Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park050

Overseen by the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, Wagner Park, which overlooks the Hudson River and offers great views of the Statue of Liberty, is a lovely respite from the sometimes overwhelming "city-ness" of life in New York.

Close to the Battery Place entrance, you can stroll through the Hot Garden. In season, brightly colored flowers found here include the yellow Graham Stuart rose and Autumn Prince daylily, the fire engine-red flowers found on the Trumpeter rose, and Poinsettia daylilies.

Just to the north is the Cool Garden, which contains many of the same plants but with blue, purple, pink, and white flowers (hence the "hot" and "cool" designations).

A concession stand offers cool drinks and snacks during the warm months. And Gigino's restaurant offers a complete (somewhat fancy) dining experience.

Public restrooms with plenty of stalls are open during daylight hours.

Wagner hosts wonderful events for kids and families between May 1 and October 31, and fishing, in season, is allowed. Check our calendar for dates and details.