Best Places to Watch the Sunset in NYC Parks

Whether you're seeing tall buildings and bridges and urban life, or enjoying a beautiful view of the Palisades of Northern New Jersey, there's nothing as beautiful as a New York City sunset. Find out where to watch the sun set in NYC's parks.

Hunters Point South Park, Queens

Photo by Daniel Avial/NYC Parks

This Long Island City park is perfect for capturing the sunset with the impressive backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. It is one of the best places to see the "Manhattanhenge", which is the view during the few days of the year when the sun lines up with the Manhattan grid and shines through the streets. More information about Hunters Point South Park

High Line Park, Manhattan

Photo by Mike Tschappat, courtesy of the Friends of the High Line

Head to this park about an hour or so before sunset to capture several amazing views of the sunset from this 22-block-long elevated park near the Hudson River. Watch the sun set over the park's railing, or lie down in the park's several reclining chairs and gaze out over Manhattan's west side and parts beyond. More information about the High Line 

Astoria Park, Queens

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

Astoria Park's gently sloping hill is a terrific setting to watch the occasional boat cross the East River and to watch the sun set over the southern end of Randall's Island and northern Manhattan just beyond. For the best views, hang out near the Hell Gate Bridge and the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge at the park's waterside. More information about Astoria Park

Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

Climb to the top of Sunset Park for a panoramic view of the city and a stunning horizon that lines up with the park. From the top of the park, you can see the sun set over brownstone Brooklyn, the Manhattan skyline, and even the Statue of Liberty in the distance. More information about Sunset Park

Wave Hill, Bronx

Photo by Stephanie Berger, courtesy of Wave Hill

This year-round garden looks out on the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades. Absent of buildings, the view on the west side makes for the perfect romantic spot. More information about Wave Hill

Fort Washington Park, Manhattan

If you're a fan of watching the city's gradual sunset, come to this park in Washington Heights. There are picnic tables near the waterside and winding paths on the park's hills that look out to the New Jersey Palisades. There's also a little red lighthouse by the water. It is the only lighthouse on the Manhattan Island. Stick around at night to see the George Washington Bridge light up the park. More information about Fort Washington Park

Muscota Marsh at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan

At the northern tip of Manhattan lies Muscota Marsh, where there's a viewing platform with a seating area that provides the perfect view of the sun setting over the Hudson River and the Henry Hudson Bridge. More information about Inwood Hill Park

Valentino Pier

From this pier in Brooklyn, you'll see Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline glowing in the colors of the setting sun. More information about Valentino Pier

Other parks: Shore Road Park and Parkway, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Riverside Park, The Battery, Conference House Park, and Bush Terminal Park.