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Pepsi-Cola Sign

4.7
·2k reviews·, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset & Twilight

Magical city lights glow

CrowdMedium
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LIC

Pepsi-Cola Sign

Best Time

Sunset & Twilight

Magical city lights glow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Amazing views of Manhattan, especially at sunset!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Pepsi-Cola Sign

The Iconic Pepsi-Cola Sign

Long Island City, Queens

A vibrant, retro beacon against the Manhattan skyline, perfect for nostalgic photos.

Manhattan Skyline Views

Manhattan Skyline Views

Gantry Plaza State Park

Unobstructed, breathtaking panoramas of Midtown Manhattan, especially stunning at sunset.

Gantry Plaza State Park Boardwalk

Gantry Plaza State Park Boardwalk

Long Island City waterfront

A scenic promenade ideal for leisurely strolls, offering unique perspectives of the sign and city.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

The Pepsi-Cola Sign is best viewed from Gantry Plaza State Park. For iconic skyline photos, aim for sunset or twilight when the city lights begin to twinkle. Weekends can get busy, so consider a weekday evening for a more relaxed experience.

Accessing the Iconic Sign

The sign is located in Long Island City, Queens, and is best accessed via Gantry Plaza State Park. It's a popular spot for photos, especially with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. Public transport is convenient, with subway stations nearby.

Best Times

When
Sunset & Twilight
Why
Magical city lights glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall Mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, soft light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

~ Pepsi Cola Sign ~ . . 📍4610 Center Blvd, Long Island City . . March 27th, 2023 #whatshouldwedo #nybucketlist #nyclives #nycexplore #loves_nyc #thisisnewyorkcity #yesNY #mysecretnyc #explodenycfree #nycskyline #longislandcity #lic #gantrystatepark #skyline #pepsicolasign #nyclandmarks #nyclandmark #narcissusflower #narcissusgarden #nycspring #nycspringtime
carlis.nyc
164 likes • 4.6K views

📸 Golden Hour Photo Ops

Catch the best light for photos of the Pepsi-Cola Sign and Manhattan skyline during sunset. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Waterfront Strolls

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Gantry Plaza State Park boardwalk for unique views. Reddit

It’s colder and colder to be around water but we have more warm Fall days ahead. 🫠 📍Pepsi Cola Sign, Long Island City #nyc #nyclives #longislandcity #nycfall #newyorkers #nycskyline #empirestatebuilding #chryslerbuilding #eastriver #nycnights
nyclive
11.8K likes • 152.8K views
When NYC starts getting summer days☀️ Name a view you are obsessed with👇🏼 📍Pepsi Cola sign, Long Island City #nyc #lic #longislandcity #nycskyline #manhattanview
newyorkcity4all
2.5K likes • 52.1K views

🚇 Easy Public Transport

Take the subway to Long Island City for convenient access to the sign and park. Instagram

🌃 Nighttime Sparkle

The sign and skyline are spectacular after dark, offering a different kind of magic. Instagram

Pepsi-Cola Ayna Sign 'PEPESSI' 'ICEE ARDER'S' Reklamı Tasarım Detayları: Canlı mavi ve kırmızı tonlar, 1930'lar-1950'ler civarındaki soda şişesi ve yıldız/patlama efektli erken pop art estetiğini yansıtır. ​Ayna Tipi: Arka planda kullanılan oluklu (tırtıklı) ayna, disko topu aynası dönemin reklam objelerinde yaygın kullanılan bir stildir ve parçanın görsel çekiciliğini artırır. ​Çerçeve: Klasik ...
7vintageshop
20 likes • 371 views

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. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Waterfront Strolls

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Gantry Plaza State Park boardwalk for unique views. Reddit

🚇 Easy Public Transport

Take the subway to Long Island City for convenient access to the sign and park. Instagram

🌃 Nighttime Sparkle

The sign and skyline are spectacular after dark, offering a different kind of magic. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

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

Amazing Manhattan views
Beautiful waterfront park
Iconic retro sign

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gantry Plaza State Park, where the Pepsi-Cola Sign is located, is a fantastic spot for families. The park features well-maintained playgrounds that will keep children entertained. The wide-open green spaces are perfect for running around, and the boardwalk offers a safe and scenic area for a family stroll. Pack a picnic to enjoy with the stunning Manhattan skyline as your backdrop, making it a memorable outing for everyone. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Pepsi-Cola Sign and Gantry Plaza State Park are a dream location. The iconic sign itself is a classic subject, especially when framed against the Manhattan skyline. Aim for the golden hour before sunset or the blue hour after for dramatic lighting. The park offers numerous vantage points, from wide shots capturing the entire skyline to closer details of the sign. Don't forget a tripod for those stunning nighttime shots when the city lights truly shine. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Visiting the Pepsi-Cola Sign is an excellent choice for budget travelers as it's completely free to access. Gantry Plaza State Park offers incredible views without any admission fee. You can save money by bringing your own snacks or a picnic to enjoy by the water. Utilizing public transportation like the subway or NYC Ferry is also a cost-effective way to reach the location compared to taxis or ride-shares. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of the Pepsi-Cola Sign

The iconic Pepsi-Cola Sign, a beloved landmark in Long Island City, Queens, has a rich history dating back to its installation in the 1930s. Originally part of a Pepsi bottling plant, the sign has undergone several restorations to maintain its vibrant presence. Its distinctive design, featuring bold red and blue lettering and a classic soda bottle silhouette, evokes a sense of mid-century Americana and has become a symbol of the area's industrial past meeting its modern skyline. The sign's enduring appeal lies in its nostalgic charm and its prominent position overlooking the East River. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

Experiencing Gantry Plaza State Park

Gantry Plaza State Park is the primary location from which to view and appreciate the Pepsi-Cola Sign. This expansive waterfront park offers stunning, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, including landmarks like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. The park features a beautifully maintained boardwalk, lush green lawns, and various seating areas, making it an ideal spot for relaxation, recreation, and photography. Visitors frequently praise the park's ambiance and its role as a prime location for enjoying the city's iconic vistas. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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