The Largest Park In New York City Offers Hiking Trails, Family Fun, And Beautiful Fall Foliage

If someone said they were planning a trip to New York City's largest park, you might assume they're talking about Central Park. After all, it's a world-famous icon and one of NYC's top 12 places to check out for first-time visitors. However, for all of Central Park's notoriety, there's actually a different green space that takes the top spot as the city's largest. That would be Pelham Bay Park, which is about 11 miles northeast of Central Park in the Bronx.

Although this park is near the city's concrete jungle, it offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, thanks to its massive, 2,700-plus-acre footprint. Here, you can enjoy 13 miles of shoreline next to the Long Island Sound, go horseback riding, hike along its numerous trails, or take advantage of various sports courts, as well as two golf courses. There's something for visitors of all ages, making Pelham Bay Park a unique experience to add to any New York vacation.

But if you really want to marvel at the park's splendor, you must visit during the fall. The area is home to oak and hickory trees, which provide magnificent coloration as the weather starts to cool off. Unfortunately, the park's oldest resident, an oak tree thought to be up to 400 years old, fell during a storm in 2018, but the remaining foliage is still a worthwhile sight.

Since New York City experiences all four seasons, the weather can affect what you can see and do at Pelham Bay Park. For example, during the summer, you can head to Orchard Beach, aka the only public beach in the Bronx. This 1.1-mile-long stretch of sand is popular with families when the weather gets hot, and it's home to a promenade, concession stands, playgrounds, and volleyball courts, among other amenities. But, as you can imagine, this section of the park is much quieter during the fall and winter months, especially when snow and ice cover the ground.

If you're after fall foliage, the best way to go leaf peeping in Pelham Bay Park is to wander through its miles of trails. The Kazimiroff Trail has two loops that take you around Hunter Island, just north of Orchard Beach. While the trees are certainly enticing, you can also spot other landmarks in the waters surrounding the island. For example, Bronxhenge, also called "Tilly's Rock," somewhat resembles Stonehenge in England. Alternatively, you can take the 4-mile Bridle Trail around the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary and see more fall colors.

For families that appreciate history, Pelham Bay Park is home to the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum. The mansion was built in 1842 and sold to the city when the park was established in 1888. Visiting this place allows you to experience what life was like back then through interactive exhibits and tours. Then, if you venture to the southern part of the park, across the Hutchinson River, you can see the Bronx Victory Memorial, which honors those lost in World War 1.

Because Pelham Bay Park is in the Bronx, the easiest way to reach it is to fly into LaGuardia Airport, one of the best U.S. airports for a fun layover. From there, it's only a 20-minute drive to reach the park. Then, when trying to find a place to stay overnight, there are multiple hotels nearby for added convenience.

After a day of family fun and hiking, you'll likely be pretty hungry. But you don't have to rely on concessions at Orchard Beach to fill up. Instead, there are some tasty restaurants nearby, particularly on City Island next to the park. Here, you can enjoy fresh local seafood at places like the City Island Lobster House or the Original Crab Shanty, the former of which offers views of the Sound. Or, if you prefer something a bit more upscale, try the highly rated Vistamar Restaurant and Lounge, which also features waterfront views and a somewhat posh Latin American menu. For more meals in the city, you can venture around NYC and visit some of its 11 most iconic restaurants worth visiting.