- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Gantry Plaza State Park
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
474 48th AveLong Island City, NY 11101
Neighborhoods: Hunters Point, Long Island City
(718) 786-6385
- Nearest Transit:
-
Vernon Blvd - Jackson Av (7, 7X)
21 St (G)
Hunters Point Av (7, 7X)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
About This Business:
22nd Street Synergy Fitness has a simple and direct vision; to deliver a clean, well-staffed club with terrific equipment that provides the best… read more »
47 reviews for Gantry Plaza State Park
47 reviews in English
-
Review from Nick H.
10/21/2011 3 photos
This state park is the crown jewel of Long Island City. The beautiful waterfront location offers unobstructed views of Manhattan and is within walking distance to some fine restaurants on nearby Vernon Blvd.
I found this place accidentally as I was searching for things to do in Queens. I love parks (who doesn't?!) and the pictures of this place caught my eye, so I decided to drive out to LIC one day by myself to check it out. I found street parking nearby and quickly ran into the sentinel-like gantries that welcome you into the park. I love the way the city finds innovative ways to make use of some of their land that has been neglected. This place has characteristics that remind me of Highline Park; there are untouched railroad tracks that are surrounded by beautiful gardens and benches, and of course, the gantries are marvels in themselves. There are plenty of really comfortable wooden benches, chairs, and hammocks that seem to mold to your body - perfect for relaxing as you take in the grand view of Manhattan. I have brought other people here since my first visit and they agree with me...this place is one of a kind. Gantry Plaza is truly a gem...a place that deserves to be discovered and appreciated.
The only thing that is somewhat disappointing: the areas of halted construction on the northern edge of the park by the Pepsi sign. I've been here three times in the past year or so and the construction has not progressed at all. Looking forward to the day when the park is truly complete. -
Review from April C.
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great views of Midtown Manhattan, no crowds (at least when I was there in January - I'm sure the summer is a different story, just like everything else in Manhattan), cool scenery, Pepsi Cola sign.
Who knew that one stop over and a five minute walk from the 7 train was one of the neatest little parks in NYC?
Other than Brooklyn Bridge Park, which affords completely different views of the city, this is probably one of the best places around to get a shot of the city skyline. Not to mention the great landscaping, ample (and fun) seating and the old Pepsi Cola sign. I love that sign!
I went at sunset and the views were absolutely stunning. I could also see myself sunbathing on the benches in the summer. There some green space for playing catch or laying out a blanket (though not nearly as much as the BKB Park) but most of the park is made up of gravel and docks/piers. Note: Half of the park is a "dog free" zone...so unfortunately, not a good place to bring Fido. :(
It's a small park, with great views of the city and plenty of seating. Worth a visit! -
Review from Chris N.
Queens, NY
12/24/2011
Great park with great views of Manhattan. I would have given 5 stars if i could actually walk my dog through the entire park. It's really the only time i walk down there, so i rarely get to enjoy everything it has to offer.
During summer months watch out for the older lady working the Mr. Softee truck! She rips you off and charges 30-40% higher than the other guys that work the truck.
We need a pretzel guy here! -
Review from Kelly S.
Brooklyn, NY
1/31/2012
One of my favorite places in the city. Excellent Manhattan skyline views without being overrun by tourists. Soo relaxing, green, excellent wooden lounge chairs and even hammocks in summer! Picnic on the green lawn in the sun while geese graze around you or nap under the willow trees. Ahhhh its a great place to escape!
-
Review from Jessica A.
Brooklyn, NY
11/17/2011
Seriously, one of the BEST views of Manhattan. Beautiful. There's something special about this place. The view, the gantries, the playground, the winding walking path with laid back chairs...definitely worth a trip to LIC.
-
Review from Melvin W.
Flushing, NY
6/7/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Warning: Mushy romantic content may cause lost of appetite, nausea or even vomiting.
It was date night with my favorite lovely lady friend Angie I. After filling our bellies at Tournesol a walk was needed for digestion. It was a mild night so we felt the need to stay out and enjoy the gorgeous weather. Along Vernon Blvd we walked up to 48th Ave. I looked down and saw it was a big open block with lots of people and things happening so I suggested to walk down. At the end is where I discovered this awesome relaxing park.
