7 Reasons to Visit Carl Schurz Park

This article was updated on January 11, 2026.

Reasons to Visit Carl Schurz Park

No one can argue the beauty and tranquility of Carl Schurz Park. This New York City park is more a neighborhood hideaway than a tourist attraction. But even if you’re not a local, a stop by this green space should be on your agenda. If you find yourself in the Yorkville section of the Upper East Side, head all the way east until you hit the park.

Carl Schurz Park begins at East 84th Street at East End Avenue and ends at East 90th Street. Coming in at just under 15 acres, it’s small in comparison to Central Park and Riverside Park (the green space running on the West Side along the Hudson River), but packs a lot into its tiny parcel. Read on for multiple reasons to visit Carl Schurz Park.

The esplanade and water views.

The park leads to the East River Greenway, so you can amble through and end up on the water in minutes. Once on the esplanade, power walk, jog, bike, or watch everyone else be active as you gaze at the East River. Not a shabby way to spend an afternoon.

The dog runs.

Carl Schurz Park features two dog runs with plenty of space for pups to run and romp. Take your four-legged friend to the park for some play time.

Sun and shade.

With its winding walkways and grand old trees, Carl Schurz Park caters to sun worshippers as well as those seeking a shady retreat from the summer heat. Catch some rays or find a spot in the shade with your favorite book.

Soft, green grass.

While Carl Schurz offers an array of plantings, you won’t find a shortage of spots to sunbathe. And since miles of concrete cover NYC’s streets, every square inch of grass matters.

Gorgeous landscaping.

The landscape design of this park is traditional but magnificent. There’s an abundance of color and texture among the greenery and a bronze Peter Pan sculpture created by Charles Andrew Hafner in 1928.

Gracie Mansion.

Though his office is in Lower Manhattan,  the mayor lives at East 88th Street and East End Avenue in Gracie Mansion. Overflowing with stories, the “Little White House” as it’s sometimes called, celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2017.

The local feel.

This park is not as sprawling as Central Park or as bohemian as some of downtown’s parks, but it is a pristine green space providing a welcome respite from the city. It’s also very much a neighborhood retreat, so people who live on the Upper East Side frequent Carl Schurz Park. If you’re a tourist, you’ll get an accurate portrayal of everyday life when you visit this park. If you’re a New Yorker who’s never been to Carl Schurz Park, head to brunch one weekend and walk through to explore the beauty and experience the serenity.

Getting to Carl Schurz Park

The closest subway is the Q train, which runs along Second Avenue on the Upper East Side. Take the train to 86th Street and walk east from there. The 6 train, which runs along Lexington Avenue, also has a stop at 86th Street. The M86 is a select bus and stops at 87th Street and York Avenue.

Have you visited Carl Schurz Park? What was your favorite thing about this park?

Also, the High Line, Little Island, and Mosaiculture, the prettiest garden I’ve seen.