Went for a run last night and found that there is work being done north of 96th street and it's cut off. Due to construction work as the sign says and will reopen Jan 25. Let's see how long this will really take. I'll believe it when I see it. read more

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Views from the East River Esplanade are some of my favorite city views. I can see the same views from my health club. I prefer nice days when it's a beautiful walk near the water while I enjoy the scenery. It's so nice to walk without traffic and the stop and go of streetlights. You have to walk the Upper East Side Esplanade when you visit! read more

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I grew up on the UES and this was my GO-TO PLACE to get some running down while taking in some scenic views. Whether I felt like chilling on a bench with a book or getting some miles in, this riverside walkway satisfied my "outdoorsy" needs while living in a crowded concrete city like NYC. Lately, there's A LOT more people than I remember. Benches are more weathered than I remember. The pavement tiles aren't as smooth as I remember. And it just aint the same. Seems like it isn't as cared for as it use to be. As with all things, change is constant and it is no different here. It's still a great spot to get a nice walk in. read more

It's partially under construction for the renovation but it's a nice area to run, walk, or sit and watch the boats go by. It's a beautiful view of Roosevelt Island. read more

East River Esplanade - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

The parts of the Esplanade that work are spectacular. It provides open views of the East River, Randall's Island, Roovevelt Island and Parts of Queens. There is greenery planted along the path and there are intermittent benches where you can sit, enjoy the view, and even fish. It falls short of tranquil due to the fact that it runs directly beside the FDR and it's heavy 45mph traffic. The esplanade technically runs from runs East 114th Street all the way down to the South Street Seaport. There are several spots along the way where the path cuts out for a significant number of blocks, forcing a detour onto adjacent roads (with little if any signage marking the exit and reentry points). There are a nuamber of stretches with big sinkholes or other obvious defects that have not been fixed in years. And the city doesn't always bother to shovel weeks after it snows, so the path can become a bit treacherous in winter. I generally travel the north portion that runs approximately 3 miles from East 110th down to East 59th (where the trail cuts out) but have also walked from the Seaport up to East 14th Street. The north section features a footbridge to Randall's Island Park at East 103rd street, a ferry terminal at East 90th Street, and abuts Gracie Mansion and Carl Schurz Part from East 87th to approximately East 77th. The Carl Schurz Park area is the widest and most bustling area of the Esplanade and includes a number of benches, gardens, a child's playground and a dog run. Just south of Carl Schurz, around East 77th there is a narrow, steep decline that leads to a more narrow path south (prone to bottlenecks in some areas). The remainder of the path south has intermittently place benches but otherwise unremarkable until you approach East 59th Street. East 59th sits atop a hill, with a small dog run at its foot. If you climb the steep hill, you will find yourself on a big coveted concrete patio area with slab benches and tables where you can sit and play chess, watch boats or the Roosevelt Island Tram go by. All in all it's a great place to get out for a walk or a run. read more

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If you live on the East side this is a great place for running! Call this your little getaway from the tourists over on 5th ave into the open air along the water. Surprisingly, it doesn't get too crowded with people (on good weekend days that changes) and you can run about 6 miles with out having to stop to pass the slow poke in front of you. 60th Street to 125th Street 60th Street ramp along York Avenue (right near the 59th Street Bridge) is the start of the 62-block path. From there you just run straight/uptown. As you head north you'll get a nice view of Roosevelt Island and Queens. This path is pretty straight forward so don't expect a change of scenery on your way back. You'll get a nice view of the 59th Street Bridge and the Air Tram crossing the river to Roosevelt Island. The path is paved well- there are no pot holes or elevated patches where you have the possibility to trip. There are steep flights of stairs you must hurdle to continue along the route and the blare and pollution from the traffic isn't all that pleasant- but the breeze from the water and the views of the river make it worth the while. John Finley Walk- From 81st St. to 90th St., the Esplanade rises above the FDR Drive and merges with Carl Schurz Park. The paved promenade lined with benches along the river includes small flower gardens and a dog run. The Esplanade can be reached via 63rd, 70th, 78th, 81st-88th, 96th and 111th Streets and the path links up with several parks along the way, including John Jay Park (76th St.), Carl Schurz Park (84th St.) and Thomas Jefferson Park (111th St.-144th St.) read more

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This is my flavor bike path from Queensboro bridge to uptown East Side but recent construction has cut off the section around 82nd St. Warning,try not to get trapped and have to double back. read more

Great walk, going roughly from 41st Street to 25th Street (when it continues as "East River Bikeway" all the way south to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal). Beautiful views of the East River and Newtown Creek separating Queens from Brooklyn. It's still interrupted by construction works, but will be gorgeous once finished. read more