It was my first time there so we walked hand in hand on each "pier" and enjoyed the view as the sun descended behind the NYC skyline. Angie I.'s never been to the other side so we strolled there and sat in the many different type of chairs and enjoyed each others presence. If you got a purdy lady I'm telling you, it's breathtaking to look at her with sunset shining behind the sky rise and gleaming water in the backdrop.
It was one of the best dates I've been on and this park definitely supplemented to the experience.
Don't hold it in, just puke before you turn green buddy. -
Review from Ethan F.
2/2/2011 4 photos
There's only one group of words that I can use to accurately review Gantry Plaza State Park...holy crap wow.
Don't come here for a BREATHTAKING view of the Manhattan skyline. Come here for a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline FROM A HAMMOCK. I promise you, it's a freaking life-altering experience. I left the park a changed man.
The best advice that I could ever give anyone is to take the person that you're crushing on/lovin'/cupcakin'/etcin' here. Let the park do the rest!
Gantry Plaza is so incredibly quiet and peaceful. Somehow, the cat hasn't been let out of the bag about this place yet. Take advantage of the serenity of the park while you still can. This gem won't be kept a secret forever.
This is one of my favorite spots in the city. I'll be back the minute that Sister Spring decides to show her lovely face again. -
Review from Sara L.
Raleigh, NC
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great little park in Queens with an amazing view of the Manhattan skyline.. they have hammocks to nap on and chairs to lounge on which is amazing but i couldn't dish out the 5 star rating because its not pet friendly.. Come on New York Fido needs a place to lounge around too!
-
Review from Cynthia M.
Long Island City, NY
8/25/2011
Beautiful view of Manhattan. Though it gets crowded at times, I never get tired of coming here. It's breathtaking and reminds me of how great NYC is.
-
Review from Kurtis P.
South Orange, NJ
7/13/2011
Beautiful spot and truly the best view of Manhattan. Whether you want to watch the boats go by or just sit out and stare at the skyline, its perfect. Plenty of benches and seats. Great big lawns. The piers are fantastic and nowhere else can you truly get a nice view of the Pepsi sign. Gotta love the little snack and shake shop they've got. It's a nice touch for an urban area. Can't wait for them to open more and more of the park, just wish they'd finish the kids play area.
-
Review from Laura g.
Queens, NY
3/20/2011 8 photos
I love this park. Awesome views. Very relaxing atmosphere. Come here and lay back on the wood chairs and enjoy the view. Nice and quiet that you wont even feel like your in New York City, well besides llooking up and seeing all those buildings lol
Ps, where did the hammocks go??? Cause I really want to know : ( -
Review from Jay R.
Long Island City, NY
Best park in NYC. I hope people don't find out about it (even though the city is dumping millions into developing it more and more every year). Not much to say, just look at all the beautiful pictures people have posted.
My favorite thing to do here is bring a lunch and have a picnic. You can stop by the Food Cellar market nearby and grab some prepared meals. The park has a real family feel which I love but hipsters won't. Always lots of people playing games or throwing frisbees, and because the park is in LIC its a very social atmosphere. -
Review from Sarah M.
Brooklyn, NY
7/19/2011
Might just be my favorite spot in all of NYC. Panoramic views of Manhattan, and plenty of photo ops - the famous Pepsi-Cola sign, the gantry cranes, and the most amazing collection of wooden lounge chairs I've ever seen in one place. It's rarely crowded - the first time I visited, I was sure I was trespassing on the grounds of one of the fancy apartment buildings nearby. Nope, it's just an incredibly modern and well-designed public park. Grab a picnic from the Food Cellar and an Adirondack chair, and your night is made - even if it's just you and the seagulls.
-
Review from Elle P.
8/4/2010
Oh, how I love Manhattan! Especially when on a beautiful summer's afternoon I'm lounging in a hammock, gently swinging in the breeze by the waterfront, looking at incredibly wonderful view of Manhattan. This is one of THE BEST VIEWS of Manhattan. How can you NOT come here?!?!
