Riverside Park (Manhattan)
Park Linear Hudson River park with promenades and recreation
Along Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Riverside Park runs beside the Hudson River with promenades, bike lanes, dog runs and playgrounds; visitors gather for river views, jogging, picnics and access to nearby monuments.
Riverside Park is an urban waterfront park on Manhattan’s Upper West Side in New York City, extending along the Hudson River. The linear park provides riverside promenades, recreational facilities and several historic monuments.
Visitors use the park for walking, jogging and cycling along continuous paved paths and for river views across the Hudson. Notable sites within the park include the General Grant National Memorial at about 122nd Street and the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument near 89th Street, along with playgrounds, sports courts and planted promenades.
The riverfront was developed over the late 19th and early 20th centuries into parkland and public promenades, with successive improvements and restorations to add recreational amenities and preserve historic monuments. The park is the result of coordinated urban planning to provide green space along Manhattan’s west side.
Running roughly from the upper 70s to the mid 150s streets on Manhattan’s west side, Riverside Park borders the Hudson River and sits west of the Upper West Side neighbourhood in New York City.
- Length and layout: The park runs roughly 4 miles (about 6.4 kilometres) along Manhattan's west side from the upper 70s to the mid 150s streets and offers continuous riverfront paths and promenades.
- Best times and activities: Sunset over the Hudson River along the park's west-facing promenades is a popular time for views and photography, and bicycle and running paths are heavily used during warmer months.
What to See #
- General Grant National Memorial: General Grant National Memorial (Grant's Tomb) sits at the northern end of the park near 122nd Street and is the largest mausoleum in North America.
- Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument: The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a notable stone memorial in the park around 89th Street with steps and a viewing terrace toward the Hudson River.
How to Get to Riverside Park (Manhattan) #
Riverside Park runs along Manhattan’s Upper West Side on the Hudson River and is straightforward to reach from central Manhattan. Take the NYC Subway (1 train has multiple stops along the Upper West Side) or local buses to stops along Riverside Drive/West End Avenue, then walk a few minutes to the park.
By car it’s a short drive from Midtown Manhattan (roughly 3-5 miles depending on the section of the park) - street parking is limited, and the West Side Highway/Riverside Drive provide direct access.
Tips for Visiting Riverside Park (Manhattan) #
- Visit Riverside Park early in the morning or at golden hour for the best river views and quieter paths; the stretch around 122nd Street is often less busy and includes Grant's Tomb, a substantial historic site many visitors miss.
- Use the park entrances near 72nd, 96th and 125th streets to tailor your walk - moving northward from the busier south sections will take you into quieter promenades and viewpoints along the Hudson Greenway.
Best Time to Visit Riverside Park (Manhattan) #
Riverside Park is best enjoyed from spring through early autumn (April-October) when the weather is pleasant and park activities are in full swing.
Weather & Climate near Riverside Park (Manhattan) #
Riverside Park (Manhattan)'s climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1219 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (114 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).