Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners in Long Island City
Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners in Long Island City
1. Gantry Plaza State Park
A mile of riverfront boardwalks, piers, and smooth pavers with sweeping Midtown skyline views; link north or south for seamless scenic mileage.
✓ Why Go:
Flat, car-free paths are ideal for easy miles, strides, and sunset shakeouts with motivating vistas.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise for solitude and cool temps; golden hour for dramatic light. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Refill at the waterfront fountains near the piers and use nearby restrooms; add short pier out-and-backs for precision interval distances.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners praise the postcard views, smooth surfaces, and friendly vibe—great for both solo and social miles.
2. Hunters Point South Park
Expansive waterfront park with long straightaways, gentle curves, and a circular lawn perfect for drills, strides, and cooldowns.
✓ Why Go:
Constant river breeze keeps summer runs cooler; wide paths make it ideal for intervals without frequent stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings and evenings; midday and weekends can be crowded with strollers and cyclists.
✓ Insider Tip:
Water and restrooms by the NYC Ferry landing; connect north to Gantry or south to quiet residential loops.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for being runner-friendly, clean, and impeccably maintained with unbeatable skyline backdrops.
3. Queensbridge Park
Shaded riverside paths under the Queensboro Bridge with ballfields and open waterfront—low foot traffic and steady footing.
✓ Why Go:
Flat, mellow loops ideal for recovery runs, form drills, and easy conversation-paced jogs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to early evening for light and activity; avoid very late hours when it’s quiet.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter via Vernon Blvd; seasonal fountains are often near the fields—bring a handheld in shoulder seasons.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals call it a peaceful alternative to the busier LIC waterfront while still delivering river views.
4. Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path
An iconic climb from LIC to Manhattan with a steady grade and epic skyline views—the NYC Marathon’s storied crossing.
✓ Why Go:
A built-in hill workout with protection from traffic; perfect for threshold climbs and strength-building repeats.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings to minimize bike congestion and noise; avoid rush hours.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter near Queens Plaza; it’s windier on the span, so layer up and secure hats. Watch for faster cyclists.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Challenging but addictive—runners feel accomplished cresting the high point and cruising the descent.
5. Pulaski Bridge
A 0.5-mile rise over Newtown Creek with a separated pedestrian lane—ideal for tempo efforts and steady climbs.
✓ Why Go:
Predictable grade, few interruptions, and quick access from LIC for controlled repeats.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for clear lanes; dusk offers dramatic skyline reflections on the water.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start reps from the LIC side for a slightly steeper northbound push; cool down along the waterfront after.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for uninterrupted efforts and consistent pacing opportunities close to home.
6. Hunters Point Library
A striking terraced library with broad outdoor steps perfect for stair repeats, mobility work, and post-run stretches.
✓ Why Go:
Mix strength with cardio and enjoy clean facilities nearby—great complement to waterfront miles.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning before opening or after work when terraces are quieter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the adjacent boardwalk for easy jog recoveries between stair sets; bring a mat for core on the terraces.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners rave about the views and smart public design that doubles as a workout venue.
7. One Court Square
Spacious plaza at LIC’s landmark tower with smooth granite—ideal for strides, drills, and group meetups near multiple subway lines.
✓ Why Go:
Central, transit-rich location makes it an easy launch pad for neighborhood routes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings after office hours or quiet weekend mornings.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wind can swirl here; tuck behind the tower for sheltered mobility and activation routines.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Seen as a practical, dependable base camp for LIC runs of any length.
8. Dutch Kills Green
A pocket park at Queens Plaza with braided paths and native plantings—handy for dynamic warmups before tackling the bridge.
✓ Why Go:
Green space right by major transit with quick access to the Queensboro Bridge path.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weekday mornings; lunchtime and rush hours are busier.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use short path segments for A/B/C drills and light strides; bring your own water.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated as a calm oasis amid the junction—perfect for pre-run activation.
9. Anable Basin
Quiet dead-end waterfront by 44th Drive with minimal crowds—great for short intervals, form work, and reflective cooldowns.
✓ Why Go:
Peaceful straightaway with big-sky river views and quick links to the LIC esplanade.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise for solitude; dusk for glow-tinted skyline vistas.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair with nearby side-street loops for creative fartlek sessions without traffic stress.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Considered a hidden gem—calm, focused, and photogenic.
10. Long Island City YMCA
Full-service gym with treadmills, conditioning space, lockers, and showers—your dependable rainy-day or winter base.
✓ Why Go:
Stay consistent regardless of weather and supplement running with strength and mobility.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday or late evening to avoid commuter rush periods.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small lock; finish with foam rolling to keep legs fresh for bridge and waterfront sessions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reliable, friendly facility where local runners cross-train and recover.
