For anyone lucky enough to be visiting New York City in springtime, packing a cooler and venturing out to scenic spots is the perfect pastime. Picnicking with friends, family or your significant other is ideal for enjoying the (finally!) pleasant weather. We’ve rounded up a few picnic-perfect sanctuaries to escape from the bustling Big Apple.
Central Park
OK, Central Park is many things to many people but of course, it’s #1 for picnicking. Belvedere Castle, located mid-park on 79th street, is a wondrous spot for a well-deserved picnic with that special someone. The castle was built in 1869 as a lookout spot, and offers unmatched views of parts of the park like the Great Lawn and also the city skyline (no wonder why its name translates to “beautiful view” in Italian). Belvedere Castle just can’t get any more perfect for a truly enchanted afternoon on the green.
Great Hill is another beautiful option in the park, but unlike Belvedere Castle, this spot is solely home to nature’s wonders—so, no man-made castles here! Here you’ll find dense woods and elm trees surrounding convenient picnic tables. Great Hill also has public restrooms, a big plus when you’re in the great outdoors. This majestic hilltop meadow is also idyllic for a quick jog around the oval path, then settling down to enjoy a meal in the midst of nature.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Who wouldn’t want to picnic among magnolias, orchids, and cherry blossoms in full bloom? Now that it’s finally feeling like spring, grab your plaid blanket and head over to Brooklyn’s arguably most pristine picnic place. Literature buffs can enjoy a croissant in charming Shakespeare’s Garden while lovers of everything Asian can go for sushi overlooking the cherry blossoms, waterfall, and winding paths at the incredible (and most-visited) Japanese Hill and Pond Garden. Post-feast, you can take a walk down Celebrity Path right by Shakespeare’s Garden and trot on stepping stones inscribed with the names of famous local celebs. If you decide to become a member of the garden, you’ll have unlimited access to the park during afterhours to host a sunset picnic. Even if you’re just touring the borough sans picnic accoutrement, Terrace Café has plenty of scrumptious options such as roasted cauliflower and a Sicilian tuna sandwich, as well as a delectable escarole and feta salad. At BBG, there’s definitely something for everyone.
Governors Island
Governors Island is mainly known for a plethora of concerts it offers during the summer months, but it’s also a magnificent spot to gather with your BFFs and host a surely memorable picnic. Getting to this small sanctuary surrounded by New York’s waterways is only by a (free) 7-minute ferry. Nothing beats a mini-cruise followed by an al fresco meal with a view of the city. This verdant gem provides optimum views of the city skyline along with Lady Liberty – some pretty awesome photo ops! If you’re feeling a little winded from hiking the grounds visit Hammock Grove—a ten-acre park with 1500 new trees, art monuments and 50 hammocks—where you can jump in a hammock and let the gentle breezes lull you to sleep.
Hopefully visiting these awesome spots will enrich your appreciation of the season’s change and even put picnic-ing at the top of your to-do list.