Hunter’s Point South and Gantry Park are both located on the banks of the East River, directly facing Manhattan. The view of the skyline from the parks is unobstructed and absolutely breathtaking, with just the tidal strait of the East River flowing between the two. As you look out from LIC, the skyscrapers of NYC rise majestically before your very eyes, and stand as if framed by the heavens above, the river below, and the periphery of your vision on either side.
Although in Manhattan, there are several great places from which you can see the skyline, including the observation decks of the Empire State Building (84th and 102nd floors) and the Rockefeller Center (70th floor), and the soon to be opened ‘One World Observatory’ some 102 stories high in the new World Trade Center, there are many who believe that the beauty of the skyline is probably better seen when looking in from outside.
Unknown to many, especially tourists, are the ideal locations around the island of Manhattan where this beauty could be better observed. Included among these location is the Brooklyn Bridge, which though built to provide a crossing, has for sometime now become a great skyline viewing spot. Hamilton Park in Weehawken, New Jersey is another great location, as is Liberty State Park. Other spots include the ferry boats that sail around the city, and the Staten Island Ferry en route to Manhattan. Hunter’s Point South and Gantry Park however, are more than just a skyline viewing spots. They were designed from the ground up, with the skyline in mind, so they both provide not just the perfect view but also the perfect environment for viewing, taking pictures and being fully absorbed by this architectural phenomenon. As you view the skyline from these settings of tranquility and clarity, the broad range of towering structures line up almost perfectly before your very eyes, and seem to co-exist harmoniously, a far cry from their somewhat discordant appearance when viewed from other locations.
Also amazing about viewing the skyline from the parks is that it is almost always spectacular, regardless of the time of day. On mornings, as the sun rises over the city, the buildings seem to spring to life, creatively reflecting the sun’s light both in their surroundings and in the mirrorlike surface of the East River. On evenings, as the sun goes down, the sunset flirts with the skyline to masterfully render urban architecture against one of nature’s most artistic settings. In the night, as the lights of city are turned on, the park and the skyline work hand in hand to create a romantic ambiance beneath the New York moonlight.
Hunters Point South and Gantry Park are also a photographer’s dream, with some of the best angles for taking remarkable shots of the city by itself, or of visitors to the park with the skyline in the background. Small wonder the parks have now become a popular choice for prime-time movie sets, and photo shoots including weddings and sweet sixteen celebrations.
In addition to the breadthtaking city views, the parks are an amazing oasis of tranquility. Whether you are in the mood for a stroll through the gorgeous piers at the gantries or a quiet sit on a bench near the banks of the river, you will cherish the moments that you spend. And if you would like to take the notion of relaxation to another level, feel free to loose yourself in one of the breezy hammocks on any warm summer day.
Indeed there are very few places in New York from which you can get a beautiful and unobstructed view of the skyline and probably none where the view and the ambiance is better than the LIC waterfront. It is a beautiful and relaxing environment where you can sit and enjoy the ambiance without a time limit. What makes it even more remarkable is that it does not even make the slightest dent in your pocket as there is no entrance fee.
Click here for more information on Hunters Point South Park.
Click here for information on Gantry Plaza State Park.