Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park is much more than just a riverside park on the west side of Manhattan: it’s an urban oasis 🌳 and the city’s recreational lung, stretching for miles along the coast. Known for its renovated piers, extensive green spaces, and stunning views of the Hudson River and New Jersey, this place offers a vital respite from the hustle and bustle of New York.
Located between Battery Place to the south and 59th Street to the north, Hudson River Park is an essential visit for both New Yorkers and tourists. Whether for strolling, playing sports, or simply relaxing by the water 💧, its unique atmosphere combines nature, leisure, and spectacular urban views.
Why Visit Hudson River Park?
Visiting Hudson River Park means immersing yourself in a vibrant space that balances nature with urban life. It’s a fantastic place in New York offering miles of trails for walking and biking 🚴♀️, piers with diverse activities from kayaking to mini-golf, and lawns perfect for a picnic or watching the sunset 🌇.
Its recreational and social importance is enormous: it has become a meeting point for the community, a venue for free events, and an example of sustainable urban transformation. Additionally, its prime location connects iconic neighborhoods like Tribeca, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen through a green corridor along the river.
Hudson River Park is also a symbol of the revitalization of New York’s waterfront. What were once abandoned industrial piers is now a safe and vibrant public space enjoyed by millions of people each year. If you want to experience the more active and natural side of the city, this is your place.
How to Get to Hudson River Park by Subway and Other Means
Main Access and Extent
Since Hudson River Park stretches for about 6.4 km (4 miles) along the west coast of Manhattan, access depends on the area you want to visit. There are entrances all along West Street/11th Ave/12th Ave, near key cross streets like Chambers St, Houston St, Christopher St, 14th St, 23rd St, 34th St, and 42nd St.
Subway Lines and Buses to Hudson River Park
Several subway lines bring you within a few blocks of the park. The most convenient ones are usually those running on the west side. There are also buses that run along the cross streets and nearby avenues.
- 1, 2, 3 (red lines): Stations like Chambers St, Franklin St, Christopher St, Houston St, 14th St, etc. Walk west.
- A, C, E (blue lines): Stations like Canal St, Spring St, W 4th St, 14th St, 23rd St, 34th St–Penn Station, 42nd St–Port Authority. Walk west.
- L (grey line): 8th Ave station. Walk west.
- Crosstown buses (e.g., M14, M23, M34, M42, M50) drop you off very close to the park.
How to Get to Hudson River Park from:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
From Columbus Circle, you can take the A or C lines southbound to stations like 14th St or Canal St and walk west. Or take the 1 line southbound to stations like Christopher St or Houston St and walk west. Crosstown buses like the M57 are also an option.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
Simply walk west until you reach the park in the Tribeca or Battery Park City area. You can also take the 1, 2, 3 lines northbound to Chambers St or Franklin St and walk west, or the A, C, E lines to Canal St or Chambers St.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO, take the A or C line to Manhattan (e.g., Canal St, 14th St) and walk west. From Williamsburg, you can take the L line to 8th Ave and walk west, or transfer to the southbound A, C, E lines.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
If coming from Long Island City or Flushing, you can take the 7 line directly to Hudson Yards–34th St (for the northern part of the park) or to Times Sq–42nd St and walk west or take a crosstown bus. The E, F, M, R lines also bring you closer to the west side from other parts of Queens.
Harlem
From Harlem, you can take the 1 line southbound to stops like 50th St, Christopher St, etc., and walk west. You can also use the southbound A, C or B, D lines to stations like 59th St, 42nd St, or 14th St and walk west.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK, take the AirTrain and then the E line to Manhattan (e.g., 42nd St, 14th St, Canal St). From LaGuardia, take a bus (like the Q70 SBS) to Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Av and then the E or F lines. From Newark, take NJ Transit to Penn Station, and from there you can walk west or take the A, C, E or 1, 2, 3 lines a few stops south.
What to Do in Hudson River Park?
Hudson River Park is one of New York’s most dynamic outdoor spaces. It offers an incredible variety of activities along its piers and paths, catering to all tastes and ages. From sports and games to simply strolling and enjoying the views 🌊.
Enjoy the Waterfront Promenade and Views 🚶♀️🌇
The park features a continuous bike and pedestrian path that is perfect for walking, running, or cycling while enjoying panoramic views of the Hudson River, the New Jersey skyline, and, from the south, the Statue of Liberty. Sunsets here are especially magical.
