Spring is right around the corner and New Yorkers are waiting feverishly for the first park picnic day. It’s glorious! Although I do love the city’s parks and botanic gardens, sometimes I want to enjoy nature in a way that feels more secluded.
Not to worry if you’re in the same boat as there are tons of secret gardens in NYC! I can confirm that a visit to one of these off-the-beaten-path gardens or parks feels like an escape much further than a few blocks away.
Keep reading for the list of the best secret gardens in NYC
1. St. Luke in the Fields Garden
I hesitate to put this one on the list because I selfishly want to keep this charming garden a secret. Located in West Village near the Church of St. Luke’s in West Village, the St. Luke in the Fields Garden is an oasis right in the center of the city.
Stroll through the gardens and enjoy the many species of flowers and plants which have attracted over 100 species of birds and 24 types of moths and butterflies! There are plenty of shaded benches to so bring a book, sit back, and relax.
2. Battery Park
Hudson River Parkway, or the West Side Highway, is a largely frequented park, especially during the spring and summer months but few visit the very southern point of the park in Battery Park.
There’s a particularly beautiful garden next to Brookfield Place where you can see gorgeous tulips in the spring and hydrangeas in the summer. It’s also right near the Hudson River, looking over the skyline making this a perfect park to watch the sunset from. There are benches and even some picnic tables here.
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3. Central Park Conservatory Gardens
The Central Park Conservatory Gardens are a hidden gem! While many people will explore the lower parts of Central Park like Sheep’s Meadow or Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, a trip to the Upper West Side is 100% worth it to enjoy these gardens.
The conservatory gardens are made in three styles: English, French, and Italian. There’s room here to stroll, run, sit, or lay in the grass – a perfect park if you ask me!
4. Greenacre Park
Did you know there’s a secret park with a waterfall in Midtown? Yep, it’s called Greenacre Park, and its located on East 51st St, between Second and Third Ave.
This three-leveled park packs a punch. The park is only about 60 feet wide by 120 feet deep but it has plenty of space to sit for a while and enjoy the escape of the 25-foot waterfall and surrounding trees.
This is the perfect spot for a lunch break and there’s a kiosk where you can purchase food or snacks right in the park.
5. Grove Court
Grove Court is a charming little park on Grove St in the West Village. Built in 1854, this charming cobblestone patio leading up to the historic brick home is something that most passersby will miss. It’s especially cute during the fall when it gets decorated with pumpkins.
Unfortunately, the courtyard is not open to the public but if you’re in the neighborhood, it’s worth stopping by!
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6. Elevated Acre
Where do you put a park when there’s no space on the ground level? On a parking garage. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Elevated Acre located on 55 Water Street in Financial District.
Although it’s in a busy part of NYC, you’ll be surprised at how quiet this park is. In fact, it’s likely that you might even have the whole thing to yourself!
The Elevated Acre is equipped with benches, tables, and a large grass field. Visitors can enjoy exceptional views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Hudson River as well.
7. 6BC Botanical Garden
6BC Botanical Garden is East Village’s community-run garden that’s been managed by members of the neighborhood since the 1980s. The name cleverly represents 6 (where it’s located on East 6th St), B (botanical), and C (community).
In the garden, you’ll find hundreds of plants, both native New York species as well as new plants. A stroll through the garden will show how much love and care goes into maintaining it. It’s a beautiful space to enjoy, thanks to the volunteers who have fought for this lovely public space.
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And that’s our list of charming secret gardens in NYC. Despite what they say about New York being the concrete jungle or the city that never sleeps, you’ll find after visiting just one of these parks that there’s more to New York than the stereotypes may say 😉