Riverside Park is a four-mile, multilevel waterfront park running along the Hudson River on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, from West 59th Street north to West 181st Street, with its core stretch entered near Riverside Drive and West 96th–110th Streets (ZIP 10025). Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1873 and completed in stages through the 1910s and 1930s under Robert Moses, it pairs old elms and exposed Manhattan schist with a promenade, playgrounds, and river views, which is why families, cyclists, and walkers treat it as the neighborhood’s backyard.
What to Expect at Riverside Park
Olmsted shaped the park around the natural fall of land from Riverside Drive down to the river, so you move through distinct levels rather than one flat lawn. The upper promenade runs beneath mature American elms and London plane trees, with benches facing the Hudson and the New Jersey Palisades. Below it, curving paths drop past outcrops of Manhattan schist toward the lower waterfront, where the Henry Hudson Parkway runs underneath and the Hudson River Greenway carries cyclists and runners along the water. Robert Moses’s 1930s redesign added the riverside esplanade and the covered rail-line overpass that created new parkland over the old New York Central tracks.
Landmarks anchor the route. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument at West 89th Street, a Corinthian marble memorial dedicated in 1902, and Grant’s Tomb at West 122nd Street, the largest mausoleum in North America, sit just beside the park’s edges. Playgrounds are spread along the full length, so a child-focused outing can stop every few blocks. The 79th Street Boat Basin, a working marina with a seasonal outdoor cafe, marks the park’s most social waterfront stop.
- Hudson River Greenway: The paved waterfront path is among Manhattan’s most heavily used cycling and running routes, with unobstructed views across to the Palisades.
- Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument: A 1902 marble column at West 89th Street, surrounded by Riverside Drive’s wide curving boulevard and ideal for a short architectural detour.
- 79th Street Boat Basin and Cafe: A marina with a seasonal outdoor cafe offering sunset views over moored boats and the river.
- Riverside Park Playgrounds: Multiple playgrounds, including the popular Dinosaur Playground near West 97th Street, serve toddlers through school-age children.
- Elm-Lined Promenades: Century-old elms arch over the upper paths, giving deep shade in summer and bare-branch river vistas in winter.
Riverside Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Riverside Drive and the Hudson River waterfront, New York, NY 10025 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Upper West Side and Morningside Heights, Manhattan |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 6 AM to 1 AM |
| Admission / Price Range | Free ($); the Boat Basin cafe and concessions are paid |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | 1 train at 79th, 86th, 96th, 103rd, 110th Streets; 1/2/3 at 96th Street; M5 and M79 buses; limited street parking along Riverside Drive |
| Official Website & Phone | NYC Parks: Riverside Park, +1 212-870-3070 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Early mornings and weekday evenings are the quietest times on the Greenway, while sunny weekend afternoons bring the heaviest foot and bike traffic near the 79th Street Boat Basin. The easiest subway approach is the 1 train to 79th, 86th, or 96th Street, then a short walk west toward the river; the 1/2/3 express stop at 96th Street puts you close to the park’s busiest playgrounds. The M5 and M79 buses run nearby, and street parking along Riverside Drive is limited, so transit or a bike share is the more reliable choice. Paths between levels include slopes and stairs, but the Greenway and many upper-promenade stretches are paved and suit wheelchairs and strollers, with ramps at several entrances.
Pair a visit with Grant’s Tomb and the Riverside Church near West 120th Street at the park’s northern end, or walk east to Broadway for Zabar’s, Absolute Bagels, and the Upper West Side’s neighborhood restaurants. Straus Park at West 106th Street and the Hippo Playground on West 91st Street offer shorter detours, and the American Museum of Natural History is a 15-minute walk southeast through Central Park‘s western edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit Riverside Park?
Riverside Park is open daily from 6 AM to 1 AM. Early mornings suit runners and cyclists, late afternoons give the best light and river views, and sunset from the 79th Street Boat Basin area draws steady crowds in warm months. Spring blooms and fall foliage are the most photogenic seasons.
Does it cost anything to enter Riverside Park?
Entry is free and no reservations are needed. Costs apply only to food, drinks, and activities at concessions such as the Boat Basin cafe, so a visit can stay in the $ tier. Event and facility details are posted on the NYC Parks website.
How much time should I plan for Riverside Park?
Plan one to three hours for a relaxed walk of the central stretch between 79th and 110th Streets, including a playground or cafe stop. Cyclists can ride the full length of the Greenway in under an hour, and a full-day outing can combine the park with Grant’s Tomb.
Is Riverside Park accessible and suitable for families?
Yes. Multiple playgrounds, paved paths, benches, and restrooms make it well suited to families, and the Hudson River Greenway and upper promenade handle strollers and wheelchairs. Some lower paths include steps and slopes, so check the NYC Parks site for route details.
When planning your New York travel guide or browsing verified parks in New York, pair this stop with standout local spots including Whitney Museum of American Art, Westfield World Trade Center, The Bowery Hotel, and Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant (1.2 km away).
