Gantry Plaza State Park

Gantry Plaza State Park is a beautiful and scenic waterfront park in Long Island City offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. It features well-maintained walking and biking paths, ample seating, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities such as basketball and volleyball courts. The park is dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it an inviting spot for families, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the park hosts various events like concerts and movie screenings during the summer, and it preserves some historical elements of the old port area. Free and paid parking options are available nearby, and a ferry service connects visitors to the park.
Reviews
Breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline! Perfect spot for a picnic or sunset viewing. The park’s waterfront location offers stunning views of the new york city, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
Love the walking and biking paths along the waterfront! Great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. The park’s playground and sports facilities are top-notch, making it an excellent spot for families. Kayaking and paddleboarding rentals are available, offering a unique perspective on the city. There are plenty of seating areas, restrooms, and food vendors make for a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
The park’s events and programming, such as outdoor concerts and movie screenings, are a great bonus. Highly recommend for a relaxing afternoon stroll. Great spot for a picnic, walk, or bike ride along the waterfront.
We took a relaxing stroll alongside the park’s four piers and gardens which has a unique mist fountain. The name of Gantry Plaza came about from the LIRR having a whole freight operation going with railcars and barges shipping goods between Queens and Manhattan. Huge loading bridges called gantries took cargo back and forth. It has the Pepsi sign that’s now a landmark in the park. It’s a great place to enjoy a great time along the river!
It’s a wonderful park, with truly unique views of Manhattan. And it’s only getting better every year. A ferry service is a fun way to travel to or back. And it’s great that some part of the history of the old port there is preserved. There are also a lot of great restaurants in the area and fun concerts in the summertime.
Even on a gray, overcast day, Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City is a breath of fresh air. The dramatic skyline views of Manhattan take on a moody, cinematic quality when framed by low-hanging clouds, and the East River shimmers with a quiet, reflective beauty. The park is clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed with ample seating, wide walking paths, and pockets of green space that invite peaceful moments. Even when the sun isn’t shining.
It is a beautiful place to walk / sit and enjoy the beautiful skyline view.
Go on a cool day, and the vibe is just amazing.
There are people walking their dogs, some are exercising, someone is playing music, you name it, and it’s happening. It’s such a scenic, happy place.
Don’t forget to take a picture with the Pepsi cola sign.
We took a ferry to visit here, so I’ve no idea about parking