Just over on the other side, take 7 train, or the water taxi over to Queens and enjoy our beautiful green open space. There are plenty of other lounge chairs and benches to six and relax in if all of the hammocks are taken.
But yes, if you haven't seen Manhattan from a hammock, you haven't seen Manhattan at all!Listed in: Outdoor spaces in NYC
-
Review from Tom I.
Astoria, NY
11/24/2010
Great park!! If you want a great photo of manhattan, try this spot rather than oh-so-street-vender of Brooklyn bridge.
There are kids play ground with new toys, food venders (summer only), hammock (again, summer only), and long walk path for jog.
Very easy to gain access by subway or water taxi. Also parking is easy as there are some parking garages in the area.
It is located in front of multi-million $ apartment - condos, and you will be shocked with Guccied up peeps walking around and wonder if you are on UE or Forrest Hill, but yes, this is the NEW QueenZ! -
Review from john h.
Fort Lee, NJ
3/26/2011
Unless I am missing something, this is not a park. There are no trees and no grass. It is however peaceful and the views are spectacular.
-
Review from Clover Y.
Jackson Heights, NY
7/14/2011
I love this park, it has so many different things to do and the best view ever!!!! I only wish that the playground water feature would be up and running, this playground does not have a lot of shade and a place to cool off would be nice.
-
Review from Sharon T.
Woodside, NY
What a gorgeous place. Sometimes, I'd like to think I'm in Brooklyn. Too bad the closest bridge is a mile or two away.
This park is exactly what you'd see in at BK Bridge Park: shirtless guys, girls, lying on the grass, tanning, reading, anything that's productive.
I used to wonder where this 'Long Island' sign was, obviously in Long Island perhaps? But no, it's in the heart of Long Island City. This is why people always have a confusion with thinking LIC is in Long Island.
The only words I have for Gantry Park are no other than complimentary words. It's absolutely beautiful and peaceful. Too bad on the way to get there is a hassle, as it's a long walk and lots of perverts who call you out. -
Review from Jessica P.
Durham, NC
7/19/2010 2 photos
In New York, you gotta love waterfront access. Gantry Plaza combines my two favorite things in a park: amazing views and generally quiet. I was able to get my own bench on a warm spring day. The benches are really cool looking - but they actually are pretty uncomfortable when you sit there for several hours. There's also a nice boardwalk right next to the water, and plenty of grassy knolls.
I agree with other reviews, one setback is that there aren't really any concessions near by. Weird, you think a street vendor would want to set up shop there! But on the other hand, it is close to some great LIC bars. -
Review from Fun Times COED Soccer NYC F.
New York, NY
11/1/2011
Gantry Park is Lovely. Fun Times COED Soccer have pick up games weekly. http://www.meetup.com/...
-
Review from Suman G.
Brooklyn, NY
11/9/2006
This is a great spot to stroll over to on a sunny afternoon. Incredible views of Manhattan. You're right across from Midtown-the UN, Empire State, and Chrysler buildings, with the Queensboro bridge to the north...looking south Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village march down the river.
When we walked out there, there were only a handful of guys fishing off the pier. -
Review from Denise S.
Manhattan, NY
2/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
What can I say about this breathtaking view of Manhattan? This park I would say is relatively new and continuously expanding(playground arriving this Spring). it's a wonderful place to have a picnic in the park & layout in the sun.
Love the Pepsi-Cola sign at night as well, a wonderful introduction to Long Island as the signs at the pier demonstrate. Simply nice! -
Review from Diana E.
Long Island City, NY
9/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place is an oasis. I am so happy to live in one the high rises overlooking this park. Everytime we have family in from out of town, we are proud to take them for a stroll downstairs.
The Food Cellar is nearby for great grub and clean bathroom facilities and there is a wine shop (Blue Cellar) near the entrance to the park. -
Review from Eliza C.
Whitestone, Queens, NY
7/6/2009
My new favorite hang out:
Avoid the douchbags and douchebagettes from Long Island who infiltrate NYC's pretentious and expensive lounges and clubs. Avoid the annoying hipsters and hipster tweens of the overly hyped Williamsburg. Sick of the hustle and bustle of an overcrowding Lower East Side?
