Photo by Peggy Taylor
LITTLE ISLAND
New York City Must-see Site
Little Island is the newest New York City must-see site. Tourists and locals alike looking for fun things to do in NYC this summer will delight in Little Island’s views of the Manhattan skyline, winding nature trails, and outdoor summer stage performances!
Little Island is a 2.4-acre “floating” park located on the Hudson River. It is located in an area of the Hudson River that used to be home to Pier 54, where the Carpathia docked, carrying survivors from the Titanic disaster. As you enter, you will see a rusty steel archway that belonged to the Cunard-White Star building.
After Hurricane Sandy badly damaged Pier 54, Barry Diller, husband of the fashion designer Diane von Furstenburg, joined with the Hudson River Trust leadership to re-imagine the space. The idea of Little Island was born!
Little Island is a truly unique New York City park. It is held up by 132 tulip shaped pylons. No two pylons are identical, giving Little Island hills and valleys. While those walking around the island on foot will perceive an undulating landscape, it actually forms a perfect square when viewed from above. From street level, the island resembles a floating leaf, and is one of the most popular New York City sites for both professional and amateur photographers.
The park features a huge variety of trees and flowers, all stabilized by geofibers and fed with an innovative irrigation system. The plants are sturdily anchored to the soil, which allows them to effortlessly withstand hurricane-force winds. For generations to come, New Yorkers will enjoy the shady landscape of Little Island.
The island has two performance spaces and most of the programming is free or low-cost admission. Shows include music, song, written word, and theatre for young audiences. Artists-in-residence include: Ayodele Casel, Tina Landau, Michael McElroy, and the PigPen Theatre Company. Make sure to book your tickets well in advance. These performances sell out quickly.
Little Island is free to visit. With free performance offerings, great views, and a lush landscape, it is one of the best free things to do in NYC. Space on is limited so it is highly recommended that you make advance reservations on the Little Island website. This will ensure that you spend your time enjoying all Little Island has to offer, not waiting in line and hoping for admission. Little Island is truly one of the best things to do in New York City!
Ask about adding Little Island, a New York City must-see site, to your custom-crafted NYC tour!