Guests staying at Arlo SoHo don’t have to go far for a solid afternoon outside. A quick walk west through Hudson Square leads straight to Pier 25. The pier opened to the public in 2010, and it extends almost 1,000 feet into the Hudson River. Pier 25 gives Lower Manhattan has a waterfront space packed with mini golf, volleyball courts, playgrounds, marina activity, and wide open river views.
It’s also one of those places that appeals to completely different people at the same time, perfect when traveling with groups.
Families can head toward the playground and snack stands. Volleyball games take over the sand courts. Runners and cyclists pass through on the Greenway. You have the mini golfers in one area and others just hanging near the marina watching the boats go by. There really is something for everyone.
When the NYC weather finally cooperates, Pier 25 is the place to be.
For anyone searching for hotels near Pier 25 Hudson River Park, staying at Arlo SoHo is conveniently located and just a short walk away.
Why Pier 25 Feels Different From Other Waterfront Parks
A lot of waterfront parks in New York City operate more like scenic walking paths. Pier 25 gives people actual things to do once they get there.
The pier itself is the longest in Hudson River Park at 985 feet, so there’s room for more than benches and landscaping. Near the entrance, the space opens into recreation areas, volleyball courts, mini golf, playgrounds, and open sections facing the river. Further out, the marina and docking areas bring in sailboats, historic vessels, and smaller boating traffic throughout the warmer months. The historic Lilac, a restored 1930s lighthouse tender that now operates as a floating museum, usually catches plenty of attention along the pier as well.
It’s a great spot to spend the day, and you’ll notice that people don’t stay in one place for too long. You might start with mini golf, grab a snack nearby, wander toward the marina, then head north along the waterfront path. Or maybe someone in your group shows up carrying volleyballs or skateboards and spend hours there. Kids usually end up around the playground area with climbing structures, water features, and nearby turf fields once the warmer months hit. There’s a lot to do, and the mix keeps the pier active throughout the day.
The views are an added bonus. Make sure to have your camera ready. From the end of the pier, you can see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, ferry traffic crossing the river, and large sections of the New Jersey waterfront. Downtown Manhattan is directly behind you the whole time.
That combination is a huge part of why Pier 25 works so well as waterfront recreation in NYC. There’s enough happening to keep people engaged, but there’s still room to slow down for a while once you reach the river.
Mini Golf in Manhattan Right on the Hudson
The mini golf course is probably Pier 25’s biggest surprise the first time you visit. Of course, there are plenty of other mini golf spots in the city, but this one really stands out.
Pier 25 has Manhattan’s only 18-hole miniature golf course, and the setup is much larger than most people expect. The 13,000 square foot course includes water features, footbridges, sand traps, tunnels, and long holes spread across the pier near the riverfront.
You’ll see families there during the afternoon, but plenty of adults show up too, especially on weekends or after work once the weather warms up. The course is ideal for groups because people can linger there for a while without having to rush.
And unlike some attractions around Manhattan, this one still feels tied to the neighborhood around it. People aren’t showing up only for photos or quick social media clips. They’re genuinely playing mini golf in Manhattan for an hour or two before heading farther downtown for dinner or drinks.
Grub Street even included Pier 25 on its list of the best mini golf spots in NYC, which honestly tracks once you see the scale of the course in person.
Volleyball Courts, Skateboarding, and Hudson River Activity
Pier 25 is active well beyond the mini golf area.
The beach volleyball courts bring in local leagues, pickup games, and larger tournaments throughout the season. There are three regulation-size sand courts near the river, all with direct views toward the Statue of Liberty. The courts are also lit at night, so games can continue after sunset during the summer.
A few steps away, the skatepark has a completely different crowd throughout the day. The setup follows more of a street plaza style, with rails, stairs, and ledges built for skateboarders and rollerbladers of different skill levels. You can hear the skatepark before you fully reach it.
Then there’s the Greenway traffic surrounding the pier. Hudson River Park connects directly into Manhattan’s west side bike and running paths, so cyclists and runners are constantly passing through the area.
Exploring More of the Tribeca Waterfront
Even though Pier 25 has plenty of action to fill a day, the surrounding area gives people other options to keep walking once they finish exploring the pier itself.
Hudson River Park continues north and south along Manhattan’s west side. It connects bike paths, recreational spaces, athletic fields, and waterfront seating areas through multiple downtown neighborhoods. Pier 40 is nearby with additional sports fields and public recreation areas, and Pier 26 brings more open green space and river access farther north.
The route back toward Arlo SoHo also works well because it cuts through parts of Hudson Square and Tribeca rather than dropping people directly into heavier Midtown crowds.
You can head back toward the hotel through quieter side streets, stop for coffee nearby, or continue further into SoHo for shopping and dinner reservations later in the evening. The entire area feels connected in a way that is convenient for visitors spending several days downtown.
You can simply head west and see where the afternoon takes you.
Staying at Arlo SoHo Near Pier 25 Hudson River Park
Pier 25 is an easy walk or a very short rideshare from Arlo SoHo. For anyone searching for hotels near Pier 25 Hudson River Park, the location is steps away from one of the best waterfront spaces, while still giving easy access to SoHo, Tribeca, and the rest of downtown NYC.
Book your stay at Arlo SoHo and spend more time exploring downtown Manhattan’s waterfront.