Roosevelt Island
4.7(2.6K)google
4.2(166)yelp
FamilySpring BlossomsOutdoorHealingSlow-PacedFreeHistoryIslandRiver
Overview
A spectacular, two-mile long narrow island sanctuary situated beautifully within the active waters of the East River between Manhattan and Queens, Roosevelt Island is a profoundly peaceful historical gem. Accessible via a scenic high-flying aerial tramway ride, the island features beautifully landscaped shoreline walking paths, historic 19th-century stone lighthouse towers, and the majestic modern Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park at its southern tip. It offers global travelers an exceptionally quiet, vehicle-restricted environment that perfectly frames panoramic skyscraper vistas.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-4 hours
Best TimePhenomenal in mid-April during cherry blossom season along the waterfront paths. Walking south toward the FDR Four Freedoms State Park between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM offers dramatic, close-up geometric views of the Midtown East skyline.
Getting ThereFloating in the East River. The signature method is boarding the Roosevelt Island Tramway from Manhattan's 59th St/2nd Ave terminal. Alternatively, take the F subway train directly to the Roosevelt Island station. A free local Red Bus loops the island.
Travel Tips
- Transportation & Parking: The island is best reached via the Tramway or F subway train. On-island transit is operated by the 'Red Bus' which is completely free with no OMNY/MetroCard swipe needed. Drivers must skip searching for street parking and head directly to the Motorgate Garage, the island's only public lot.
- Pro-tip & Restrictions: Four Freedoms State Park at the southern tip is tightly policed, enforces security checks, and is closed every Tuesday. The ruined Smallpox Hospital is structurally unstable and fenced off; trespassing past the perimeter barrier or operating a drone over it will trigger immediate high-value citations.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- Best Shot: The premium vantage point for a symmetric Midtown skyline is at the triangular granite tip of the Four Freedoms State Park. Stand dead center on the stone axis shooting south with an ultra-wide lens to wedge the split East River channels, the UN Headquarters, and the Chrysler Building in one frame.
Reviews
Positive
- A perfect peaceful escape from Manhattan's bustle; the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park at the southern tip is grandly designed and offers beautiful views of the UN Headquarters.
- During spring, the cherry blossoms along the waterfront promenade bloom beautifully, forming a dreamy pink tunnel that is one of NYC's most genuine and romantic flower-viewing spots.
- The island is incredibly safe with a spacious, natural environment; it provides a complementary red bus shuttle, and accessible public restrooms and resting benches are well-placed and maintained.
Heads up
- Dining options on the island are very limited, and the few eateries are overpriced and mediocre, offering lower value for money for visitors looking for great food.
- During the cherry blossom season or tram maintenance, transit options to and from the island get heavily congested, with frustratingly long lines at both the subway and tram stations.
- Aside from the southern park and the historic lighthouse, much of the island is residential, which might feel lacking in entertainment and fun for those uninterested in historic ruins.