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Gantry Plaza State Park
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Gantry Plaza State Park

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See all things to do
Gantry Plaza State Park
4.5
478
#1 of 23 things to do in Long Island City
State Parks • Parks
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8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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Top ways to experience Gantry Plaza State Park and nearby attractions

The area
Address
How to get there
  • Vernon Boulevard – Jackson Ave • 6 min walk
  • 21st St – Queensbridge • 9 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Diana of Little Chef, Little Kitchen
112
277 ft$$ - $$$ • Dine With a Local Chef • Italian • American
Casa Enrique
269
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Central American
Manetta's Ristorante
187
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Maiella
200
515 ft$$$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Tournesol Bistro
170
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Bar • Cafe
Shi
125
203 ft$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Cyclo
68
0.2 mi$ • Asian • Vietnamese • Soups
Tuk Tuk
119
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Manducatis Rustica
94
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly
Cafe Henri
118
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Cafe • European
See all
Attractions
1,648 within 6 miles
Hunter's Point South Park
110
0.2 miParks
Rockaway Brewing Company
40
0.2 miBreweries
LIC Flea & Food
11
0.2 miFlea & Street Markets
Four Freedoms Park
167
0.4 miParks
Fifth Hammer Brewing
27
0.3 miBreweries
Grand Central Terminal
44,499
1.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Manhattan Skyline
21,411
1.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
St. Patrick's Cathedral
15,115
1.4 miChurches & Cathedrals
New York Public Library
14,481
1.4 miSpeciality Museums
MoMA PS1
387
0.5 miArt Museums
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
478 reviews
Excellent
364
Very good
106
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Jane H
9 contributions
Gantry Plaza State Park
Apr 2022
Gantry Plaza State Park is a 12-acre (4.9 ha) state park on the East River in the Hunters Point section of Long Island City, in the New York City which is at 409 47th Rd, Long Island City, NY. Along this park, a cafe called Diana of Little Chef, Little Kitchen is great. I love it.
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alonso R
San Jose, Costa Rica11 contributions
Excellent and free view of Manhattan skyline
Jun 2022
This is a nice public park in Long Island City, from where you have wonderful views of Manhattan's skyline. It is free, and not full of tourist like other places in New York City. There are many options to eat nearby
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
seanworc
New York City, NY709 contributions
Great Views of Manhattan Skyline
Apr 2021
Gantry State Park is located on the eastern edge of the East River in Long Island City, Queens. Easy access from the "train" or the water ferry from Manhattan. Great views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline. Multi-purposes: plenty of seats, a great new children's playground, and a wonderful places for a romantic stroll or a dog walk. Please check it out. Visitors can combine with a visit to the hip Greenpoint, Brooklyn neighborhood or to see the nearby MOMA PS 1 art museum. The iconic Pepsi sign is here.
Written April 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sangjinna
New York City, NY11 contributions
Fantastic Views of Midtown Manhattan, Worth the Visit to Long Island City
Jun 2021 • Solo
Park offers fantastic views of Midtown Manhattan that you simply cannot miss. The walking course takes about 45 minutes and follows the East River waterfront. The park also includes the famous Pepsi neon sign as well the Long Island Ferry dock sign. Its only one subway stop from Grand Central Station, very accessible for those staying in Manhattan. The views are worth a quick trip out to Long Island City.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Audrey R
1 contribution
Beautiful View and Lovely Walking Path
Jul 2022
So easy to walk around and such a beautiful view! I walked here by myself as an out of town guest and was stunned by the view and all the commotion on a Thursday evening. I especially liked the walking path around the lake. A highlight of my trip!
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lorrygil66
Nyc12 contributions
Nasty food trucks
Jul 2021
Gantry park was beautiful 6 years ago , however now the nasty dirty food trucks took over and its horrible. The neighborhood has turned into a 24 hour carnival . Be aware of the rats looking for food all over the floor .
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephany M
4 contributions
My favorite park ever!
Feb 2021 • Friends
One of my favorite Piers and parks to take any kind of walk. Whether looking for a romantic place to take your loved one or a family member visiting from overseas, this place has it all! I have been coming here for over two decades. The place has definitely transformed and it is better than ever. Must see!
Written February 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DanX_12
New York City, NY5 contributions
Want the best view of the Manhattan skyline?
Aug 2012 • Couples
I'm reluctant to write a review of this place because I kind of love the fact that its a rather "hidden gem" in NYC and if you mention to name "Gantry State Park" to even real New Yorkers (meaning people who's lived here for 15 plus years or their whole life like me), I'm pretty sure they would be puzzled and think its out of the city, up in the boonies like Bear Mountain, quite possibly upstate or in Jersey.

