Plan Your Visit

The best way to stay up-to-date with the Park is by subscribing to our eblasts (below) and following us @socratespark on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also explore the Park virtually, from anywhere, anytime with our digital guide available on the free Bloomberg Connects app.

Covid 19 Update

Socrates is adhering to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation’s guidelines regarding the Covid 19 pandemic. The NYC Parks Department’s approach to public safety is responsive to city, state, and federal policies. Visit our Covid 19 webpage for more information.

Hours

Socrates is open 365 days a year from 9AM — sundown.
*The Park closes at 5pm on July 4th.

ADMISSION

Admission to the Park’s grounds, exhibitions, and programs is FREE.

EXHIBITIONS 

Learn more about and plan your visit to our Current Exhibitions HERE >>>

Exhibition Brochure PDF HERE >>>

LOCATION

The Park’s address is 32-01 Vernon Boulevard / Long Island City, NY 11106. Our main entrance is located at the intersection of Vernon Boulevard and Broadway. You can also enter through the gate at the north end of the Park on Vernon Boulevard.

Hallets Cove beach is located at 31-10 Vernon Boulevard. You can only access the beach from the beach gate on Vernon Boulevard.

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

BY SUBWAY

Take the N/W train to the Broadway station* in Queens and walk eight blocks west on Broadway to the intersection of Vernon Boulevard. Check the MTA’s website for updates on train service.

BY BUS

Take the Q103 or Q104 to Broadway and Vernon Boulevard. Take the Q69 or Q100X to Broadway and 21st Street. Check the MTA’s website for updates on bus service.

BY FERRY

NYC Ferry by Hornblower service extends to Astoria Landing, located about a five minute walk north of the Park.

BY CITI-BIKE

There are multiple Citi Bike stations within walking distance of the Park. To plan your ride, visit Citi Bike’s website.

BY CAR

Parking

There is no parking available on-site at Socrates with the exception of one handicap designated spot outside the main gate at the intersection of Vernon Blvd and Broadway.  Street parking is available in the neighborhood around the Park. A small public parking lot is available on 33rd Rd. and Vernon Blvd., next to Rainey Park.

School buses, tour buses, and Access-A-Ride (AAR) Paratransit Service vehicles can drop off at our main gate. Smaller Access-A-Ride (AAR) Paratransit Service vehicles can drop off at our north gate (Vernon Blvd. and 31st Dr.).

From the Queensboro Bridge

Take the upper level, exit at 21st Street. Turn right onto 21st Street and continue approximately one mile and make a left on Broadway. Continue to the intersection of Vernon Boulevard and Broadway.

From the Midtown Tunnel

Stay right as you exit the tunnel and take Exit 14: “21st St./Long Island City”. Follow 21st St. and make a left at the fourth traffic light, 46th Ave. Go two blocks and make a right onto Vernon Blvd. Follow Vernon Boulevard for approximately a mile and a half to the intersection of Broadway.

From the Long Island Expressway Westbound

Take Exit 15 “Van Dam St.” (This is the last exit before the tollbooth for the Midtown Tunnel). Make a right at the 1st light, Van Dam St. Go one block and then make a left onto Hunter’s Point Ave. Proceed along Hunter’s Point Avenue and make a right onto 21st St. Follow 21st St. to 46th Ave and make a left. Go two blocks and make a right onto Vernon Blvd. Follow Vernon Boulevard for approximately a mile and a half to the intersection of Broadway.

From the Brooklyn Queens Expressway Eastbound

Take the McGuiness Avenue exit. At the bottom of the exit ramp make a left onto McGuiness Avenue North. Continue on McGuiness Avenue across the Pulaski Bridge. As you come off the bridge, go straight onto 11th Street for five blocks to 46th Ave and make a left. Go one block to Vernon Boulevard and make a right. Follow Vernon Boulevard for approximately one and a half miles to the intersection of Broadway.

From the Brooklyn Queens Expressway Westbound

Exit at the Long Island Expressway Westbound. Continue to Exit 15: “Van Dam St.”, the last exit before the tollbooth for the Midtown Tunnel. Make a right at the 1st light, Van Dam St. Go one block and then make a left onto Hunter’s Point Ave. Continue along Hunter’s Point Avenue and make a right onto 21st St. Follow 21st St. to 46th Ave and make a left. Go two blocks and make a right onto Vernon Blvd. Follow Vernon Boulevard for approximately a mile and a half to the intersection of Broadway.