Places / Waterfront / Long Island City

8.7 / 10

Gantry Plaza State Park

The best head-on view of Midtown, from the Queens side of the river.

MUSEENYC · August 18, 2026

Where
4-09 47th Rd, Long Island CityOpen in Google Maps ↗
Cost
Free
Go when
Blue hour, when the skyline lights come on

Four piers and a set of restored gantries that once loaded rail barges, pointed directly at Midtown. The view takes in the UN, the Chrysler and the Empire State in one sweep, which is why every photograph of that skyline seems to be taken from here.

What to know

Free and open late. The Long Island City ferry stop is right there, and Vernon Blvd–Jackson Av on the 7 is a short walk. The Pepsi-Cola sign at the north end is the landmark to aim for.

4-09 47th Rd, Long Island City. Directions in Google Maps ↗