Best Lakeside Views in NYC Parks

New York City's parks are filled with lakes and ponds—both natural and man-made. Visit the lakes that add a rich ecological and historical presence to New York City's natural world. 

Oakland Lake in Alley Pond Park, Queens

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

Oakland Lake is beautiful year-round with swans, blue jays, and other wildlife that live here in Alley Pond Park. More information about Alley Pond Park

Willowbrook Lake at Willowbrook Park, Staten Island

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

This lake is popular among Staten Islanders who frequent the park in the summer for picnics. Very large waterfowl such as geese and swans love the lake and even wander through the park. Our Urban Park Rangers host boating events here in the summer, and there is a carousel narby that opens each spring. More information about Willowbrook Park

The Lake at Central Park, Manhattan

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

This 20-acre lake is the largest of Central Park’s natural water bodies and an icon in the park. It was once a swamp and an ice skating rink. Today, it is open in the summer for boating and is a popular scene for wedding photos, especially on the famed Bow Bridge. More information about Central Park

Van Cortlandt Lake in Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx

Photo by Malcolm Pinckney/NYC Parks

The Bronx’s largest freshwater lake is located at the south end of the park. In the summer, our Urban Park Rangers host basic canoeing adventures here for the whole family. More information about Van Cortlandt Park

Silver Lake Park, Staten Island

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

Silver Lake glistens is known for its silvery appearance when the sunshine reflects on the lake. It was once an ice skating rink—known for having hosted the National Skating Amateur Championship races in 1897. It was also used to harvest ice in the winter. When refrigerators became more popular, the lake was drained and turned into a reservoir that became the endpoint of the Catskill water supply system. Today, you can walk across the reservoir on a pathway that spans the width of the reservoir. Learn more about Silver Lake Park

Indian Lake at Crotona Park

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

In the summer, our Urban Park Rangers host fishing and boating events on the lake and families set up picnics around the perimeter to enjoy this Bronx park's lovely lakeside view against a backdrop of towering trees. More informaton about Crotona Park

Prospect Park Lake, Brooklyn

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC parks

Throughout the year, the lake welcomes a variety of birds that fly through—and live—in our city. Near the lake is the Prospect Park Boathouse; it is the first urban-area Audubon center in the nation and a popular setting for weddings in the park. Just off the lake is the LeFrak Center, which includes an ice skating rink and restaurant with a wonderful view of the lake. Stick around for a lovely sunset. More information about Prospect Park

Willow and Meadow Lakes at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

Both of these lakes were created with water flow from the Flushing River for the 1939-1940 World's Fairs. The larger Meadow Lake to its south was built for recreational use and Willow Lake was created as a wildlife refuge filled with willows, berry-bearing plants, and waterfowl. During the summer, Meadow Lake is home to canoes, kayaks, and even the annual Dragon Boat Festival. More information about Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

This lake is one of three lakes--Brooks, Martling, and Clove-- that run down the center of the park's length. Clove Lake is used mostly for the park's recreational activities, including boating and fishing. There's a restaurant that sits on Clove Lake and just near by is Staten Island's largest living thing—a tulip tree that's over 100 feet tall. More information about Clove Lakes Park