Exploring New York’s parks is a journey through a kaleidoscope of color, texture, and seasonal beauty. If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable New York parks, here are the top spots to visit this autumn, guaranteed to fill your feed with incredible shots. The data comes from new research conducted by Westgate New York Grand Central Hotel that analyzed the number of posts each of New York City’s most popular parks has been tagged in to determine the top most Instagrammable. Examples of hashtags included in the study are ‘#centralparknyc’ and ‘#bryantparkfall’, etc. In this post, as part of our NYC travel tips, we delve into the most Instagrammable NY parks.
1. Central Park: The Classic Canvas
With 8.86 million Instagram posts, Central Park reigns supreme. Whether it’s the reflections on The Lake or the iconic Bow Bridge framed by fiery foliage, this park is an autumn dream. Walking under a golden canopy feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
Photo by Nick Night on Unsplash.comI’ve often found myself lost in its many paths, where every corner presents an opportunity for a new, breathtaking snap. Plus, there’s nothing like capturing the magic of Bethesda Terrace just as the sun begins to dip behind the trees.
Pro tip: Head to the Ramble or the Conservatory Garden to escape the crowds and get those serene shots of nature at its best.
Watch this video for the best Instagrams in Central Park:
2. Union Square: Urban Charm Meets Nature
Union Square might seem like just a bustling city square, but once autumn hits, it’s all about the charm. With over 1.07 million posts, it’s the second most Instagrammable New York park. The vibrant farmer’s market transforms into a photographer’s paradise, especially when those crisp autumn apples and pumpkins arrive. My favourite time to visit is early in the morning when the vendors are setting up and the light filters through the trees, casting long, soft shadows across the square. For more about Union Square – read this.
It’s a small park but filled with energy. If you want a shot that screams urban autumn, snap the historic buildings with the foliage as a backdrop.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
3. Bryant Park: A Festive Wonderland
Known for its Winter Village and over 833k Instagram posts, Bryant Park offers something magical as fall transitions into winter. In early fall, the lawn is the perfect spot for cosy picnics, framed by golden trees. But once the ice rink is set up, it’s a whole different kind of Instagrammable. The park’s size makes it an intimate spot, perfect for capturing close-ups of ice skaters, twinkling lights, and the towering buildings surrounding the area.
Bryant Park’s shift from an autumnal escape to a festive hub makes it perfect for photographers seeking dynamic shots as the season evolves.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
4. Prospect Park: Brooklyn’s Hidden Gem
For a quieter escape, Prospect Park, with its 664,000+ posts, is Brooklyn’s natural oasis. The woodlands and meadows become particularly enchanting in fall, offering more than just pretty views. When I visit, I love to sit by the lake, camera in hand, watching the reflection of the trees ripple across the water. It’s peaceful, and the foliage seems even more vivid against the backdrop of the park’s sprawling fields. Read this to learn more about the park.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
Pro tip: Hit the park early for shots of fog lifting from the fields—it’s pure magic.
5. Washington Square Park: Iconic NYC Vibes
Washington Square Park is a classic Greenwich Village spot with over 425,000 posts, known for the iconic arch and fountain. But what really steals the show in autumn is the way the light hits the arch at sunset, casting long shadows that make for dramatic, moody shots. And don’t forget to photograph the fall foliage, which frames the park perfectly. The energy here is undeniable—it’s a park that buzzes with the city’s artistic spirit.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
6. Riverside Park: The Underrated Gem
At the bottom of the top ten, with just over 212,000 posts, Riverside Park offers a quieter, more intimate photo experience. I love this park for its peaceful, winding paths along the Hudson River. The waterfront views paired with the autumn colours make it feel like a hidden gem, often overlooked in favour of the busier parks. If you’re after a tranquil moment, this is the place to capture the essence of autumn without the crowds.
Final Thoughts on Instagrammable New York Parks
New York is full of Instagrammable parks, but there’s something about the city in autumn that makes these spaces truly magical. From the iconic Central Park to the hidden corners of Riverside, there’s no shortage of photo-worthy spots to explore. So, grab your camera, put on your best autumn outfit, and get ready to capture the most beautiful season in the city.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram