Wave Hill

The basics

A visit to Wave Hill offers no shortage of things to see or do. Admire framed views of the Hudson River and the Palisades from the pergola or the hillside Wild Garden, or explore the plants and blooms in the Flower Garden, Herb and Dry Gardens, Alpine House, or Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory, independently or as part of a guided walk. You can also check out art exhibitions in the Glyndor Gallery, take part in a workshop or demonstration, or enjoy a live performance on the grounds.

Things to know before you go

• There’s an entrance fee for Wave Hill, with discounts for visitors over 65, students, and children over 6. Free admission is offered on Thursdays.
• Wave Hill is wheelchair accessible, and manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Mobility assistance vehicles driven by staff are also available, though they cannot access all areas of the grounds.
• Outside food is permitted and can be enjoyed in two designated locations: the Glyndor Picnic Area and the Lower Picnic Area.
• Some adult programs are free, while others require a fee. Early registration is recommended.
• Wave Hill typically only offers private tours of the gardens and Glyndor Gallery. If interested, reservations need to be made at least one month in advance of your visit.

How to get there

Wave Hill is in the Bronx’s Riverdale neighborhood. Take the Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Riverdale station or the 1 train on the New York City Subway to Van Cortlandt Park–242nd Street station; shuttles are available at both stations Thursday to Sunday and evenings when the grounds are open late. You can also take the BxM1, BxM2, Bx7, or BX10 buses to West 252nd Street. There’s paid parking on-site or at the Riverdale Park parking lot.

When to get there

Wave Hill is generally open from mid-morning to late afternoon, Tuesday through Sunday, with the last admission at 5pm. Free admission is offered to individual visitors on Thursdays. Visit in the spring for wildflowers, in summer for the water lilies and lotus flowers in the pool, and in autumn for the fall colors. Numerous programs are offered throughout the year, including the public garden highlights walk every Sunday and Sunset Wednesday concerts over the summer.

Programs at Wave Hill

Wave Hill offers a wide range of programs for all ages. Programs for adults include art and photography workshops; botanical and garden workshops; wellness programs such as outdoor yoga, forest bathing, and meditation; and cooking demonstrations based on plants in the garden. Meanwhile, children can enjoy indoor and outdoor seasonal art and nature programs, held on a single day or over a weekend.