If you want to know everything about visiting the Little Island in NYC – keep reading!
We’ll tell you how to Little Island, who can visit and when it’s open!
If you want to know everything about taking a trip to Little Island in NYC, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ll tell you how to get there, who can visit and when it’s open… Basically, everything you need to know about NYC’s famous Little Island!
A few photos of Little Island should help you understand the layout of Little Island, in case you’ve never been there before…
But first, what is Little Island in NYC?
It’s a beautiful little park, created to ‘float’ above the river, with amazing views of the city!
Basically, this unique floating park is a new ‘branch’ of the Hudson River Park, called ‘Little Island’.
Because it’s an outdoor park, we obviously recommend visiting on a day with nice weather so you can enjoy Little Park (the floating island in NYC) properly.
There are 2.4-acres of urban green space to explore here, so it’s such a fun activity to enjoy in NYC! Little Park is a great activity to enjoy in NYC, especially if you’re looking for things to do in the Hell’s Kitchen, and Chelsea.
As we mentioned, Little Island is actually a small part, of the bigger Hudson River Park. But as Little Island is so unique and eye-catching, it’s kind of making a reputation for itself as its own little destination!
Which is no surprise, this place is so interesting and unique, and unlike anywhere else in the city.
What is Little Island made from?
Little Island, also known as the floating island in NYC, is made from tulip-shaped concrete containers.
It gives the visual effect that Little Island is just swimming on top of the Hudson River, which is kind of magical.
Where is the Little Island in NYC?
You’ll find Little Island in NYC on the west waterfront, backing onto the Hudson River. You’ll find it at Pier 55, between 13th and 14th Street in Hudson River Park.
It’s not too far from Midtown, or Hudson Yards.
The exact address is: Pier 55 at Hudson River Park Hudson River Greenway, NY 10014, United States
When is Little Island open?
Little Island Park in NYC is open daily, which is great news for anyone planning to visit!
The hours are currently listed as:
- 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily
In the cooler months, this may change, and the closing times may be earlier in winter months.
How much do tickets cost to enter Little Island, NYC?
Entry is free (hurray!) so don’t worry about needing to budget when visiting Little Island. You won’t need a ticket to enter Little Island.
Are there toilets on Little Island?
Yes there are toilets on Little Island, and they’re very clean (for public toilets!).
They’re also free too, which is a bonus!
Are there any rules when visiting the floating island, NYC?
As you’d expect when visiting somewhere so unique and different, Little Island does have a few rules to follow, which we’ve noted below.
The rules that Little Island has in place, are just to keep the park enjoyable for everyone, and safe for all visitors.
Basically, when visiting, there should be none of the following:
- Walking in plant beds
- Picking flowers or plants
- Bringing in outside alcohol
- Smoking or Vaping
- Riding or bringing bicycles
- Using skateboards, roller skates/blades, and scooters
- Sledding, skiing, or snowshoeing
- Fishing
- Playing amplified sound
- Solicitation
- Commercial activity
- Littering
- Obstructing entrances or paths
- Bringing dogs, with the exception of service / working dogs
- Flying drones
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How do you reach the floating island in NYC?
The floating island in NYC can be reached a few different ways, we’ve listed out your main options below to make everything super easy!
The best way to get to Little Island is by taking public transportation to 14th Street.
Catch an Uber or taxi ride: This is the most direct and easiest route, especially for tourists who may not know the city well.
You should ask your driver to drop you off on 10th Avenue and W 15th St, or (if your taxi app allows it) enter in ‘Little Island at Pier 55’. Alternatively, there is also a taxi pick-up and drop-off location at Pier 57.
Ride the subway: If you’re catching the Subway, then the nearest stations are the A, C, E, and L trains located at 14th Street and 8th Avenue (ADA accessible).
You also have an alternative choice of the 1, 2, and 3 trains located at 14th Street and 7th Avenue. The F and M trains are also located kind of closeby (located at 14th Street and 6th Avenue) but that’s a slightly longer walk.
Take the bus: If you fancy riding the bus, then the M11, M12, and M14D SBS buses stop at 14th Street and 10th Avenue. Which is pretty close to the floating island in NYC.
Walking and cycling: There’s also the choice of walking or cycling too. If you’re stopping in a Midtown hotel, then you can expect to reach the floating island in NYC in about 15-25 minutes (depending on where exactly you are).
Is the floating island in NYC open on rainy days or in winter?
Little Island is open during rain or shine, and during the winter months.
However, it’s worth noting, that during some extreme weather circumstances, the park will close.
These include; lightning within 10 miles of the floating island in NYC, sustained winds over 32 mph around the floating island in NYC, extreme heat and extreme snow accumulation.
The best thing to do, if you’re worried about the floating island in NYC being shut, is to check their social media channels, or the official Little Island website for updates.
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Can you bring in outside food and drinks?
If you’re planning a picnic on the floating island, NYC, then you might be wondering if outside food and drinks are allowed on Little Island.
The answer, is Yes!
You can totally bring your own food and drink to enjoy in the outside space on Little Island, and it’s a great idea for a love day out!
The only rule about outside food and drink, is that no alcohol is permitted.
There is food and drink available to buy on the floating island too though (between May – September), so if you forget to bring something yourself, you’ll still be able to grab something during those months.
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Are dogs allowed on the floating island in NYC?
No, normal dogs aren’t allowed on the floating island park. Little Island is only welcoming working dogs assisting patrons with disabilities at this time.
It’s also worth knowing that the park aren’t classifying emotional support animals as ‘working animals’ yet. So emotional support dogs would not be welcome.
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Are there events on Little Island?
Yes! There are lots of events hosting on Little Island, NYC.
This floating island in NYC is a little hub of creative activity.
The events and activities change up every month, so it’s best to check their website events page for the up-to-date details for the month you plan to visit.
However, here’s a taste of what you could expect, shows by; Machine de Cirque, creative art classes for children, contemporary ballet shoes, jazz band concerts, instrumental music concerts, and so much more.
There is so much going on at the floating island, NYC!
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Is there seating on Little Island?
Yes, plenty of it!
Actually, the way that Little Island has been designed really lends itself to sitting and relaxing. It’s a great spot for people-watching.
You’ll find benches scattered around Little Island Park, but you’ll also find built-in seats, and the amphitheater too.
Is there a viewing deck on Little Island?
Yes, there is!
If you walk to the top of Little Island, and follow the pathways to the highest part of Little Island, you’ll find an observation deck (kind of) platform at the top, where you can really enjoy some great views of Downtown NYC.
From the top of Little Island (on a clear day) you’ll get some amazing views of the Freedom Tower, Downtown NYC, and New Jersey too.
Is there much to do around Little Island?
There are lots of great activities located near Little Island. Little Island is a very short walk to several great NYC neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for things to do around Little Island, once you’ve finished checking out the park itself, we’d recommend the following:
- Walking the Highline Park (only a short walk from Little Island)
- Check out the Whitney Museum of American Art
- Grab some food at Chelsea Market
- Go and explore Hudson Yards and see the Vessel
- Go shopping in the West Village
These are all within a 5-10 minute walk of Little Island, so super easy to visit in the same day.
We hope this helped answer all your questions about Little Island (the floating island in NYC!)
If you have any more questions about Little Island in NYC, let us know and we’ll try our best to answer them!
Are you excited to visit the famous floating island in NYC, called Little Island? We really recommend it!
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