Located on the lowest part of Manhattan's downtown financial district, sits a spectacular park with stunning views. The Battery overlooks the Statue of Liberty, Jersey City, Brooklyn and Governors Island. The flora and foliage are stunning and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy on a summer afternoon.
Hop off the subway at Bowling Green and admire the Staten Island Ferry hub in all it's transportation and logistics glory. Across the way, the entrance to the park is lush and green. Admire the view of One World Trade Center and the downtown skyscrapers as you start to meander through the pathways.
Walk straight through the park to the water's edge and absorb the tranquility. You are at the very tip of Manhattan; enjoy the view!
Time to explore inside The Battery. The history dates back to the 1500s and the park houses a wide variety of statues and monuments. One of the more splendid monuments honors the missing US servicemen who lost their lives in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II.
Going back into history even further, Castle Clinton is an impressive structure that seems out of place amongst the NYC skyscrapers. Originally used as a fort to protect America from British attack during the War of 1812, it has had many lives since it's first use. Over the years (hundreds of them!) it has been a cultural center, an aquarium, and an immigrant landing depot. Today, most of the castle has been destroyed, but you can still walk through the stone walls and learn about the history. Just outside the castle is a statue created to honor the immigrants that came through these walls.
There are numerous monuments and statues throughout the park but I also like to spend my time on the vast gardens. The landscaping is one of the most beautiful in the city and flowers are in bloom 3 seasons of the year. Late summer is pictured here, where the foliage is lush and abundant. Take your time wandering through the pathways, exploring each section of the garden. On non-Covid 19 restricted days, stop for a ride on the seaglass carousel, one of the most beautiful amusement park rides I've ever seen in my life.
The concrete jungle is chock full of stunning (and award winning) parks, but why not spend a summer afternoon enjoying land, sea and sky, all in one place. Stop for lunch at the riverside restaurant, The View at Battery Park, and extend your afternoon into a sunset cocktail overlooking the Statue of Liberty!
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