Sports and Recreational Activities ⚽️🛶
Many piers are dedicated to sports: you’ll find basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, a skatepark, and even opportunities for free kayaking in the summer (e.g., Pier 26, Pier 96), rowing, or sailing. The Chelsea Piers complex (Piers 59-62) offers even more options, like ice skating and golf. Don’t miss the mini-golf at Pier 25! ⛳
Relax on the Piers and Green Spaces 🌳🧘♂️
If you prefer tranquility, there are numerous lawns and benches for sitting, reading, or having a picnic. Piers like Pier 45 or Pier 64 are ideal for relaxing. Little Island (Pier 55) offers a unique design and elevated gardens. There are also excellent playgrounds for families 🤸♀️.
Events and Cultural Activities 🎉🎬
During the warmer months, the park comes alive with a packed schedule of free events: outdoor concerts, movie screenings under the stars (Movies on the Pier), fitness classes, environmental education activities, and festivals. Always check the park’s official website for the calendar.
Photography and Special Moments 📸🌅
Hudson River Park is a photographer’s paradise. Each pier offers different perspectives of the river, boats, nearby architecture, and the skyline. Capture the interaction between nature and the city, especially during the “golden hour” at sunset.
Attractions Near Hudson River Park
The park borders some of Manhattan’s most interesting neighborhoods and is close to several major attractions. You can easily combine your visit to the park with other nearby cultural and leisure points of interest.
Little Island (Pier 55) 🌳🎭
Located over the river, this innovative public park built on tulip-shaped pillars is an attraction in itself. It offers winding paths, lush vegetation, viewpoints, and an amphitheater for performances. It is accessed directly from Hudson River Park.
Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex 🏒🎳
Integrated into the park (Piers 59, 60, and 61), this huge sports complex offers all kinds of paid activities: ice rink, bowling alley, golf driving range, climbing wall, gym, and more. Ideal for an active day, whatever the weather.
Meatpacking District and High Line 🛍️🚶♀️
Just east of the park, between Gansevoort St and 14th St, lies the trendy Meatpacking District, filled with designer boutiques, fashionable restaurants, and galleries. From here, you can also access the famous High Line elevated park.
Whitney Museum of American Art 🖼️
Located on Gansevoort Street, next to the southern end of the High Line and near the park, the Whitney Museum houses an impressive collection of 20th-century and contemporary American art. Its architecture and terraces also offer excellent views.
Greenwich Village and West Village 🏘️☕
Stroll through the charming tree-lined streets of these historic neighborhoods adjacent to the park. Discover their townhouses, independent shops, cozy cafes, and venues with musical and literary history. You can easily access them from piers like Christopher Street Pier (Pier 45).
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (Pier 86) 🚀✈️
Towards the north end of the park (around 46th Street), at Pier 86, you’ll find this fascinating museum located on the aircraft carrier Intrepid. It houses historic aircraft, the space shuttle Enterprise, and the submarine Growler.
Tips for Visiting Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park is an extensive space with many facets. To enjoy it to the fullest, keep these tips in mind to help you plan your visit to this magnificent riverside park.
Best Time to Go ☀️🍂
Spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit the park, when the weather is pleasant and more activities are scheduled. Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends. Sunsets over the river are an unmissable spectacle 🌅. Check the weather forecast before you go!
Getting Around the Park 🚲🗺️
The park is very long (almost 6.5 km / 4 miles). If you want to cover a long distance, renting a bike (there are Citi Bike stations all around the area) is an excellent option. If you prefer to walk, focus on a specific section or pier that interests you. Wear comfortable shoes 👟. Park maps are available online and at some information points.
Safety and Park Rules ✅
The park is generally very safe, but like in any public space, stay aware of your surroundings and belongings. Follow the park rules: dogs must be on a leash, respect designated areas for each activity (bikes, pedestrians), and use the trash cans. Stay hydrated, especially in the summer.
What to Bring 💧🧢👟
Comfortable shoes for walking or sports are essential. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle (there are fountains for refilling), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat 🧢, especially on sunny days. A camera to capture the views 📸 and perhaps a blanket if you plan to relax on the lawn. Check if you need to make reservations for specific activities like kayaking.
