You will find Riverside Park stretching four miles along the scenic Manhattan waterfront of the Hudson River, running from 72nd to 158th Street between the river and serpentine Riverside Drive. This historic public park and designated New York City scenic landmark sits on the National Register of Historic Places, offering you a unique blend of natural landscape, historic architecture, and river vistas. As you wander through this green oasis on Manhattan's Upper West Side, you can admire how its curved terrain was originally shaped by legendary landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted.
Today, the park is integrated into the pedestrian and bicycle route of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, making it a wonderful destination to explore on foot or by bike. Along the way, you will discover major historic monuments, including the grand Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument at 89th Street and the impressive permanent Grant's Tomb located at 120th Street near Claremont Hill. You can also view the ornate Riverside Drive viaduct built across Manhattan Valley, featuring steel-latticed arches elevated above ground level.
Whether you are seeking quiet tree-lined pathways, rich history, or stunning Hudson Valley-style views right beside the water, Riverside Park provides a memorable coastal retreat in New York City.
What to see at Riverside Park
- Historic Grant's Tomb located at 120th Street
- The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument at 89th Street
- Pedestrian and bicycle paths along the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway
- Designs shaped by Central Park co-creator Frederick Law Olmsted
- Ornate Riverside Drive viaduct spanning Manhattan Valley
Visiting tips
Use the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway route to easily explore the park's scenic path on foot or by bicycle.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Riverside Park is easy to reach on New York metropolitan area’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our New York metropolitan area travel guide.
See the full New York metropolitan area travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.