Gantry Plaza State Park & Pepsi-Cola Sign | Photography Guide & Location Tips (NYC)

Landmark neon Pepsi-Cola sign & Midtown skyline from Gantry Plaza

📷 Photo by Rhododendrites / Wikimedia Commons • Licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0

📖 Location Overview & History

Located directly opposite the United Nations Headquarters on the East River, Gantry Plaza State Park offers one of the most stunning, uninterrupted views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline. Restored industrial rail gantries, over-water wooden piers with hammocks, landscaped mist fountains, and the landmark 1936 neon Pepsi-Cola sign create a calm, picturesque sanctuary just one subway stop from Grand Central.

📷 Photography & Lighting Masterclass

☀️ Optimal Light

Sunset & Night (front-row view of the United Nations & Empire State)

👥 Crowd Levels

Relaxed neighborhood waterfront with wooden piers and chaise lounges

🔍 Recommended Lens

24-70mm for full Midtown skyline panorama across the East River

💡 Lighting Angle

Direct sunset view across the river behind the Chrysler Building and UN Headquarters

🚇 Transit & Getting Here

Subway Lines: 7 train to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Ave or NYC Ferry to Hunters Point South

Address: 4-09 47th Rd, Long Island City, NY 11101

GPS Coordinates: 40.745494, -73.958742

🗺️ Open in Google Maps →

💬 Community Field Notes & Photographer Reviews

🛡️ Pre-Moderated

📸 Eric Goldstein Verified Tip

Take the 7 train to Vernon-Jackson or the NYC Ferry. Sit on the wooden lounge chairs at sunset. You see the Chrysler Building, Empire State, and One Vanderbilt all in one frame.

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