Gantry Plaza State Park

Bring a picnic or walk the four piers, manicured gardens, and restored industrial gantries at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. The free 12-acre riverside park frames Midtown skyline views, including the Empire State Building and United Nations corridor, so sunset is a natural focal point.

Hours run dawn to dusk, which gives a clear official closing boundary. Picnics for up to 25 people have no park-use fee, though a permit processing fee applies when a permit is needed.

Arrive before golden hour if skyline photos are the goal, and keep the picnic simple enough to leave by dusk.