Bodies of Water in New York City

THE 5 BEST New York City Bodies of Water

Bodies of Water in New York City

Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
Nature & Parks
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8 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travellers are saying

  • Travel R
    Rochester, MN1,710 contributions
    A pretty harbor no matter what angle you view it from. Not sure what the most iconic view is but from the water seems to be the best.
    Written November 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • therichastill
    Stevenage, UK2,556 contributions
    Right in the heart of New York City.
    In the middle of Central Park.

    That is not where I thought I would find a reservoir!

    Coming from the UK I am used to finding reservoirs in wild, desolate areas where there is no one about. Things are different in the USA.

    The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis reservoir is named after the former First Lady and this is a nice tribute. It is a huge body of water and is surrounded by trees. I like that there is a path all the way round it and you are encouraged to go round it in an anti-clockwise direction (although I saw a few people bucking the trend).

    A very nice location and if you are someone who enjoys being close to water you will appreciate it.
    Written October 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Louis F
    Altus, OK999 contributions
    Nice little pond with plenty of seating around it and did not seem as crowded as other areas of the park.
    Written May 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ALSanti
    1 contribution
    Underrated & beautiful! Also found an African center with authentic west African cuisine, cafe, and books right across the street!
    Written September 11, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DJtrinivibes
    Bronx, NY1,437 contributions
    We came upon this beautiful pond in Central Park and it was so lovely . We sat on a bench and enjoyed watching the kids operate remote control sail boat on the pond which can be rented for $12 for half hour. On the side of the pond you can get food and drinks there also. Lovely site. Enjoy and thank me later.
    Written July 24, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • StephenCross
    Dublin, Ireland18,409 contributions
    The turtle pond in Central Park is a nice sizeable pond. Like many aspects of Central Park l, natural approach is favoured. Excellent.
    Written February 6, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Justin W
    Hasbrouck Heights, NJ3,633 contributions
    Don't miss the West Harlem Piers Park at the end of 125th Street near the new extension of the Columbia Campus. It has the most breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, the coolest breezes on a hot day and a nice place to sit down.

    There is some interesting art work in the park that you should see and it is a nice place to take your lunch and eat it by the river. It is just a nice place to relax and enjoy the views.
    Written July 6, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amanda V
    Buffalo, NY45 contributions
    Great place for natural outdoor fun. We like to pack some snacks or a picnic and spend the day fishing and swimming. There is a rope swing not far down the creek. Many birds including various water fowl can be seen. We have caught small mouth bass, rock bass, perch, and carp. Plenty of parking and if you kayak there is easy water access close to parking.
    Written July 27, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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