We love the High Line, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that this inventive elevated park was the zenith of creativity that New York City had to offer in the realm of public green space. Well, you’d be wrong. Enter Little Island@Pier 55, which gives all the other city parks a run for their money. It’s a beautifully landscaped postage-stamp sized oasis on the West Side. And a great new destination for date night! We’re sharing some of our best photos of Little Island, the new park funded by media mogul Barry Diller, a charming treasure trove on the banks of the Hudson River in New York City. And like so many of life’s true luxuries, this one is free.
what is Little Island, New York and where is it?
A 2.4 acre park on the banks of the Hudson River on Manhattan’s West Side, the opening of Little Island is cause for celebration.
Overhead view of the new extension of Hudson River Park in New York City, Little Island.
The perfectly square verdant green space is landscaped with rolling hills covered with native grasses, flowers, plants and trees. And its location provides truly stunning views of the city, the Hudson River and New York Harbor – and must-see views of the sunset.
[white_box]Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.
sign up now >
[/white_box]
the origin story
Little Island@Pier 55 is the brainchild of Barry Diller and his wife, Diane von Furstenberg. It’s built atop the remnants of the former Pier 54, which has a rich history. Luxury transatlantic cruise lines Cunard and White Star operated there in the early 1900’s. Survivors of the RMS Titanic were brought back to safety at Pier 54. And in 1915, the RMS Lusitania departed from this pier before a German U-boat sunk it off the coast of Ireland.
In more modern times, the pier had been used as a venue for arts and entertainment, but it had fallen into disrepair. Enter Diller and von Furstenberg, who were also instrumental in getting The High Line off the ground (see what we did there?) After years of the usual disputes, approvals and construction, their vision finally came to life. The immediately iconic structural architecture (“the tulips”) was designed by Heatherwick Studio (the same firm behind The Vessel at Hudson Yards).
[white_box]Related Post
two hours in New York: the best spots for a quick visit
read more >
[/white_box]
the approach
Visitors enter Little Island from its south side via a footbridge that extends from the Hudson River Park Esplanade between 13th and 14th Streets.
Photos of Little Island, the new park on the Hudson River in New York City. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
Little Island. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
a riverside view
We started our visit in The Glade, a small terraced pavilion with spectacular views of Lower Manhattan.
Photos of a visit to Little Island, the new park on the Hudson River in New York City. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
Related Post
Photos of our visit to the sculpture garden at the MoMA, NYC
read more >
[/white_box]
in the meadow
When departing The Glade, the natural flow of the paths will lead you up and over a gentle series of hills. Landscape architect Signe Nielsen is responsible for the plants, trees, rock formations and flowers that make this new park such an idyllic and easy escape from the city.
Photos of Little Island, the new park on the Hudson River in New York City. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
Photos of Little Island, the new park on the Hudson River in New York City. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
the overlooks
Three of the corners of this square space have “Overlooks,” where visitors can climb to the highest points on Little Island and take in the splendors of New York Harbor.
Our photos of Little Island, the new park on the Hudson River in New York City. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
Photos of Little Island, the new park on the Hudson River in New York City. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
This Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
Related Post
how to do autumn in New York like a luxury insider
read more >
[/white_box]
song & dance
The Amph is the park’s outdoor performance space, and from what we can tell from the schedule on the park’s website, it will be in heavy use every day (and night).
The Amph on Little Island. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
In September, the auditorium will host the Little Island Dance Festival, which will focus on “percussive dance forms” from all over the world. Tickets for Amph performances are $65 for adults, and $25 for seniors over 62 and kids under 12. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Photos of a visit to Little Island, the new park on the Hudson River in NYC. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
food & drink
Because Little Island is a public park, visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments with them (although no alcoholic beverages are to be brought to the park). Alternatively, The Playground is where you’ll find food and drink to buy and consume in a relaxed setting. Three food trucks offer the usual American picnic fare.
Photos of Little Island, the new park on the Hudson River in NYC. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
You can picnic on the Main Lawn or a grab a table.
[white_box]Related Post
the insider’s guide to the best shopping in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
read more >
[/white_box]
friends & family
There’s a joyful vibe on Little Island, and it’s the perfect place to see a true cross-section of “real” New Yorkers.
There are groups of friends.
Photos of Little Island from our first visit – it’s the new park on the Hudson River in NYC funded by Barry Diller. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
And lots of families with little ones in strollers.
Best photos of our visit to Little Island, the new park on the Hudson River in NYC. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
It’s a perfect place for a day date.
A visit to Little Island, NYC. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
And it’s pretty wonderful for a solo journey, too.
Photos of of our visit to Little Island, the new park on the Hudson River in NYC funded by Barry Diller. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
sundown and beyond
Hudson River Park is the place to go for one of the best views of the sunset over the Hudson River. Whether you’re on Little Island, or just observing it from afar, this is a splendid way to end a day – or start an evening on the town.
When you’re ready to leave, a bridge on the north side of the park leads you back to the Hudson River Park Esplanade. And then it’s back to the real world.
[white_box]Related Post
first light at the stunning Moynihan Train Station in New York
read more >
[/white_box]
photo tour of the new Little Island Park in New York
Those are some of our best photos of Little Island, the new park funded by Barry Diller, which turns out to be a charming romantic treasure trove on the banks of the Hudson River in New York City. It really should be called Treasure Island, don’t you think, dear reader?
Little Island opens at 6:00A daily, rain or shine, 365 days a year. Timed entry tickets are required beginning at 12 noon through closing. The current closing time is 1:00A. Admission to the park is free. No dogs, smoking, outside alcoholic beverages, bikes or private events allowed.
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
