East River Park - East Village

Flanked by a looming housing project and the clogged FDR Dr on one side and the less-than-pure East River on the other, you might wonder what the draw is here. But take one visit – especially if it’s during spring or summer – and you’ll understand. In addition to the great ballparks, running and biking paths, 5000-seat amphitheater for concerts and expansive patches of green, it’s got cool, natural breezes and stunning views of the Williamsburg, Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. A drawn-out renovation brought great nighttime lighting and surprisingly clean bathrooms to the mix. It’s a cool spot for a picnic or a morning run.