When the weather is good in New York City, there are few things better than soaking up the sun and enjoying a picnic outside. Here are six great picnic spots in Manhattan!
1. Sheep Meadow
Sheep Meadow is a massive meadow in the southern portion of Central Park. When the weather is nice, expect hundreds of people picnicking, playing spike ball, or throwing a frisbee.
2. Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is an iconic park in the neighborhood Greenwich Village. Many of the surrounding buildings are part of New York University (NYU). Here picnickers hang out on the lawns, benches, and around the large fountain. If you’re looking for a game of chess, check out the western part of the park.
3. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is located just a few blocks from Time Square in central Manhattan next to the New York Public Library. Along with a spacious lawn and cafes, you will find a carousel and various free activities.
4. Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is located just a few blocks north of the Flat Iron building in central Manhattan. This was the birth place of the popular burger chain, Shake Shack, which now has a permanent stand in the southern portion of the park. Additionally, there is a fountain and nice lawn area which is a perfect picnic spot. See the website for upcoming events.
5. Elizabeth Street Garden
Elizabeth Street Garden is a hidden gem in the Nolita neighborhood in New York City. This is a community garden open to the public with unique statues, colorful plants, and benches scattered around. There are plans to develop the land, however there are ongoing efforts to stop that process.
6. Little Island
Little Island is a park that was built on top of pier 55 on the Hudson River near the neighborhood Chelsea. This park opened in May 2021 and requires free, ticketed entry for crowd control. In the park is an amphitheater, view points, a couple food trucks, and a lawn for picnickers. Note that the lawn is occasionally closed to mitigate damages from overuse.
What do you pack for your picnic?
Here are some of my favorite Trader Joes snacks for a park picnic:
-Chili Spiced Mango
-Triple Cream Brie with Wild Mushrooms paired with Fig Butter on a Fig & Olive Crisp
-Manchego cheese
-Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar Dark Chocolate Almonds
-Pretzel Slims Everything with Mediterranean Style Hummus
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