Then come to Long Island City - where the future of an urban oasis meets sophistication without all the bad that was Manhattan, LES, and Williamsburg.
East River view of Manhattan, front row seats to gaze at the U.N. across the river, clean docks to walk on, beach area with night life and reasonably priced food (Water Taxi Beach), small-town feel, outdoor bar garden within vicinity (LIC Bar), cheap bike rentals (Spokesman Cycles), lack of tourists or annoying crowds, a decently priced seafood joint (Waterfront Crabhouse), a wine bar (Domaine), French eatery with side walk seating (Tournesol), PS1 Moma few steps away...do I REALLY need to say more on why I think I have found heaven in this at times - hell of a city?
Manhattan is so last year! -
Review from Michelle P.
Long Island City, NY
There's really nothing like running barefoot through a new park with freshly laid grass. GPSP is a great haven located in the up & coming LIC neighborhood by the East River with a magnificent view of the NYC skyline. Hubby & I spent last summer throwing the frisbee around, sunning in the lounge chairs, chillaxin in the hammocks, and just plain taking in the view. In the summertime the park hosts some really great events like live bands on Tuesday eves and showing movies in the grass (ala Bryant Park)
GPSP is proof positive the rebirth of LIC has come to its fruition. -
Review from Geraldo D.
Astoria, NY
6/14/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Sun tanning, sea breeze, sky line of the city, incredible food all over..........this is a hidden gem.
-
Review from lara p.
Long Island City, NY
Updated - 9/15/2008 1 photo
I wonder about one thing of Gantry Plaza Park : such a beautiful emplacement of this park and so dirt maintenance of littoral.
I put some photos of this park in my profile.
These ugly fences stay whole year already and employees never clean shores between piers.... I do not like it and I cannot change it.
I live here for 2 years and this beautiful park is in front of my windows.
I saw how a guy in in uniform of Police Park hunted for wild Canadian geese which love to walk on lawn and kick them. Look at photo in my profile it's funny and it's sad at the same time for me personally.
But I still hope that one day I will admire this park with full pleasure.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
6/2/2008
Gantry Park has the large potential in the future. There is very spectacular view of skyline !… Read more »
-
-
Review from Lindsay B.
Long Island City, Queens, NY
9/26/2009
Great, not-too-crowded, park with an outstanding view!
One star is missing because they recently took out the hammocks! Where are my hammocks?? :( -
Review from jenn m.
Woburn, MA
3/27/2008
my front yard! so lucky to be right by the water. I love bringing my dog here (and have met lots of other dog owners as well) The views of Manhattan are incredible and i highly recommend coming here on a warm sunny summer day if you want to catch some sun. Their are a few piers, one which has lounge chairs. The nice cool breeze is a nice change from the humidity of Manhattan. There's a dog park as well as a beach area nearby (taxi beach).
Also, a nice spot for a sunrise or sunset ! -
Review from Anthony F.
Astoria, Queens, NY
8/10/2009 2 photos
My God! Gantry Plaza State Park where have you been all my life!?!
You jewel of a park so easy to get to yet so unknown! The field! The hammocks! (THE HAMMOCKS!!!!!!) The sun benches! The shaded quiet oasis! The views! The lack of Manhattan!! I LOVE YOU!!!
Ok phew had to get that out! Anyway, I first discovered this place when a friend mentioned hammocks in a park in LIC. That's right people. I. Said. HAMMOCKS. (i do so love them). Such an easy walk from the Vernon-Jackson 7 train stop (first out of/last before the city). When you come out of the subway I recommend walking down 48th ave to the river front. Be sure to bring food/drinks with you or grab something on Vernon Blvd since there's really nothing else down by the river.
There are only 5 or so hammocks, and it was a sunny hot Saturday afternoon when I went so they were all taken. There were plenty of wooden sun chairs to lay out on so that worked out well. The views are amazing; the park being positioned directly across from the U.N.
The lawn is a pretty decent size and even though I was there during a relatively busy time, there was still PLENTY of room. Nobody was crowded near another person, unlike say Sheep's Meadow where if you find a good inch of grass you consider yourself lucky!
