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My family and I recently decided to spend a day at Little Island in NYC, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had in the city. We started by taking the train, and after a short walk, we found ourselves stepping into this unique and enchanting park that feels like a world of its own. The weather was warm but not too hot, so we grabbed a Starbucks drink to keep cool as we began our exploration.
Little Island is like no other park in New York City. Built on the remnants of the old Pier 55, it floats on the Hudson River, supported by a series of tulip-shaped concrete pillars. The design alone is a sight to behold—these pillars rise and fall like waves, creating the impression that the park is gently undulating above the water. As soon as we entered, we were struck by the lush greenery and the sheer variety of plants and flowers. It was like walking into a living work of art.
We started our exploration by wandering along the winding paths that lead you through the different sections of the park. There’s a certain magic in how the landscape has been designed, with every turn revealing something new and beautiful. One of the first things that caught our eye was the incredible array of flowers—vibrant, colorful blooms that added a touch of whimsy to the already stunning scenery. It felt like every plant had been carefully chosen and placed to create a perfect harmony with its surroundings.
As we continued our walk, we noticed the hill-like structures that rise from the park. These “mountains” offer some of the best views in the city, so naturally, we had to climb to the top. The ascent was easy, thanks to the gently sloping paths, and the payoff was more than worth it. From the top, we could see the entire Manhattan skyline stretching out before us, framed by the greenery of Little Island. The contrast between the natural beauty of the park and the urban landscape beyond was breathtaking. We stood there for a while, just taking it all in, feeling a sense of peace that’s hard to find in such a bustling city.
After our climb, we decided to explore more of what the park had to offer. We discovered a rooftop park that offered even more incredible views of NYC. This area was a bit quieter, a perfect spot to sit and relax, and maybe even read a book. It felt like a hidden gem within a hidden gem.
One of the things we loved about Little Island was the variety of food options available. There’s something for everyone, from classic New York hot dogs to fresh, healthy salads. The nearby mall makes it easy to grab a bite to eat without having to leave the park. We enjoyed our snacks while watching the world go by—there’s something about eating outdoors that just makes everything taste better.
Fitness is clearly a big part of the culture at Little Island. As we walked around, we saw plenty of people jogging and working out. The park’s design encourages movement, with its winding paths and open spaces perfect for stretching, running, or simply walking and enjoying the scenery. It felt like a place where people come not just to relax but to rejuvenate.
One of the highlights of our visit was the unexpected sky show. As we were sitting on a bench, we noticed planes flying overhead, drawing letters in the sky. We couldn’t quite make out what they were spelling, but it added an element of surprise and delight to our day. It was one of those moments that made the day feel even more special.
We also came across a moving illusion board—an installation designed to play with your perception. It was mesmerizing to watch, and we spent a good amount of time trying to figure out how it worked. Although we didn’t catch a live performance, we did see the stadium where shows are held. It’s an impressive space, and we could easily imagine how magical it must be to watch a concert or play there with the city skyline as a backdrop.
In the end, we took so many pictures, trying to capture the beauty of the place, but no photo could truly do it justice. Little Island is more than just a park—it’s a place where nature, art, and architecture come together to create something truly special. It’s a reminder that even in a city as fast-paced as New York, there are still places where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy the moment. We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and grateful for the experience, knowing that we had discovered a new favorite spot in the city.
