Carl Schurz Park Upper East Side New York City
A tranquil Upper East Side oasis offering stunning East River views, lush greenery, and a beloved dog run. A true local gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom!
Carl Schurz Park Upper East Side New York City
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Upper East Side oasis offering stunning East River views, lush greenery, and a beloved dog run. A true local gem.
"It's like a little pocket of Central Park tucked right along the river — peaceful, beautifully kept, and with the most gorgeous views."
🐾 Dog Owners Unite!
The dog run is a highlight, but be mindful of park rules and other owners.
🌸 Spring Bloom Spectacle
Visit mid-April to early May for the stunning cherry blossoms near the 86th St entrance.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 3,373 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
East River Promenade
Along the East River
Stroll along the waterfront for breathtaking views of the river, bridges, and Queens skyline. Perfect for a peaceful walk.
+1
Gracie Mansion
East 88th Street
The official residence of the Mayor of New York City, offering a glimpse of historic architecture amidst the park's greenery.
Dog Runs
Multiple locations within the park
A paradise for pups! Well-maintained dog runs with ample space, shade, and water bowls for furry friends.
Cherry Blossom Alley
Near 86th Street entrance
In spring, this tree-lined path bursts with vibrant cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque scene.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Tourist Trail
Getting There: Plan Your Route
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog Owners Unite!
The dog run is a highlight, but be mindful of park rules and other owners.
🌸 Spring Bloom Spectacle
Visit mid-April to early May for the stunning cherry blossoms near the 86th St entrance.
🚶♀️ Scenic River Walks
Enjoy the East River Promenade for tranquil views and a break from the city bustle.
🚇 Plan Your Transit
The M86 bus is a convenient option from nearby subway lines.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog Owners Unite!
The dog run is a highlight, but be mindful of park rules and other owners.
🌸 Spring Bloom Spectacle
Visit mid-April to early May for the stunning cherry blossoms near the 86th St entrance.
🚶♀️ Scenic River Walks
Enjoy the East River Promenade for tranquil views and a break from the city bustle.
🚇 Plan Your Transit
The M86 bus is a convenient option from nearby subway lines.
☀️ Pack a Picnic
Plenty of grassy areas make it ideal for a relaxing picnic with a view.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carl Schurz Park is widely praised as a beautiful, peaceful local gem with stunning East River views and excellent dog runs. Visitors love its serene atmosphere, well-maintained grounds, and family-friendly amenities, though some note occasional issues with cleanliness or park user behavior. It's a highly recommended spot for those seeking an authentic, less crowded NYC park experience.
"Charles Schultz Park is one of those places that just makes you fall in love with the city all over again. It’s like a little pocket of Central Park tucked right along the river — peaceful, beautifully kept, and with the most gorgeous views. The mix of greenery, water, and skyline feels like something out of a movie. You can sit on a bench and watch the boats go by, or walk the winding paths that always feel a little quieter than the rest of the city.
But the best part? It’s incredibly dog-friendly. Chanel and Ella live for this park. The dog run is full of energy and friendly dogs, and the vibe is always so welcoming. There’s plenty of space for zoomies, shade when it’s hot, and fresh water bowls always filled. Chanel turns into a little socialite, and Ella’s out there making best friends left and right.
It’s become our go-to spot — whether we’re just taking in the view or letting the girls burn off some energy. If you’ve got dogs and you’re looking for somewhere beautiful, calm, and community-driven, Charles Schultz Park is the spot"
Mike John
"I walked up the East River walkway to Carl Schurz Park to look around. Beautiful park with playgrounds for kids and adults, benches, grassy areas for sunbathing and paved basketball and pickleball areas. And of course Gracie Mansion, the mayors official residence. All pretty busy today."
THE EXPLORER
"This place is filthy, full of unpleasant people, it smells bad, also there's a lot of traffic (underneath), and it's very dangerous. Pigeons are all over the place and you can get attacked by them if you go too early in the AM. The water from the fountain is gross, bathrooms are a mess. Be careful with the playground, you can be hit by people playing tennis. Also, the boats on the river are a nuisance. And, don't get me started with the dog run!
Lastly, don't come here for the flowers because there are none. Squirrels are also dressed like bunnies, very scary!
*If you make it that far, you obviously read a fake review.
Kudos to all the volunteers for keeping this gem alive!"
Alessandro Frati
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible via public transport. You can take the C train to 86th Street and then hop on the M86 bus east to York Avenue. Alternatively, walk from the 4, 5, or 6 subway lines at 86th Street, heading east.
While there isn't dedicated visitor parking directly within the park, street parking can be found in the surrounding Upper East Side neighborhood, though it can be challenging to find.
The closest subway stations are 86th Street (4, 5, 6 lines) or 77th Street (4, 5, 6 lines). From there, you can walk east or take a bus.
Yes, biking is a great option. There are bike lanes on many of the avenues leading to the park, and you can often find bike racks nearby.
The park features paved paths and the East River Promenade, making it generally accessible. However, some areas might have inclines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Carl Schurz Park is a public park and is completely free to enter and enjoy.
The park is open daily from 6 AM to 1 AM, offering ample time to enjoy its beauty.
There's no need to book tickets; the park is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
While there aren't regular ticketed tours, the park hosts various community events. Check local listings for any upcoming activities.
The dog runs are free to use for all park visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the East River Promenade, Gracie Mansion, playgrounds for children, and well-maintained dog runs.
Yes, the park features several playgrounds catering to different age groups, making it family-friendly.
You'll enjoy panoramic views of the East River, the Roosevelt Island Tramway, and the Queens skyline.
Absolutely! The river views, Gracie Mansion, and seasonal blooms like cherry blossoms offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, public restrooms are available within the park, though their cleanliness can vary.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or cafes directly within the park itself. However, the surrounding Upper East Side neighborhood offers numerous dining options.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. There are plenty of benches and grassy areas to enjoy them.
Explore York Avenue and East End Avenue for a variety of delis, cafes, and restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
Typically, there are no permanent food vendors within the park, but occasional food trucks might be present, especially during events.
Definitely! The park's grassy areas and scenic views make it an ideal location for a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
The East River Promenade offers stunning skyline and water views. Gracie Mansion provides a historic backdrop, and the cherry blossom alley is magical in spring.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the park's scenery and skyline.
Generally, casual photography is allowed. For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to check with the NYC Parks Department for any permit requirements.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and architecture. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive river views.
Yes, drone usage is generally prohibited in NYC parks, including Carl Schurz Park, for safety and privacy reasons.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit