Spring is unequivocally the most gorgeous time of year.
All the trees are spreading their branches, their flowers are blooming, they’re reaching up toward the sun. And yes, picnicking in Central Park is fun.
It can be a blast, even.
It’s so nice to see everyone emerged from their homes, wearing bright colors, spreading out on the grass with some food, drinks, and fun.
New Yorkers oftentimes play Frisbee and soccer, they bring their dogs and their infants, and it’s just overall a really, really nice time.
But contrary to popular belief, Central Park is not the only park for picnics in New York City. So where else can you picnic this spring? We’ve compiled this list of 6 perfect parks for you to visit on your next day off.
So pack up your baskets, or more likely, your to-go bags, and find out where to picnic below.
1. Washington Square Park
Man, Washington Square Park is pretty, and the vibes are killer. Who wouldn’t want to sit beside a gurgling fountain, giant stone archways, and sumptuous grass and trees?
This park is a popular battleground for chess enthusiasts, avant-garde dancers and painters, and marijuana-smoking delinquents. And, it can also be the perfect park for your next picnic.
Grab some sandwiches, pizza, tacos, whatever you’re in the mood for, and grab a bottle of wine. (Be sneaky about that last part.)
And then find a seat on the ledge beside the fountain, settle back, and enjoy your lunch.
2. The High Line
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The High Line might be the most glorious place in the city, in America, and perhaps even planet Earth.
Do you find it exhilarating to stroll through a sprawl of wild daisies while skyscrapers stretch up around you?
How about munching on your delicious picnic amidst tulips, while cabs roar past beneath you, while the sun sets behind the Empire State Building? Then, my friend, The High Line is probably the best spot for your next picnic.
There’s one specific spot on 30th and 10th with bleachers that face east, and a big white frame to frame the sun. There are also plenty of seats over looking the Hudson River in all its majesty.
The High Line also holds excellent springtime events, if picnicking amongst all this resplendence isn’t enough for you.
3. Randall’s Island
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Ever find yourself Uptown on the East Side, looking for a place to picnic that isn’t Central Park? Well, I have just the park for you.
Get yourself to 102nd Street and walk east until you think you’re about to fall in the East River. But relax, you won’t.
On 102nd, right next to the FDR, you’ll find a tall blue ramp that leads to a tall humped bridge, which takes about ten minutes to cross. While you’re crossing, the spectacular East River will shine beneath you and Manhattan’s buildings will stretch toward the sun beside you.
Once you’re across, you’ll be on Randall’s Island, and you can park yourself and your picnic gear on one of the rocks banking the East River. Here, you'll be able to munch while the water laps against the shore and the sun shouts happiness from atop the water.
Don’t want to sit on the rocks? Well, if you keep walking along the path there are a ton of picnic tables, and on the weekends there are usually even food vendors selling food, since lots of sporting events take place here.
,4. Battery Park
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Do you like munching on a sandwich while looking at the brilliance of the Statue of Liberty? Yeah, me too.
Don’t have $18 to spare for the ferry ride, or just looking to chill out on dry land? Then Battery Park is probably a pretty foolproof location for your next picnic.
Battery Park is especially excellent for picnicking if you’re looking to do some free kayaking on the Hudson River at Pier 26 after your picnic, or if you want to browse some poetry at Poets House, America’s largest collection of poetry.
Whatever your plan, Battery Park has it going on, and is a pretty ideal spot for your picnic.
5. Inwood Hill Park
Inwood Hill Park is the only park that’s still in tact from the original Manhattan-- that is, the Manhattan that was home to the Lenape Tribe before the European settlers took over.
Inwood Hill Park is special because its pristine land is unscathed: this park is what all of Manhattan looked like before its commodification, urbanization, and massive scale architecture.
The trees in this park may well have been there for 500 years. Which is pretty special.
6. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is a lovely activity I hold very dear to my heart. It was one of the first things I made sure to do once I moved here, and I consider it a staple of living it up in this city.
So what do you when you get to the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge? Well, picnic in Brooklyn Bridge Park, of course! Brooklyn Bridge Park has countless excellent features-- like Jane’s Carousel, a vintage merry-go-round, and Pier 2.
Pier 2 has sports fields, paths for biking and roller blading, and, yes, spots designated specifically for picnicking. The grass is an impossible green, and of course, the Hudson River is dazzling.
Picnicking here really can’t be topped.
If you enjoyed this article, check out 9 Blissful Spots to Enjoy Outdoor Dining in the City!