But no, this is an absolutely lovely park up in a progressive, expanding area of Long Island City Queens, which is quite the happening area. And honestly, this has become one of my favorite parks in all of NYC thus far.

Let me give you a run down of whats so special and lovely of this park:

View: One of the best views of the Manhattan skyline in the entire NYC. The view from here is mostly a view of almost the entire east side of Manhattan and of course the iconic buildings (Empire, Chrysler, United Nations etc) and Queensboro Bridge. I don't care who you are but the view of the Manhattan skyline just never gets old and is always fun to look at. From afar you get a totally different view of the city, and it looks like a huge giant from up in the heavens was playing with lego blocks. Amazing.

Romance: Honestly, forget Central Park (in a romantic sense). If you really want some peace and quiet, not as much distractions, then take your date/someone you have a crush on/ someone you want to propose too/boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/gay or lesbian lover/multiple love interest whatever the case maybe; bring over hither! The peace and quiet, the serenity, the Manhattan skyline (especially at night), the greenery mixed with the industrialy, the East River frontery will definitely add that romantic spark (I know industrialy and frontery isn't a word but I just really wanted to make it rhyme). During the summer, they have the hammocks out, so make sure you get that cuddle wuddle thing going on!

Activity: There's plenty of space to do plenty of outdoorsy activities here. There's a soccer field in the area if you want to play some soccer but let me tell you, the people who play are serious bout their soccer, so don't got their to fool around. Want to play some paddle ball, badminton? Go ahead. Want to get some people together and practice martial arts? Go ahead. Want to exercise with a group of friends? Go ahead. Want to do some yoga? Have a picnic? Catch some sun and get a tan? Want to take the kids to a playground? You can do it all here.

There's plenty of open grass if you want to lay down and chill and there's plenty of benches, and beach chairs to sit and chill. And like I mentioned before, Hammocks during the summer.

Population: I thought I'll just mention this if its any importance to anyone. I've been here during the winter and a few this since June this summer and I've been here from 2PM and the latest I've been or stood was to about 11pm. Amazingly, even during the busiest of hours, it was never overly packed. So you don't have to really worry about huge crowds, overbearing crowds, at least for right now. You can still feel like you're in NYC but with being able to think and move.

Area: This is located in Long Island City which is a very happening, very hip but at the same time pretty low key and progressing area. Its not as popular and known as Brooklyn or Manhattan but I'm kind of happy it isn't but I do hope it gets just a tad bit more attention in a way. If you don't feel like being in overly packed Manhattan but don't mind having close access to Manhattan when you want to go back or visit, then this is a perfect spot. Directly across the river is an awesome little city with plenty to do. Next to this park there's plenty of great deli's, bars, some neat restaurants, a comedy club and of course 5 Points and P.S. 1 is not far away.

I'm really happy I discovered this park and I'm happy that its gotten awesome reviews so far. Whats even better is that the park is STILL expanding and being worked on. Don't let the construction of the nearby buildings or in some parts of the park fool you, that's just a sign of even more awesome things to come. Its really a wonderful park and a great escape from the more commercial Central Park, this is a place to go. It probably doesn't have the dynamism that Central Park has but who cares. This is the peoples park and it has a flare and charm all its own.

If you're visiting NYC by all means visit Central Park but DON'T pass up going across the river into Queens to check out this charming park and area. If you live in NYC and never been to this park, well, stop being a damn full and come check this park out!
Written August 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jemlnlx
Bronx, NY4,522 contributions
4th of July Viewing Spectacular
Jul 2017 • Family
This park is a wonderful park on any normal day offering some of the best views of the iconic New York City skyline. I've been to this park many times and had great experiences but this review is particularly for July 4th.

