Gantry Plaza State Park

Gantry Plaza State Park is situated in the Queens suburb of Long Island City and is one of the smallest state and national parks on this list. Surprisingly an urban park, this entertaining location provides stunning views of the midtown New York City skyline. You won't even need to squint to see the Empire State Building or the United Nations.

There are no significant waterfalls or hiking trails in the forest nearby. However, you may temporarily forget you're in a city by taking a stroll along the East River, taking in the sweet scent of the park's gardens, partying at outdoor performances, and fishing off the pier. Most people visit Gantry Plaza to take in the iconic views of Midtown Manhattan, and to stroll along the paved pathways, admiring the historical relics. Keep an eye out for the two enormous gantries, which were placed at the water's edge in the early 1900s to help in loading and unloading cargo ships. These hold the renowned Long Island sign and provided the park's name origin.