Gantry Plaza State Park
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4.8(380)yelp
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Overview
Perched beautifully along the active East River waterfront of Long Island City, Queens, Gantry Plaza State Park is a spectacular twelve-acre public sanctuary highly famous for its iconic, monumental black steel gantries. These restored mid-20th-century industrial structures historically transferred railcars to river barges, now functioning as a striking sculptural backdrop for a modern pedestrian promenade. Boasting an unparalleled, postcard-perfect panoramic view of the midtown Manhattan skyline, United Nations, and Chrysler Building, it serves as a favored local destination for sunset strolls.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeOne of NYC's premier sunset and night skyline destinations. Arrive 1 hour before sunset on a clear evening. The riverside hammocks and boardwalk offer front-row seats to watch the sun dip right behind the Chrysler Building and UN Headquarters.
Getting TherePerched on the Long Island City waterfront. The scenic option is taking the NYC Ferry to the Long Island City terminal, putting you right in the park. Alternatively, take the 7 train to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av and walk west for 5-8 minutes.
Travel Tips
- Travel Advisory: Positioned on the Long Island City waterfront, taking the 7 subway train to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Ave leaves a 10-minute walk to the river. The smoothest routing is via the NYC Ferry (LIC Route) to the Long Island City landing, stepping directly out onto the park boardwalk.
- Strict Restrictions: Under NY State Park policing, pet enforcement is rigid. Dogs are strictly prohibited from stepping onto the manicured turf lawns and the historic elevated black gantry crane platforms, even on a leash. Pet handlers must stay inside the designated perimeter Dog Runs.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- Best Shot: Avoid standard ground snapshots. The premium frame for the historic Pepsi-Cola Sign is from the wooden viewing pier 30 meters south of the lettering. Use a 3x/5x telephoto portrait lens to clear the chain-link fences, aligning the neon sign, the East River, and the UN Headquarters.
Reviews
Positive
- An absolutely beautiful vantage point for viewing the Midtown Manhattan skyline and the United Nations; the massive vintage Pepsi-Cola neon sign provides a great sense of a historic landmark.
- The waterfront promenades, piers, and movable lounge chairs are highly modern and kept impeccably clean; exuding pure peace and comfort, it's one of NYC's most comfortable public parks.
- Completely free to the public, the surrounding neighborhood is safe with plenty of beautiful boutique cafes, and the subway station is just a few minutes' walk away, offering great transit convenience.
Heads up
- Due to its superb location and rising popularity in recent years, the best waterfront viewing benches are often fully occupied during summer sunset hours, making it feel a bit crowded.
- The park features a long, narrow, open outdoor layout, making it almost impossible to find substantial shade during summer middays, leading to intense sun exposure.
- There are no permanent public restrooms built inside the park; though some portable toilets are available, their cleanliness and odor pose some inconvenience during long visits.