Best time to travel to New York

Secret Gardens in New York

While the parks can be crowded and noisy, these little oases are perfect for escaping from Hell's Kitchen

Best time: April–October

Secret Gardens
Secret Gardens
Secret Gardens

When you spend some time in a city as noisy as New York, sooner or later you'll start to feel the need to escape into a quiet and peaceful place. Fortunately, even the concrete jungle has some sanctuaries to offer. Of course, there are always the big parks, but sometimes they can be just as noisy as the streets. To find the real peace, you'll have to look for one of New York City's secret gardens. These can be churchyards like the one at the Church of St. Luke in the Fields. Or historic house-museums like the Bartow-Pell Historic Mansion and Garden or the Samadhi Garden at Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. Also, there are community gardens like the Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson Community Garden or local parks like Fort Tryon Park’s Heather Garden. They can be hidden anywhere, so be attentive!

Practical info

What are some of the best secret gardens to visit in New York?

New York City is home to various secret gardens that provide a peaceful retreat from the city life. These hidden gems include the Churchyard located at St. Luke in the Fields, Bartow-Pell Mansion and Garden, Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art's Samadhi Garden, Community Garden of Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson, and Fort Tryon Park's Heather Garden. Secret gardens can be found in different parts of the city and offer a getaway experience for visitors. Show more

When is the best time to visit New York for exploring these secret gardens?

April to October is the recommended season to visit New York City for exploring secret gardens. During this time, visitors can expect the weather to be warm making it the perfect season for flowers and plants to blossom. Additionally, many gardens host a wide range of events such as flower shows and tours during this time that visitors can participate in to learn more about these hidden beauties. Show more

Where can I find the Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson Community Garden?

The unique and beautiful Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson Community Garden is located in Jamaica, Queens, at the corner of 158th St. and South Road, opposite the South Jamaica Houses. This garden is a symbol of hope and rejuvenation for the local community and is open for visitors to explore and enjoy the magnificent display of flowers and plants that are beautifully arranged along its walkways. Show more

What is unique about the Samadhi Garden at Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art?

The Samadhi Garden at Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art is a serene and peaceful place with a unique design that is meant to honor the museum's founder. It is an ideal spot to unwind and experience tranquility in the heart of New York. The garden is decorated with stone sculptures of various religious deities and figures that each have a special meaning. Visitors can explore the garden and learn about these figures and their significance in Tibetan culture. Show more

How can I access the hidden secret gardens in New York?

Discovering the secret gardens of New York City is an exciting adventure in itself. Visitors need to do research and explore the city's streets to discover these hidden retreats. Some gardens, like Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson Community Garden, are located in residential areas, while others, like Samadhi Garden at Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, can be found in the more popular tourist areas. By being patient and curious, visitors can unearth the hidden treasures of these unique and remarkable gardens. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin