Wave Hill
Riverdale, Bronx
Admission fee, parking lot
Free on Tuesdays from 9am to noon (double check before you go)
Free on Saturdays from 9am to noon (double check before you go)
Optimum Seasons: Spring, Summer Fall
Located on the Hudson River, this is a beautiful 28-acre public garden that is perfect and scenic in any season. I visited in the very beginning of Spring when some flowers were in bloom but no trees yet. I could have waited a couple of weeks to get to see some Magnolias or Cherry Blossoms, but I love tulips and the garden was full. This is one of the most unique gardens I have visited in all of New York. Once we parked in the parking lot, a shuttle drove us to the front entrance and once there, it was easy to navigate using a map. We spent two hours at this magical place but could easily have stayed the entire day. Make sure you check to see what time the mansion tours are open to as we missed the opportunity. But the house was exquisite and super charming! The park is not open till late so you cannot catch the sunset. I imagine the park being unbearably warm in the summer so I chose the Spring. I would love to visit in the Fall and experience the foliage reflecting off the Hudson.
Kill a few birds with one stone: Take a 10 minute detour and explore the neighborhood around Wave Hill as well as the neighborhood of Fieldston, both in Riverdale. It is one of NYC's wealthiest neighborhoods of the five boroughs, and truly unique. Also, you can pick up lunch from the local Carlos and Gabbys and picnic away at the park. Or drive down to the Upper West Side in Manhattan for dinner.
For a list of other gardens, click here.
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