Hudson River Park is Beautiful in the Winter

Haven’t yet spent a day at Hudson River Park? There’s no need to wait for spring. In fact, this 550-acre oasis, running alongside the Hudson, is a perennial beauty with endless activities to engage in. Next time you have a free afternoon, wrap up warm and make the short trip over from 555TEN. Here’s a generous handful of ideas for winter park inspiration.

Take a scenic stroll

Nothing rejuvenates mind, body, and soul like a brisk winter walk—especially when it takes in the scenic waterside of the Hudson. Put on your best walking boots and stroll a strip of the park. Planning on taking a furry friend with you? Four dedicated dog parks are dotted along the routes; let them off the leash and watch them make new pals, while you enjoy a hot coffee and a sit-down. Bringing children? They can let off steam at one of the four play parks. One of them even allows you to operate a miniature canal!

Appreciate alfresco art

Hudson River Park Pier has its own outdoor art gallery. Count the masterpieces that line the waterside, including the beautiful stainless-steel water wheel known as “Long Time;” the Serpentine Structures, which deftly reflect the surroundings; and The Apple, a fruit in bronze, which weighs three tons (talk about the Big Apple). If you fancy getting crafty yourself, how about trying your hand at boat building? No-fee community lessons are held in the park during the winter months.

Get on the water

Whether or not you crafted your own vessel, there are ample opportunities to get out on the Hudson, courtesy of the park’s superb facilities. Enroll in a community sailing or rowing course or explore the Hudson with the Manhattan Kayak Company. If you prefer to sail in the lap of luxury, take a dining cruise or board the anchored 142-foot sailboat “Grand Banks” and tuck into a plate of sustainably sourced oysters while quaffing a nautically inspired cocktail.

Meet with someone for a drink or dinner

Good cuisine is abundant at Hudson River Park, making it the perfect place to meet with friends and loved ones. Dine decadently on calamari and tuna tartare at Hudson’s; tuck into tasty snacks without the guilt at Sweet Love Snack Bar at Pier 25; or sip fine vintages paired with Chilean sea bass and blood orange pot au creme at City Vineyard.

Get stuck into sports

After all that indulgence, you might want to consider a little fitness and wellbeing. The park caters to healthy urges in style—even during the colder months. Dance figure eights at the indoor ice rink (or just succeed in staying upright), tackle Chelsea Piers’ 30-foot-high rock climbing wall, work on your baseball swing in one of the batting cages, or simply hike and bike—and see how much of this incredible park you can cover in a day.

Image courtesy of ©iStock.com/vladans