New York City is renowned for its iconic parks, such as Central Park and Prospect Park-but beyond the tourist trails lie hidden green spaces that offer serenity, history, and unexpected surprises. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, outdoor art, or wooded trails, these underrated parks in NYC deserve a spot on your weekend list.
Staten Island’s Seaside Wildlife Nature Park: A Nautical Hideaway
Tucked along the shoreline of Great Kills, Seaside Wildlife Nature Park offers sweeping harbor views, a nautical-themed playground, and peaceful walking paths surrounded by natural habitat. Known among locals as a quiet birdwatching spot, it’s perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
📍 Learn more on NYC Parks
💬 Read visitor reviews on Tripadvisor
📖 Girl With The Passport highlights it as a Staten Island favorite
Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan: History Meets Hidden Beauty
Overlooking the Hudson River, Fort Tryon Park is a hilltop haven that offers gardens, walking paths, and is home to The Met Cloisters. Once the site of Revolutionary War fortifications, this Upper Manhattan gem combines scenic views with cultural depth.
🗺️ Official info from NYC Parks
🌿 Fort Tryon Park Trust Visitor Map
🔍 Explore its secrets on Untapped New York
Brooklyn’s Naval Cemetery Landscape: Where Nature and Reflection Meet
Located near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Naval Cemetery Landscape features native plants, pollinator meadows, and a peaceful elevated boardwalk overlooking a former burial site. It’s a space for contemplation and ecological education.
🌱 Discover the space through Naval Cemetery Landscape
Bonus: Mount Prospect Park
Adjacent to the Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, this small park is a historic lookout point transformed into an urban oasis.
📚 Read more on Atlas Obscura
Van Cortlandt Park: The Bronx’s Vast Green Escape
Van Cortlandt Park is NYC’s third-largest park and often overshadowed by more central spaces. With over 1,100 acres of forests, trails, and even the country’s oldest public golf course, it’s a paradise for hikers and outdoor athletes.
🚶♂️ Explore it NYC Parks – Van Cortlandt Park
Nearby Gem: Ferry Point Park
Waterfront views and baseball fields make this an ideal escape for weekend recreation.
📍 More info on NYC Parks – Ferry Point Park
Queens’ Crocheron & John Golden Parks: A Botanical Surprise
Tucked away in Bayside, Crocheron Park and John Golden Park combine to create Queens’ only certified public arboretum. With diverse tree species and relaxing walking trails, it’s a peaceful destination for both locals and nature buffs.
🌳 Explore NYC Parks – Crocheron Park
The Noguchi Museum Garden: Art and Nature in Harmony
In Long Island City, The Noguchi Museum Garden offers a serene escape with minimalist sculpture set in a tranquil courtyard. It’s a hidden spot where art and greenery blend seamlessly-a perfect afternoon for contemplation.
🎨 Visit the Noguchi Museum
Discover the Green Side of New York City
From forgotten cemeteries-turned-gardens to arboretums and historic fort sites, NYC’s lesser-known parks offer something different-and often more peaceful-than the popular spots. Make 2025 the year you explore the hidden parks of NYC and rediscover the city’s greenest secrets.
🌟 Follow us for curated park picks, outdoor event updates, and family-friendly adventures around NYC!
For more information about DOME, visit DOMEgroup.com or drop us an email to properties@DOMEproperty.com