East River Esplanade - New York, NY
East River Esplanade: A Dog-Friendly Gem in New York, NY
The East River Esplanade is a beloved waterfront park located in the heart of Manhattan, stretching along the East River with scenic views of Roosevelt Island, the Queensboro Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline. This greenway is cherished by local residents for its pet-friendly walking and jogging paths, clean and well-kept lawns, and abundance of benches and shady spots. It is an ideal destination for dog owners seeking a picturesque spot for walking their pets or relaxing outdoors in New York City. The Esplanade’s tranquil atmosphere and plentiful seating make it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a dog park in New York, NY.
Dog owners will appreciate the welcoming environment, as the park is kid- and dog-friendly, featuring water fountains and a vibrant, community-oriented feel. While the Esplanade itself does not feature a dedicated fenced dog run, it offers expansive, well-maintained paths with gorgeous river views. Whether you’re strolling with your pup or enjoying a picnic along the pet-friendly trails, the East River Esplanade stands out as a top spot for outdoor recreation with your four-legged companions in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at the park? Yes, dogs are welcome at the East River Esplanade.
- Are there water fountains available? Yes, there are a couple of water fountains in the park.
- Is there shade or shelter? Yes, the park features shaded areas and benches for relaxing.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are plenty of benches and places to sit throughout the park.
- Are there walking or running trails? Yes, the Esplanade features pet-friendly trails and walkways along the river.
- Is the park regularly maintained? Yes, the park is clean, green, and nicely maintained.
- Is it suitable for picnics? Yes, the Esplanade is a popular spot for picnics and relaxing outside.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the park is accessible year-round, though some areas may temporarily close for maintenance or construction.
Reviews
A beautiful addition to the waterfront. Clean, green, picturesque, nicely maintained. Lots of benches and nooks to sit down and enjoy the views of the stunning Queensboro bridge and the East River. Kid and dog friendly, with a couple of water fountains.
The East River Walkway is a cozy and refreshing spot, with dedicated bike-share and running lanes. You can enjoy beautiful views of Roosevelt Island along the way. I started my walk from the entrance at E 63rd Street down to E 50th Street. Currently, the walkway is closed near the 71st Street Bridge and 75th Street due to ongoing construction.
Went for another walk along the new Greenway from 53rd to 71st, where it is now closed for some repair work. Today was a beautiful, sunny and cold day and there were still a few hearty souls walking and jogging. Scenery is great with views of Roosevelt Island, Queensboro Bridge, downtown NY and Brooklyn, boat traffic on the East River and the overhead Tramway. Best photo shoot area is from the 53rd end looking down river.
A wonderful addition to the neighborhood and to NYC.
Love the Esplanade, BUT very disappointed about the way the native plant strips have been trimmed. Having been looking at them multiple times a week for the past year, I was shocked to see how they were flattened with what seemed to be little care for their seeds and stalks. I completely understand trimming back plants that are overflowing onto the biking and walking paths, totally makes sense! But leveling native plant stalks, that were planted to help the local ecosystems and native fauna, like insects and birds, seems to defeat the purpose. Overwintering plants are important, their hollow stems create safe habitat for insects and their eggs, while I have been watching the birds delightfully eat the seeds of asters, echinacea, and goldenrod to keep themselves fed through the drought. The before image might look at little wild, but the after images don’t look any better in my opinion. I love this park and greenway, and I appreciate all those who work on it to do make it great for everyone, including the birds and bees, but hopefully we can figure out a way to keep the winter benefits of these plants while still trying to make it look tidy for those that enjoy the paths?
A beautiful walkway overlooking Roosevelt Island, Queens Bridge and lower Manhattan! This beautiful expansion of the East River Greenway can be entered on 71st or 53rd Street. It can be a bit noisy since it’s right along the highway, but it’s lovely for a run with headphones.