5 Winter Walks to try in NYC

Winter might seem like it’s all doom and gloom, but most winter days in NYC are actually bright and clear, which means that if you wrap up warmly there’s no reason why you can’t go out for that relaxing Sunday walk you’ve been dreaming about since summer. In fact, some parts of the city are even nicer to walk around in the winter. Here are our top 5 winter walks in NYC to get you moving.

1. Riverside Park

 Photo: Lucille Burns, Pinterest

Riverside Park is a favorite with Columbia students, being located just a few blocks from the university’s main campus. Cross the road and away from the buzzing Harlem streets and walk down the steps to a Mecca of green in the middle of the city. Because of its lowered ground level, Riverside Park is an instant breath of fresh air in its quiet serenity. The hill also acts as a wind blocker, so it barely feels like winter when you weave your way between the paths and the trees. As the name aptly suggests, Riverside Park is located along the side of the Hudson River, following the path of the river vertically down the side of Manhattan, which makes for the perfect winter river walk. The throngs of college students playing games on the grass and joggers running up and down the stretch of park gives this space a friendly, community feel which makes it one of our favorite winter walks in the city.

2. The Little Red Lighthouse

Photo: Axel Taferner, Flickr 

Take a trip up to Fort Washington Park to see NYC’s famed Little Red Lighthouse, the only lighthouse in New York City. Despite its acclaim, this little treasure is always blissfully tourist-free because it’s actually pretty hard to get to. It’s certainly worth the journey, though, as the lighthouse is a piece of history, built in 1921 and it comes with amazing city views down the Hudson River. There’s also plenty to see in the area around the lighthouse, so you can bring a picnic and make a day of it. Take a train to 190th Street or Dyckman Street and walk around Fort Tyron Park, a city park built around and through ancient walls and bridges. You can even pop in on the Met Cloisters just around the corner, a beautiful ancient monetary which has been restored into a museum as one of the branches of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The lighthouse is just a short underpass and walk away, so you can take in the not-so-city air and enjoy the sparkling riverside views while getting some culture (and warming up) on the same trip.

3. East River State Park and Domino Park

Photo: Archpaper

Located at the beginning of Brooklyn, by the Williamsburg Bridge and the East River is a peaceful walk along East River State Park and Domino Park. The views of Manhattan from this side of the river are truly special and if you go at sunset you’ll catch the reddest skies with a blissful shortage of other people around, making this the perfect afternoon walk to brighten up your winter. East River State Park has its own beach where you can walk up to the river water and pose for pictures on the (stable) rocks at the water’s edge. It’s a great place to sit and contemplate life, as it feels as though there’s nothing but nature between you and the skyline. After soaking up the sandy air, you can walk south along Domino Park, a waterside promenade with unbeatable views. There are always people jogging and playing in this under the radar park, as features like public fountains, a dog park and bocce ball make it a communal, weekend-focused space.

4. John V. Lindsay East River Park

Photo: NYC Gov Parks

We love this unsung park for a winter walk because you can just keep walking to your heart’s desire. Beginning at the Williamsburg Bridge, this Manhattan waterside promenade allows you to walk north up the eastern side of Manhattan island for as long as your legs can take you. Our favorite part of this walk is the stretch beginning at the Williamsburg Bridge, because the paved walkway looks directly onto the river and there’s barely anyone else around (except for a few joggers). Enjoy sprawling gardens and even a children’s play area as you take in the feeling of being far outside of the city whilst still being just a few blocks from the bustling streets.

5. Battery Park

Photo: NYC Go 

Battery Park is hidden at the base of Manhattan island, between the offices of Wall Street and the hustle bustle of the city. Somehow, though, it’s one of the most peaceful places in Manhattan, and one of our favorites for a chilly winter stroll. The park has amply green space as well as a riverside promenade where you can take in the sights of New Jersey and, amazingly, catch clear sight of the Statue of Liberty, which at night lights up to give the park a magical feel. There are park benches dotted along the path with enclaves for fountains and other monuments, as well as several cafes and the famous Brookfield Place mall, the perfect place to shelter for a hot chocolate, meal or shopping trip after your walk.