Here’s How Long It’ll Take to Walk Little Island, NYC (& How Much It Costs)
NYC green space/urban oasis Little Island is destined to become a park of the future that's a waterfront wonder and bustling event hub on the Hudson.
There are millions of reasons to visit New York City. From its famous landmarks to its dynamic cuisine scene; its world-class shopping to its bustling atmosphere that’s like no other place on Earth. But NYC is also home to a historic waterfront, once a busy port that’s now home to Hudson River Park—and, since 2021, Little Island.
Rising from the remnants of old Pier 54, Little Island has reinvigorated the waterfront with its dazzling design and perfectly conceived green spaces that are home to a number of concerts, performances, and events throughout the year. A wonderful respite from the city’s concrete jungle, the park offers visitors both a unique perspective of the waterfront area and an immersive way to appreciate both art and nature on the Big Apple’s skyscraper-lined doorstep.
ABOUT LITTLE ISLAND
Little Island is part of the larger Hudson River Park. An architectural marvel, the sprawling park-within-a-park is suspended in the Hudson River atop 132 tulips—or pylons—on the former site of Pier 54. After Hurricane Sandy irrevocably damaged most of the pier (at the time a concert and event space), plans were made to create an urban oasis to revitalize the area—thus the plans for the newly reinstated Pier 55 (since dubbed Little Island) was born.
The result of a partnership between the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation and the Hudson River Park Trust, Little Island was designed to be a new type of public space in New York: a re-imagining of the city’s more traditional green spaces. Unique to the waterfront, the spectacular and dazzling Little Island is so much more than a park and event space—it’s a truly immersive experience between nature and art. Since its opening on May 21, 2021, Little Island has welcomed over one million visitors and has been touted as an NYC “park for the future.”
LITTLE ISLAND: THE DETAILS
Address: Pier55 in Hudson River Park West 13th Street, New York, NY 10014
Hours: Opens daily at 6 AM, rain or shine (excluding severe weather conditions). Summer 2022 hours are 6 AM-12 AM, May 26 through September 5
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to enter the park; the only activities that require a paid ticket are performances at The Amph, the park’s large, Hudson River-facing performance space
Getting There: Little Island does not have a dedicated parking area; however, it is extremely easy to access the park both on foot and by public transportation (both buses and subways have stops nearby). Visitors can also access Little Island by bike but must park at one of the designated bike racks before entering (bikes are not allowed inside Little Island)
Need To Know: To access the park during peak hours and times, visitors should book a free timed-entry reservation online. Peak hours are Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from May 12 through September 19, 12 PM to closing time. There is no reservation required to enter any day or time before 12 PM or all day Monday through Thursday
Other Info: Little Island is entirely ADA accessible and compliant. Dogs (excluding working animals supporting visitors with disabilities), bikes, skateboards, roller skates/blades, and scooters are not permitted inside Little Island
LITTLE ISLAND LAYOUT
It’s possible to walk Little Island’s 2.4-acre space in the course of a couple of hours—especially for those looking to just visit the scenic overlooks. But where’s the fun in that? With so many distinct areas to explore; fun activities and events galore; and some of the most breathtaking views of the waterfront and the NYC skyline around, there’s more to this ‘little’ park than meets the eye. Below are just some of what awaits visitors looking to max and relax at this tiny Hudson River treasure.
The Play Ground is the park’s open plaza/seating area near the entrance that is a bustling hub of activity. Here, visitors will find a number of food and beverage options, as well as pop-up (free) performances and late-night fun events like Trivia nights and Bingo.
The Glade is the park’s grassy seating area facing a smaller stage and performance area that hosts a number of fun (free) events such as music events, comedy shows, and art workshops. There is also seating on the nearby Main Lawn, too (and the views are spectacular).
The Amph is Little Island’s main stage and performance space consisting of almost 700 seats facing the Hudson River. All events in The Amph are ticketed and must be purchased in advance; show tickets also serve as the timed entry reservation for that day.
The Overlooks are located in three distinct areas of the park and are elevated areas for guests to enjoy breathtaking views of the rest of Little Island and the nearby NYC skyline.
THINGS TO DO IN LITTLE ISLAND
With a plethora of free events, performances, and workshops scattered throughout the park, there’s always something to do at Little Island—whether it’s catching a show, or simply meandering along the curved paths and admiring the stellar views.
Grab a bite at one of the food stalls located in The Play Ground area of the park where visitors can nosh on everything from sandwiches to ice cream. Food kiosks are open Monday through Sunday 9 AM-11 PM weather permitting
Take an audio tour of Little Island narrated by its landscape architect Signe Nielson
Admire this horticultural haven in the Hudson River. Little Island is a park for all seasons and its plants, trees, and gardens change throughout the year—in summer, be sure to admire the park’s warm-season grasses and brightly-hued blooms
Take a Creative Break with one of Little Island’s many free art activities that encourage guests of all ages to connect to art and nature. Wednesday through Saturday around the Art Cart
A visit to Little Island is the best of both worlds—an escape from the city, a veritable green oasis, and a horticultural haven on the Hudson; all set to the stunning backdrop of New York’s distinctive cityscape. And with a plethora of free activities and events, the idyllic Little Island is the perfect way to experience an intersection of nature and art that is second to none—all set amid NYC’s historic and scenic waterfront.