Wards Island Park: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of New York
Discover the serene beauty of Wards Island Park, a lush urban oasis in New York City, perfect for relaxation and recreational activities.
Wards Island Park offers tourists a serene escape from the bustling streets of Manhattan. Nestled between the East River and Hell Gate, this park is a perfect blend of lush greenery and recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
A brief summary to Wards Island Park
- East River and, Hell Gate Cir, New York, Manhattan, NY, 10035, US
- +1212-639-9675
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-1 am
- Tuesday 6 am-1 am
- Wednesday 6 am-1 am
- Thursday 6 am-1 am
- Friday 6 am-1 am
- Saturday 6 am-1 am
- Sunday 6 am-1 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and stunning sunrise views over the East River.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the many grassy areas or along the river's edge.
- Don't miss the chance to explore the park's walking trails, which offer scenic views and a chance to spot local wildlife.
- Check the park's event calendar for local festivals and cultural events during your visit.
- Bring your camera; the park's picturesque scenery is perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Getting There
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Bus
From Yonkers, head to the Yonkers Bus Terminal located at 1 Larkin Plaza. Take the Bee-Line Bus #1 towards the Bronx. After about 20 minutes, get off at the stop for 'East 138th Street & Alexander Avenue'. Transfer to the MTA Bus Bx6 towards 'East 138th Street & Grand Concourse'. Stay on for approximately 15 minutes, then get off at the 'East 138th Street & Brook Avenue' stop. From there, walk southeast towards the East River for about 15 minutes to reach Wards Island Park.
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Train and Bus
From Yonkers, take the Metro-North Railroad from the Yonkers station to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Once at Grand Central, follow the signs to the 42nd Street Shuttle (S) and take it one stop to Times Square-42nd Street. At Times Square, transfer to the 7 train towards Flushing, and get off at the '5th Avenue-Bryant Park' stop. From there, walk to the '42nd Street-Bryant Park' bus stop and catch the MTA Bus M42 towards 'East 42nd Street & 1st Avenue'. After 20 minutes, get off at '1st Avenue & 42nd Street' and walk east for about 10 minutes to reach Wards Island Park.
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Walking
If you are staying in downtown Yonkers, you can take a scenic walk to the Wards Island Park. Start at the Yonkers waterfront along the Hudson River, heading north towards the Sarah Lawrence College. Continue walking along the waterfront until you reach the bridge at 138th Street. Cross the bridge over the Harlem River, then follow the signs towards Wards Island Park, which is about a 30-minute walk from the bridge.
Discover more about Wards Island Park
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