
Pepsi-Cola Sign
An iconic retro Pepsi-Cola Sign overlooking the Manhattan skyline from Long Island City's Gantry Plaza State Park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical city lights glow

Pepsi-Cola Sign
Best Time
Magical city lights glow

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic retro Pepsi-Cola Sign overlooking the Manhattan skyline from Long Island City's Gantry Plaza State Park.
"Amazing views of Manhattan, especially at sunset!"

📸 Golden Hour Photo Ops
Catch the best light for photos of the Pepsi-Cola Sign and Manhattan skyline during sunset.
🚶♀️ Waterfront Strolls
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Gantry Plaza State Park boardwalk for unique views.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Pepsi-Cola Sign
Long Island City, Queens
A vibrant, retro beacon against the Manhattan skyline, perfect for nostalgic photos.

Manhattan Skyline Views
Gantry Plaza State Park
Unobstructed, breathtaking panoramas of Midtown Manhattan, especially stunning at sunset.

Gantry Plaza State Park Boardwalk
Long Island City waterfront
A scenic promenade ideal for leisurely strolls, offering unique perspectives of the sign and city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Accessing the Iconic Sign
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Golden Hour Photo Ops
Catch the best light for photos of the Pepsi-Cola Sign and Manhattan skyline during sunset.
🚶♀️ Waterfront Strolls
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Gantry Plaza State Park boardwalk for unique views.
🚇 Easy Public Transport
Take the subway to Long Island City for convenient access to the sign and park.
🌃 Nighttime Sparkle
The sign and skyline are spectacular after dark, offering a different kind of magic.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Golden Hour Photo Ops
Catch the best light for photos of the Pepsi-Cola Sign and Manhattan skyline during sunset.
🚶♀️ Waterfront Strolls
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Gantry Plaza State Park boardwalk for unique views.
🚇 Easy Public Transport
Take the subway to Long Island City for convenient access to the sign and park.
🌃 Nighttime Sparkle
The sign and skyline are spectacular after dark, offering a different kind of magic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Pepsi-Cola Sign and its stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, especially from Gantry Plaza State Park. The park itself is praised for its beautiful waterfront, relaxing atmosphere, and family-friendly amenities. It's a highly recommended spot for sunset views and evening strolls.
"A great place with amazing views of Manhattan. Do come here at the sunset! The neighborhood is brimming with tons of good places for lunch or dinner."
Andrew K.
"Love walking here such a nice boardwalk, walking, running lounging area path along the water"
Deanna Tran
"Visited Gantry Plaza State Park after dinner on a Saturday night. This is a very nice park with amazing NYC views. Highly recommended for a night out."
John Raschi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pepsi-Cola Sign is best viewed from Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, Queens. You can take the NYC Subway to stations like Court Square (E, M, G, 7 trains) or Queensboro Plaza (7, N, W trains), followed by a short walk. The NYC Ferry also stops at the Long Island City/Gantry Plaza State Park terminal, offering scenic arrival.
While street parking can be challenging in Long Island City, there are several parking garages available near Gantry Plaza State Park. However, using public transportation or the ferry is often more convenient and recommended.
You can walk across the Queensboro Bridge from Manhattan to Long Island City, which offers great views along the way. From the Manhattan side of the bridge, it's about a 20-30 minute walk to Gantry Plaza State Park and the sign.
For optimal photo opportunities, consider arriving via the NYC Ferry to Long Island City. This provides a unique vantage point of the sign and skyline as you approach.
The 7 train to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Ave or the G train to Court Square are good options, both requiring a short walk to Gantry Plaza State Park. The N and W trains to Queensboro Plaza also work.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Pepsi-Cola Sign is a public landmark visible from Gantry Plaza State Park, which is free to enter and explore. You don't need any tickets to view or photograph the sign.
Gantry Plaza State Park is generally open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM. However, it's always a good idea to check the official New York State Parks website for any seasonal changes or specific event hours.
There is no admission fee to enter Gantry Plaza State Park. It's a public space designed for everyone to enjoy the waterfront and the iconic views.
Yes, the Pepsi-Cola Sign is illuminated at night, and Gantry Plaza State Park is open until 10 PM, making it a fantastic spot for nighttime photography of the sign and the Manhattan skyline.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed and encouraged. Commercial photography or videography may require permits, so it's best to check with the New York State Parks department if you plan on professional shoots.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The 'golden hour' just before sunset and the 'blue hour' shortly after sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the Pepsi-Cola Sign with the Manhattan skyline. The sign is also beautifully lit at night.
For night shots, use a tripod to avoid camera shake. Experiment with longer exposure times (e.g., 5-30 seconds) and a lower ISO to capture the illuminated sign and city lights clearly.
Try framing the sign with the Manhattan skyline in the background. Walking along the boardwalk in Gantry Plaza State Park offers various perspectives, from wide shots to closer details of the sign.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing both the Pepsi-Cola Sign and the expansive Manhattan skyline in one frame. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the sign or distant buildings.
Absolutely! Modern smartphone cameras are excellent. Use night mode if available, and try to stabilize your phone against a railing or use a small portable tripod for sharper images, especially in low light.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Long Island City has a vibrant food scene. You'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars in the vicinity of Gantry Plaza State Park, offering diverse cuisines from casual to upscale.
Options range from pizza and burgers to international cuisine like Italian, Mexican, and Asian. Many places offer outdoor seating with views, perfect for enjoying a meal after visiting the sign.
Gantry Plaza State Park has plenty of open green spaces and benches, making it a great spot for a picnic. You can grab takeout from a local eatery or bring your own food to enjoy with a view.
Several bars and restaurants in Long Island City boast rooftop or waterfront seating with excellent views of the Manhattan skyline, providing a perfect setting for evening drinks.
Long Island City offers a range of dining price points. You can find budget-friendly options like delis and pizzerias, as well as more upscale restaurants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Pepsi-Cola Sign
Restoration Efforts and Preservation
Over the years, the sign has been meticulously restored to preserve its vintage aesthetic. These efforts ensure that the Pepsi-Cola Sign remains a visually striking element of the Long Island City waterfront. The community's dedication to its upkeep highlights its importance not just as an advertisement, but as a piece of local heritage. Visitors often express delight at its well-maintained condition, appreciating the blend of historical significance and contemporary appeal.
Cultural Impact and Iconography
The Pepsi-Cola Sign is more than just a roadside attraction; it's an integral part of the New York City visual landscape. Featured in countless photographs and social media posts, it serves as a backdrop for memories and a marker of place. Its retro design resonates with a sense of timelessness, making it a popular subject for photographers and tourists alike. The sign's presence contributes to the unique character of Long Island City, bridging the gap between its industrial roots and its current status as a thriving urban hub.
Experiencing Gantry Plaza State Park
Activities and Amenities
Beyond the views, Gantry Plaza State Park provides a range of amenities for visitors. There are playgrounds for children, making it a family-friendly destination. The park also hosts various events and activities throughout the year. Its proximity to the East River makes it a popular spot for joggers, cyclists, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape with a spectacular urban backdrop. The park's design seamlessly integrates recreational spaces with scenic beauty.
Best Times to Visit the Park
While the park is enjoyable year-round, visiting during sunset or twilight offers a particularly magical experience. As the sun dips below the horizon, the city lights begin to illuminate, creating a breathtaking panorama. Weekday evenings are often less crowded, allowing for a more serene experience. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather for exploring the park's grounds and enjoying the views in comfort.





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