East River Greenway is located around Manhattan so you can walk along the water for miles. It's…read moregreat to be out of the traffic and the start and stop of street lights. I always lived by the ocean so my favorite views and activities are around the Piers. I love to see the boats in the water and the ones docked. The views of the bridges and the other boroughs keeps me interested. I'm always spotting something new on the landscape. I'm recommending wherever you are in Manhattan you head for a river and enjoy the fresh air and views. I feel privileged to live in Manhattan where I have the opportunity to be near bodies of water. After all, I'm Aquarius.

Terrific place to run along the water on the East Side…read more Love running down here from uptown during my training runs. Especially at night when the skyline and bridges are all lit up. At times I have run down here on a weekend afternoon, across the Manhattan Bridge then back across the Williamsburg Bridge. So much to see down here along the way. People running, fishing, playing basketball, jet skiing, etc. You can pretty much run or walk it down to the Staten Island Ferry. It's a great running route and worth checking out if looking for a different view for your exercise routine.

Wonderfully manicured and well maintained park…read more Great place to take a seat and relax. Admire the flowers and greenery. Relish the escape from the concretel jungle. Check out the Doughboy statue in the middle of the park. Constructed in 1836 and reconstructed in 2004 this is one of the cleanest parks I've had the pleasure to visit here.

The only public parks very close to my apartment are Union Square and Washington Square. I also…read morepretty routinely walk by Madison Square Park. Acknowledging those are my baselines, it's refreshing to come across a public park in the city that isn't seething with hordes of people -- locals and tourists alike. It was such a pleasure to just sit for a spell on one of the ample benches and finish my bubble tea from Chelsea Market while enjoying the cool breeze. I fell into a reverie, lulled by the dappled light filtering through the towering shady trees that protected us from the glare of the scorching summer sun. Although Abingdon Square's located in the heart of the West Village, the sounds of the city and the traffic outside of the park just gently blend into the background. I wish we had more serene reprieves from Manhattan's hustle and bustle akin to this little oasis.

My review of Harlem Meer is also a tribute to the sweetest owl, Flaco…read more First, let's talk about the Meer..the Meer and the area around it was one of the last parts of Central Park to be built; a swamp was transformed into the 11-acre Meer. It is located on the northeast corner of Central Park, between 106th and 110th Streets. "The word "Meer" is Dutch for "small sea," and the name reflects the Park designers' interest in unique names for the Park's water bodies. It also connects to the area's past, once part of the Dutch village of Harlem. This artificial lake was created on the location of a tidal marsh that was fed by a creek that extended south to the Harlem River. " "Charles A. Dana Discovery Center was built on the north shore of the Meer as part of the restoration. More recently, the Lasker Rink area near the Meer was redeveloped into the Davis Center, a new facility that includes a year-round ice rink and pool." On my recent visit, I was stoked to finally visit the swimming pool but it was closed; prepping for winter and turning into the rink. The Meer hosts picnics, fishing ( catch and release only, the seasonal Pumpkin flotilla and many other activities. How and why did I fall in love with this area? There was a little owl who lived in a cage in the Central Park Zoo. One day, a visitor dismantled his cage and the owl escaped. That night, he was spotted in front of Bergdorf Goodman by several members of the police trying to catch him. But, he was too smart for them and escaped again. The next day, he was spotted in inside park @79th Street. But, being an Eurasian owl, Flaco, aimed higher. He settled into the North Woods. My friend Rochelle and I were mesmerized by him and visited him often. Flaco was a brilliant and curious owl. He was spotted in the Meer. Why? He loved watching the construction of the new pool( Davis Center) and caught his dinner there, rats! I have included pictures of Flaco sitting atop a Komatsu watching the construction and of course looking for rats. I have beautiful memories of Flaco and because of him, falling in love with the Meer and Harlem. It is my most favorite part of Central Park. Flaco was the most beautiful owl I have ever encountered. When I visit the Meer I visit his most favorite tree, time and time again.. More to come!

Come over! Enjoy the Spring with emerging new flowers and local wildlife! Love Harlem Meer! Once…read morediscovering the Northeast corner of Central Park years ago, it has been one of my favorite places to visit year-round! Now living next to it, I regularly come to here walk and sit. The lake with its boathouse is the perfect place to reflect, especially if you appreciate wildlife. I enjoy that it's less touristy, more local park feel. Some people come to fish, but remember it's only catch and release. Although regularly you'll see all types of birds, my favorite animals to watch are the turtles - especially when they head to land or rocks to sunbathe! Harlem Meer's Boathouse houses the Dana Discovery Center, an environmental education center and info point. Under construction is the new Davis Center, with a new state-of-the-art pool and rink to replace the dated Lasker Rink and Pool, will have it's Opening Day Celebration on April 26th with programs starting at its Harlem Oval public green and its Gottesman Pool scheduled to open in June. This renovation will also enable a connection between the lake and water features in the North Woods park section, styled to be a rustic forest like the Adirondacks. The southern Meer shoreline is also getting a well-needed redesign. If you make it here, adjacent to Harlem Meer's southern tip and Fifth Avenue 106th St. entrance is the Conservatory Garden, an amazing place especially from March to October when there are coordinated blooms across 3 well-maintained formal gardens, just fully available after renovations! While Harlem Meer in a more naturalistic setting has the fauna, the Conservatory Garden truly features the flora. The northernmost French section, immediately adjoining Harlem Meer, includes a fountain and trellaces immediately connects through the newly reopened Italian section, with its own fountain and pergola, to the amazing southernmost English "Secret Garden" section - with the widest flower selections and hidden fountain. Replanted Crabtree Allées divide the three. It's all a worthwhile extra stop once to a Harlem Meer visit!

One of the best views to run or walk while taking in the terrific sights of the East River. Or just…read moretake a seat on one of the benches on a sunny day and relax while watching the boats cruise by. This section of the promenade actually runs from 63rd Street and 125th Street. John Finley was Professor of Politics at Princeton, President of the City College of New York, President of the University of the State of New York, and Commissioner of Education of the State of New York. This stretch of walkway was named after John Finley in 1940 because he had often walked the perimeter of Manhattan along it. It's right next to Gracie Mansion and Carl Schurz Park where you can find his placard by the water. He had a pretty distinguished career and was definitely a lot smarter than me!

Nice walkway along the east river. Plenty of places to sit and watch the waves or ships sail by…read more The east side of Manhattan isn't as bike friendly and the walkway isn't as long as along the Hudson, but this is a pretty nice long stretch.

Trefoil Arch carries East Drive over a pedestrian path that connects the Loeb Boathouse and the…read moreLake with Conservatory Water. It's located on the East Side of Fifth Avenue at 73rd Street. I'm thankful to Phil for adding this to Yelp. I've taken photos over the years because it's a favorite arch of mine. It's named for its distinctive archway and it is unique in Central Park. It's the only arch with a different façade on each side. The east side features the trefoil (or three-lobed) archway, while the west side is a simpler rounded arch leading to a stairway. When it's covered in vines I find it hard to enjoy it's beauty. I still recommend you visit to see the inside and the details of the design.

Just another arch in Central Park, but this one is a bit unique as it features wooden slat walls…read moreand ceilings on the inside. You can still view some ornate designs in the stonework on the outside entrances worn by the elements and age. One side is more picturesque with vines and bushes hanging over it. This 16-foot arch was constructed in 1862 to provide a pathway from Conservatory Water to the Lake.

The Empire State Trail starts at the very southern tip of Manhattan. You can start the journey from…read moreBattery park and walk along a scenic route via the Hudson River. I ended up going here on my way to the Robert F. Wagner Jr. park. While I was walking this path, I did see a lot of landmarks too! This path does follow the Hudson River Greenway, which is one of the busiest paths and is a very enjoyable bike path! This segment is fully paved which is great! It allows to see views of Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and the waterfront! This path does continue north through the Hudson River Park and Riverside Park, connecting into the broader Empire State Trail. This Trail does span the entire state, even though it starts in the Financial District. It branches out into three different segments. Hudson River Valley Greenway: NYC to Albany. This provides scenic waterfront trails and rail trail conversions. Erie Canalway Trail: This path goes from Albany westward to Buffalo. There a variety of historic towpaths and the canal. Champlain Valley Trail: This path continues north from Albany towards Canada with stretch of on road route near Lake Champlain. If you enjoy walking and biking, you should explore the empire state trail while you're in the Financial District. It was so beautiful, serene and scenic!

I rode my bike on the trail from GWB to WTC a few times and loved it. The trail actually connects a…read morefew different trails and goes all the way to the states border. If your planning on doing that, I hope you do much more to prepare than read this review. The Hudson River side of NYC is beautiful. Nearly the entire shoreline is a park with plenty of picnic areas, sports fields/courts and trails for riding or walking. In a few areas the walkway is closer to the water and signs say bikes aren't permitted. There's marinas, restaurants, a helicopter port, the intrepid museum and much more. Check out whichever pier you are looking to go to for more specifics. I thought that it may be a good idea to drive around the entire island. On the east river side, you can take NY Greenway to go back north, but there are a few detours for construction and you have to go out of the way for some ferry's, Rockefeller University and the United Nations. Also you will have to go back west through the city so I think if your taking this trail for scenery, It may be best to make a U-turn and double back.

Sutton Place Park was worth the extra mile I walked getting lost trying to find it. It's has the…read moremost beautiful views of the East River and the Queensboro Bridge. There's plenty of seating and peace and quiet. The area is clean with trash bins. I didn't see a bathroom though. It would be nice considering the size of the park. There's an unusual statue that I was photographing when children came to play on it. They added to my photo fun! I'm certainly happy I made this visit today. I walked 6.4 miles by the time I got home. I especially enjoyed the area around the bridge. I'm recommending you visit when you are nearby. You may be determined to visit a place like I am. Just don't use the map for this business page. I went way out of my way......

Lovely spot in nature to escape for some tranquil relaxation. Spectacular view of the bridge. I…read morelove to watch the water and boats go by. Immaculate maintained with flowers and plants and it's clean. Safe for kids. Lots of space, benches etc. it's broken up on different streets, doesn't flow continuously. Blessing to the neighborhood. Lots of cute dogs too. Oh and borrow a book!

Central Park is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The paved trails, stunning…read morelandscapes, bridges, lakes, and hidden corners make it feel like an escape from life, even though you're surrounded by the city. I've visited parks all over the country and found little pieces here and there that remind me of Central Park, but nothing has ever come close to its beauty, magnificence, and magic. If I could afford it, I would happily live right next door and spend my days wandering its paths. It is more than just a city park, it's an experience, and it's one of those places to visit once in a lifetime.

Central Park is one of the truly magical parts of New York. The 6-mile loop is one of my favorite…read moreplaces anywhere to walk or run, while the reservoir and bridle path offer their own distinct rhythms and views. The surrounding architecture adds so much to the experience, especially when the skyline appears through the trees and reminds you exactly where you are. What I love most is seeing people simply enjoying themselves: running, reading, picnicking, walking dogs, or spending time with friends and family. There is something deeply refreshing about experiencing this quieter, less materialistic side of the city in the middle of one of the most ambitious places on earth. Central Park is completely one of a kind.