I will most definitely be returning to this park. It's the perfect unwinding spot on the way home from work (normally I take the N to Astoria, but looks like the 7 is in my future...). I imagine watching the sun set from that park with a good friend, book, and a tasty beverage (though I don't know if alcohol is allowed) would be amazing!! -
Review from Matt E.
6/19/2011
Who would have guessed this pier/park in LIC was a state park? It might just take the record for the smallest state park but that's just a guess. I actually love this little park, it's really well designed with the winding paths, wonderful waterfront views, small amount of green space, a whole bunch of modern piers jotting out into the east river, and who can forget the 120ft neon Pepsi-Cola sign (a Queens landmark since 1936). This area of Long Island City has really transformed from a crappy industrial area of Queens to a great modern living neighborhood with high priced condos and this park to go along with it. In addition to the everyday soothing atmosphere of the park it used to be one of the best places to check out the 4th of July fireworks before they moved them to the Hudson River. Despite the fact that the fireworks may have moved, there are still events/concerts that happen on the main pier of this park throughout the year. I wouldn't travel hours out of your way for this park but if you're anywhere near the area, it's definitely worth a visit.
-
Review from audrey k.
Queens, NY
3/15/2009 1 photo
This park/pier is beautiful!
Great views of the Manhattan skyline.
The neighborhood is really quiet and peaceful, not crowded or too bustling. Eclectic shops and restaurants are a few steps away, and there is subway station a couple of blocks away if you want to get into the city. -
Review from Yana S.
Belle Harbor, NY
10/15/2010
very very very amazing place!!!!!!!!
one of my favorite is queens, long island city ( astoria) :)
brings soooo many beautiful and heart-warming memories!!!!!!
very romantic and breath-taking view!!!!!
i truly recommend it to everyone!!!! :)
yana :) -
Review from Erica B.
Astoria, NY
11/24/2010 1 photo
So beautiful! So clean! So welcoming! It's a hidden little treasure in LIC. Ideal to lay out on a hammock, bench, lounge chair or the grassy area to read, tan, relax, unwind. Ride your bike here if you're not within walking distance. There's water fountains to cool off. The view of Manhattan is spectacular. Very peaceful to walk out onto one of the piers and stare at the water and boats.
-
Review from Stumbalina b.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2010
What views! What a peaceful spot! I spent hours here basking in the sun in the many amazing lounge chairs. If you're in Queens, this is a must see spot!
-
Review from Dev G.
Boston, MA
8/25/2009
I had a business trip to NYC on the most humid week of the year. I was lucky enough to stay with friends in LIC. My friend said not to miss seeing the park and I tell ya, what a great visit I had. I forgot all about heading to midtown to check out a museum. Why move from a place which keeps you cool with the breezes from the East River and the sounds of water lapping can sooth your hectic mind.
A great place to relax and enjoy a view of the Manhattan sky line. -
Review from BRIAN J.
Fresh Meadows, NY
8/28/2010
Grab a book and a blanket and crash here for the day. Great views, no crowds and very quiet. The bathrooms are a little dirty and the concession stand isn't anything great, but there's a Food Cellars across the street where you can pick up a brick oven pizza for lunch and a coffee and pastry for later.
-
Review from Emma L.
11/8/2009
One of the many "amenities" for LIC waterfront residents - this is why I live here. LOVES IT!
-
Review from Ann H.
New York, NY
6/23/2007
Try the sunrise or the sunset here... simply... amazing...! The Gantry Park is like the mirroring twin of the Edgewater area in New Jersey. Except we're much more low key here, with no cars zooming by behind. The dock is very clean and nice, and there are even lounging chaise to lie on there. 5am this morning here was breathtaking -- a fainting tint of orange brushes across the Mnahattan buildings. Unlike sunsets, where there are quite some visitors, sunrises are peaceful and quiet. Come here to enjoy an incredible view of Manhattan, the East River, and the Queensboro Bridge. Love LIC!
-
Review from Dima L.
Manhattan, NY
6/9/2011
just went there a couple of nights ago.. beautiful view.. good luck with parking though :(
