Finding a patch of green in the bustling borough of Manhattan is easier said than done. While Central Park offers its fair share of open space, visitors looking to escape the crowds will find a haven in Carl Schurz Park Conservancy, a 15-acre park located in Manhattan's ritzy Upper East Side neighborhood.
Although much smaller than its famous counterpart, Carl Schurz has much to offer visiting families, couples and even solo travelers. In addition to being the site of Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City's mayor, the park boasts beautiful gardens, a boardwalk with views of the East River, playgrounds, basketball courts and two dog parks. In the summer, it's not uncommon to see locals dozing in the shade, enjoying a picnic near the playgrounds or biking down the boardwalk.
