Gantry Plaza State Park

This small park in Queens borough on the Hudson River was known until recently as one of the worst in the city. Where drugs and prostitution were the norm in a degraded neighborhood community, this park now stands as a sign of renewed civic life. It's been designed for relaxation. You can lounge in the sun, use the hammocks or lay in the grass during the hot summer. There is no place like this oasis to relax and enjoy the freshness of the river and views of Manhattan, with the famous skyscraper peaks and the massive UN building all visible.