So I'm in love. You know that feeling when your heart swells up into a big air balloon? And you find yourself suddenly light-headed enough to float above ground? Yes, I am talking about that four letter word that we use too much and seldom mean enough. There is something magical about crossing that ramp on 63rd Street. Perhaps it's the white railings against the gray of NYC. Or the expansive promenade that runs off into the horizon. Maybe it's the whiff of the East River teasing your nostrils reminding you of days far away where there are less things but more meaning. Regardless of the time of day or year, you're bound to be enchanted here. Give the breeze permission to carry you for a bit. Listen to the waves crash against the cement wall as the birds chirp in harmony. Let your feet dance upon the pavement. Don't be afraid to be seduced by the open air--yes, that is the sky your eyes are indulging in. Don't think. Just be. Leave yourself behind. Come only as you are. Allow yourself the vulnerability to fall in love. read more

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Great long path along the East River from 63rd to 125th Street. It has views of the Queensborough Bridge, Roosevelt Island, and Queens and as you near the upper end: Ward's Island, Randall's Island, and the Triborough Bridge. Entrances and exits can be found on 63rd, 70th, 78th, 81st-88th, 96th and 111th Streets although it merges with Carl Schurz Park in the 80s. You'll always find people jogging or biking here during the day and evening. Make sure to have earphones in since it's right next to the busy FDR Drive. read more

East River Esplanade - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

I always bring my doggie here! We love it! The dog run is big, usually clean and the view is amazing! I love that there is a dog run near the water, the breeze is always nice. The walk path is a few blocks long, great for exercising. read more

East River Esplanade - Noah Happy Face having a blast at the dog run! - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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This "park" is about as appealing as watching a neighbor take out their trash in the rain. Nestled beside the Manhattan Bridge where you can see views of Roosevelt Island. Barely ok to even jog here it's just another concrete slab along the river. I wouldn't waste your time coming here unless you need a place to rest for a few minutes. read more

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Great views, good place for dogs and families.If you live on the East Side this is a great path to run on, bike on or just walk on. read more

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You get such a great view when you come on over here! A lot of people were working out around here as well. You can see the Roosevelt Tram traveling over your head, and there is a spacious dog park inside. It can get dirty inside, but they have a hose to clean up your dog before you leave. I liked their bone shaped mini pool, hehe. read more

I love that they list the closest subway stop as Roosevelt Island. Just a quick swim across the East River from the park! The real closest station to the entrance at E 60th is the N/Q/R at Lex/59th (really 3rd and 60th). No one is going to come to the park unless they're walking though, so I don't know why I bothered. I have tried running and/or rollerblading along the esplanade here. It's a nice stretch with a decent number of trees, benches, and even tables and seats good for an outdoor chess game or two. There can be a few drawbacks to getting your exercise here. On the one side you have the never ending car fumes from the FDR Drive. On the opposite side you have the "natural" smell of the East River. The path is good for running/walking or biking, but can be tricky for rollerblading (it's cool again now! I swear!) because the pavement is uneven in many spots. Also, in the warm weather, you will come across a number of people who have made certain benches their "home". This is NYC and a public place, so this is not a surprise. I tend to find the people who hang out on this stretch to be quiet and non-crazy, though, so they're not going to yell anything at you as you run by all sweaty. The path can get a little crowded at times, and groups walking together or 2 moms with giant strollers may make it hard for you to pass on one side. It's still a very useful path, where you can walk or etc without having to worry about traffic or red lights. There's also a dog park at the southern end of the park for nearby dog owners. There are quite a few ramps over the FDR if you need to exit anywhere along the path. The esplanade ends in the low 80s so the path that most people stick to isn't that long. There are markers along the pavement every 5 blocks or so to let you know where you are approximately streetwise. read more

What a find!! Views make you feel like you have left the city!

i finally decided to visit the esplanade after all these years of driving by on the fdr and saying to myself look at all those fools fishing for garbage fish in the east river. from the 60ishth to 100ishth st area has a bunch of top crossover walkways to get to and from the esplanade and while walking across you can see and hear the cars flying along the fdr drive . the city has made plenty of improvements to the area making it more people , family , dog friendly . it's a nice long path to walk , jog, run , bike , push the stroller or just be lazy sitting on the benches and watch the boats go by or the pretty ladies in their tight running shorts. you can see roosevelt island across as well as the queensboro bridge and other structures that i have no clue about. with about 7 or more top walkways it's easy to get to and it's not really crowded to a point that you feel like a sardine. it's a spring and summer ritual for most of us folks who live on the extreme east side of town . when i do make the trek via york ave i usually like to find my favorite bench in the 88th st area and just chill out listening to some music and watch the boats go by . i do like to bring my binoculars and look toward roosevelt island and queens , etc but i dont want to be labeled the creepy or pervy dude looking at females so i keep them home. it's a safe area for the most part and with a few parks along the route you can make a day of it . read more