Juan Cruz
Latest Reviews
The Mall at Bay Plaza
So many new stores. Nicely laid out. Small compared to my favorite malls (palisades) but the bathrooms are always clean, paling for$3 or you can walk from the plaza parking lots that are free, and multiple exits to avoid the traffic going back to I95.
Astoria Park
Another gem in NYC. A great walk from end to end. So many scenic views you forget where you are. Astoria park follows the East River and has stunning views of multiple bridges as well as an Amtrak bridge and Randall's Island. There's wide open bike lanes that allow safe walking/running for pedestrians as well. There's a soccer field surrounded by a running rack, tennis courts, basketball courts with 2 full court runs and a few half court set ups, a swimming pool (still closed for the season), a playground, a skate park and im probably missing more. There are also several smaller parks in the area to suit every park goer's needs(for example, this park doesn't have handball courts but multiple in the area do). There's plenty of picnic space though I surprisingly didn't see anyone cooking out.
There's a decent parking lot which we easily found parking on a sunny 80 degree Sunday afternoon. My only complaint, I didn't see any concession stands or store fronts in the park. Though there are several deli's in the area. I like having options to buy water or Granola bars if I forget them.
Overall a must visit NYC Park. Simply for the views. Will be returning despite having to pay tolls from the Bronx.
There's a decent parking lot which we easily found parking on a sunny 80 degree Sunday afternoon. My only complaint, I didn't see any concession stands or store fronts in the park. Though there are several deli's in the area. I like having options to buy water or Granola bars if I forget them.
Overall a must visit NYC Park. Simply for the views. Will be returning despite having to pay tolls from the Bronx.
Harbor Island Park
20 minutes from the Bronx. They accept cash and cards. $12 parking (unless you get a seasonal permit). Must pay to park regardless if you're entering the beach, marina, playground, or sports fields. Follow the path on the left at the park entrance. It will lead you directly to the shack to pay for the beach entrance(behind the artillery sculpture).
Beach cost was $11 per adult, $8 kids (2-12yo), under 2 free. You can order food and they will bring it to you at the beach (mostly finger foods, iced coffee, etc). We brought our own food and a small canopy which is permitted as long as you do not block the lifeguards view. No alcohol allowed.
Its a great family beach. Visited on a Sunday around 11AM, 93 degrees out and it was busy but not crowded. Not one person played loud music. It was a very chill family vibe. Has a small sprinkler area. Showers were out of order but large clean bathrooms (men/women/family). The beach itself is small. From end to end maybe a 5 minute walk. There's a concrete path spanning across the beach so its easy to travel with a wheeled cooler, etc. There are ropes separating 3 sections as long as there's a lifeguard you can swim in that particular section. There's also rope separating the "deep" water which you can also swim in while a lifeguard floats around on a board.
I gave Harbor Island beach 5 stars despite it being a small beach and the water having a heavy "ocean taste". The environment, layout, and vibe were so fantastic, they superceded any negative feelings I had.
Beach cost was $11 per adult, $8 kids (2-12yo), under 2 free. You can order food and they will bring it to you at the beach (mostly finger foods, iced coffee, etc). We brought our own food and a small canopy which is permitted as long as you do not block the lifeguards view. No alcohol allowed.
Its a great family beach. Visited on a Sunday around 11AM, 93 degrees out and it was busy but not crowded. Not one person played loud music. It was a very chill family vibe. Has a small sprinkler area. Showers were out of order but large clean bathrooms (men/women/family). The beach itself is small. From end to end maybe a 5 minute walk. There's a concrete path spanning across the beach so its easy to travel with a wheeled cooler, etc. There are ropes separating 3 sections as long as there's a lifeguard you can swim in that particular section. There's also rope separating the "deep" water which you can also swim in while a lifeguard floats around on a board.
I gave Harbor Island beach 5 stars despite it being a small beach and the water having a heavy "ocean taste". The environment, layout, and vibe were so fantastic, they superceded any negative feelings I had.