The annual July 4th Macy's Day Fireworks Display is currently on the east river and among the best viewing spots is Gantry PLaza State Park. We knew that the place would get filled up quickly so we planned on getting to the area around 3-3:30. We were coming from the Bronx so I used the ParkWhiz app to find and book one of the local garages in the area, only to find out (by calling the garages myself) in the morning of July 4th that the streets in the area were closed off. The streets (including parked cars) are closed off the night before (July 3rd) from Vernon Blvd. East. We ended up reserving a garage about 2-3 blocks away from Vernon Blvd on Court Street (about $13) through ParkWhiz, which was just under a mile walk to the waterfront. When we got close to the garage, we were able to get a free (metered) spot on the street. Instead of lugging our chairs and stuff a mile, we opted to hop on the nearby Court Street 7 Train Station and take it 2 stops to the Vernon Blvd./Jackson Ave. station which brought us about 2-3 blocks from the waterfront. We started walking to the waterfront but there were already baricades set up (even for walking) so we had to take 48th Ave. (The main two way road) to walk west to the waterfront. We were able to get a great spot at the front of the Northern pier at about 2:30 PM. There were only a handful of people there, mostly photographers with tripods to get the prime shooting spots on the pier. We were given wristbands and told that each pier has a separate color wrist band that you need for re-entry to the pier. They fill allow people to enter the pier until it has reach its maximum capacity (1000-1300 people per pier) or 6 PM. At 6 PM no one can enter (or re-enter) the pier. So bathroom visits have to be done before then. There are lots of port-a-pottys on the pier. From what I saw the park to the South was closed early with only a limited amount of people there (VIP?) and the park the north was opened with lots of people set up there. So your choices were the piers of the North Park. Given that the firework barges were on the east river from 21st Street to 42nd Street, our north pier view was great and was close to the north-most barge, There is a Whole-Foods type supermarket (The FoodCellar Market) about 2-3 blocks away that offered great food items include prepared entrees, sandwiches, fruit cups and beverages. We came prepared with a cooler of sandwiches, snacks and drinks but went to this market to pick up some additional items. We passed time with books, puzzles and ipads as the pier began to fill up. By 5-6ish the place was packed with lots of people looking into any and every little free space to plant down. The photographers with their tripods are particularly aggressive in getting good spots. I suggest you bring a beach towel along with your chairs to maintain your real estate and don't be afraid to put people in check when they invade your space. I mean I understand that everyone is trying to get a good view but their is a line if being respectful of those that got there early and waited for 7 hours as opposed to those who showed up an hour or two in advance and try to "steal" space. Luckily during the time there are NYPD and FDNY boats, helicopter flyovers and ofcourse the beautiful NYC skyline during the sunset hours to take in. We had a great time. The excellent views (see my photos) were well worth the wait time. When the fireworks were finished it was a bit chaotic to leave the area. We ended up walking a mile or so back to the car among a sea of sea of people. Even when we got back to the car the traffic to travel the few blocks to get to Queens Blvd or the LIE (495) was bad with cars traveling about 1 car per green light due to the tons of people walking in the street. It also didnt help that one of the cheaper garages closest to the waterfront was nearby and everyone was exiting at the time. All in all it was a great experience. Im glad we got there early and was able to get a good spot. I am glad we were prepared with chairs, umbrellas (to block the sun), drinks, snacks, books, electronic devices and each other :). The waiting was not as bad as I expected though I am curious to other viewing locations such as FDR Park (right on the river) or Manhattan. Maybe next year... Plan ahead and enjoy.
Written July 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
throughdansworld
Rome, Italy499 contributions
"This is a fantastic park in LIC"
Apr 2018
I have been lucky enough to have this park on my doorstep. I lived in LIC for all of 2017, and I was back there in April this year for a visit. Since I have been there, they have opened up a new section of the park which I heard is amazing as well. This was a very nice place to live.
Written October 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Gantry Plaza State Park (Long Island City) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry Plaza State Park is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Gantry Plaza State Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Gantry Plaza State Park tours on Tripadvisor
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