The best picnic spots in New York

I love picnics! Although New York City has beaches, it is not that easy to get there for everyone who lives in the city, so having a picnic is a classic thing to do here during the Spring/Summer season. I like the behind the scenes: buying and preparing food, grabbing a good book, calling my friends, and of course choosing a nice place for this “event”. I can spend hours on a picnic – yes, it is a simple ritual but I would say it is something healthy because it is important for us to take time out for ourselves in the middle of the rush, especially living in a city like New York. Next, I recommend some of my favorite picnic spots in the city and give tips on how to make your picnic even more special.

Governors Island – where else could you have a picnic looking at Lady Liberty? Only on Governors Island. This island is a true oasis in the city. I love taking a bike and cycling around it, enjoying the view and the breeze. There are several spots for a picnic, but the new area with a view of the Statue will certainly make your picnic even more special.

Central Park – there is no way to talk about a picnic in New York without mentioning Central Park. You will find a lot of picnic spots, but I suggest two: Sheep Meadow and also the Harlem Meadow, further north. I love to sit by the lake and enjoy that peace – it is a little-explored spot, but very beautiful.

Carl Schurz park – located on the Upper East Side, this park has plenty of green space, playgrounds, restrooms, a dog area, basketball courts, and a beautiful view of the East River. You can relax on the lawn, enjoy your picnic and, at the end of the day, enjoy the view

Bryant Park – this park is the best translation of refuge, as it is literally in Midtown, in the middle of skyscrapers and it provides moments of peace amid the crazy routine of the city. My tip here is to combine the park’s cultural calendar – which includes an open-air cinema, performances, gym classes – with a picnic!

Brooklyn Bridge Park / Dumbo – I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the spectacular view of the Brooklyn Bridge Park area. It has so much space and the presence of bridges with the city’s skyline makes this region unique. The tip here is to have a happy hour picnic, at the end of the day, taking the opportunity to enjoy the change of colors that the sunset will cause in the scenery.

Hunters Point – picnic overlooking the city skyline? We have! This park has such a privileged view! I also recommend it for the end of the day, in the best happy hour style. If you want to make your day more special, you can go home using the NYC Ferry and enjoy more beautiful views.

More tips for your picnic

• Make your picnic more special with a basket from Harry & David. Harry & David is a great resource for gift baskets and boxes! You will find baskets of all types, with high-quality products: fresh fruits, jams, cookies, cheeses. In addition to being able to choose a box for a picnic, for example, you can send a gift basket to that special person, for a birthday, Christmas, or any other date. Sometimes we have a hard time thinking about gifts, and why not send a gift basket? More than a gift, it is an experience that you provide to that special person. Click here and check it out, there are baskets of all styles!
• Do you want to celebrate a birthday or even a baby shower? Have you ever thought about a picnic in one of the city’s parks? Not all buildings in the city have common areas or a special events room, so I find picnics in parks a great option for gathering friends.
• In addition to books, you can also think of activities to do with your friends during the picnic. Card games are always great ideas!

This post was sponsored by Harry & David.

Laura Peruchi

Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!