We regret to inform you that summer is, in fact, winding down, which means it’s time to squeeze the last bit you can out of the season. One of the best ways to do that is by grabbing some food and heading out to a park, preferably one with great vibes and views. On that, Lower Manhattan delivers. Park by park, here are the best spots to sit, the views worth the trip and where to pick up grub for the ideal picnic.
Rockefeller Park
This waterfront park in Battery Park City features Hudson River and New Jersey skyline views that are especially good around sunset. There’s plenty of grass to lay out on with a blanket, or you can grab one of the benches lining the promenade if you’d rather people-watch the joggers, dog-walkers and boats drifting by while you nosh.
Before you head over, Battery Place Market is located right around the corner and is a great one-stop shop for your picnic, with prepared deli foods, snacks, produce and drinks all in one place. If you’re craving something more festive, El Vez is just a couple minutes away on Vesey Street. And for anyone picnicking gluten-free, Friedman’s has a GF menu that’ll ensure nobody in your group has to sit out the spread.
Battery Park
Located at the tip of Manhattan, the Battery is a great grassy spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy taking in the Statue of Liberty in the distance. It’s the closest you can get that view in the neighborhood without hopping on a boat.
Located within the park itself, you’ll find Perros y Vainas, a casual Venezuelan restaurant that makes it easy to grab food right before you find your spot on the grass. If you want more variety, head a couple blocks up from the park to the Golden Mall (47 Broadway), a famed Asian food hall with all sorts of options.
Elevated Acre
Head to 55 Water St. for a picnic at the Elevated Acre, a gorgeous spot sitting above street-level that boasts some of downtown’s better kept views. From the terrace, you can take in the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and a steady stream of boats heading in and out of the harbor. The elevated setting and landscaped seating make the area feel more like a private garden than a community park.
Best of all, you don’t have to forage far and wide for food, with on-site Patsy’s Pizzeria & Bar making it easy to grab a pie. For another great option, stop by the Fulton Stall Market on your way over for meats, cheeses, fruits and prepared foods to build a DIY spread.
Governors Island
Hop on a a five-minute ferry and you’ll arrive on Governors Island, a serene, car-free a location for your next picnic. It’s such a great al fresco dining area, it even has a specific designation called Picnic Point. With stunning views of downtown and no busy city or traffic sounds to distract you, it’s an expansive and transformative spot that’ll make you feel like you took a trip to the country.
There are lots of great food options on Governors Island to choose from, but consider tacos from Taco Vista or a pizza from Pizzeria Fantastica if you want something quick and easy. You can also reserve a grill and turn the day into a full barbecue. A cookout can be the perfect way to close out the season if you’re planning ahead with a group.
Wherever you choose to spread your blanket out this week, the real trick to the perfect end of summer picnic is not overthinking it. Get your friends or family together, grab something delicious, take in a view and don’t waste the last nice days of the season.
