Riverside Park

Overview

Riverside Park is a four-mile linear park along the Hudson River on Manhattan's Upper West Side, stretching from 59th to 158th Street. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (co-designer of Central Park), it offers a quieter, more local atmosphere than its famous neighbor across town.

Highlights

• The Promenade: A tree-lined esplanade at the park's northern section offers views of the George Washington Bridge and the Palisades cliffs.
• 79th Street Boat Basin: A picturesque marina and seasonal café where houseboats line the Hudson — a hidden pocket of New York few tourists discover.
• Cherry Blossoms: In April, the cherry trees along the main path near 100th Street create a canopy of pink blossoms rivaling the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.

Visitor Tips

• Morning Runs: Popular with Upper West Side runners. The path along the river is flat, scenic, and uninterrupted for miles.
• Boat Basin Café: Open seasonally from roughly April to November, it is one of the only waterfront dining spots in Manhattan.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.