudson River, from Chambers Street to 59th Street, a long, long greenspace with trails, islands, harbors, and more. If you’re a nature fan in NYC, Hudson River Park is hard to beat.
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