• Central Park: This park inspired others across the United States and abroad. As one of the world’s great urban refuges, it remains a center of calm and tranquility on this clamorous island.
  • Prospect Park: The other masterwork by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (designers of Central Park): Seeing it is a delightful exercise in compare-and-contrast.
  • High Line: Located in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan, this quirky, handsome park (opened in 2009) was once an elevated structure for freight trains. It’s immensely popular and a good object lesson in how New York City is constantly reinventing itself.

-Pauline Frommer

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.