Top 10 Summer Spots in NYC
Summer is fast approaching! As the weather warms up, there is a growing desire to get out and take in some fresh air. In New York City, there is no shortage of green areas or unique pathways that provide idyllic settings for a stroll or a picnic. Here is a list of some favorite hidden and well known gems in the city where you can get a feel for all the things that make the city great!
Washington Square Park
Vibe: Urban, Busy
Best Time to Visit: Middle of the day when it’s warm out. Sit by the fountain and take in the sights and sounds! You can also bring a blanket and lay out on the grass.
More Information: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park
Battery Park/Pier A
Vibe: Seaside, Relaxed
Best Time to Visit: This is the perfect place to bring a date or hang with friends, with views of the financial district skyline as well as the Statue of Liberty! Sunset as well as mid-day are perfect times to visit.
More Information: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/battery-park
Fort Tryon Park/The Met Cloister Gardens
Vibe: Tranquil, Relaxed
Best Time to Visit: Make a day trip out of this park! While the trek may seem long, it is worth it to view the European architecture and get out of the city proper. Bring a picnic with you or buy some ice cream nearby to complete the perfect afternoon.
More Information: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-tryon-park
Central Park
Vibe: Tranquil, Relaxed
Best Time to Visit: There isn’t a time not to go to Central Park! With so much to see or do, one can find themselves spending the whole day there. Check out the castle or the merry go round. Better yet, sprawl out on Strawberry Fields for a few hours!
More Information: https://www.centralpark.com/
The High Line
Vibe: Semi-Relaxed, Urban
Best Time to Visit: On a warm day with a nice breeze, you can get a great view from the High Line of the Chelsea neighborhood and NYC’s iconic skyline. There are plenty of places to stop by and get a bite, and during the early morning it serves as a great jogging route!
More Information: https://www.thehighline.org/
Union Square
Vibe: Urban, Busy
Best Time to Visit: In the middle of the afternoon, take a break from errands and stroll through this park. Located above several subway lines, it is a great place to meet up with friends and discover new directions in the city to explore!
More Information: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/union-square-park
City Hall Park
Vibe: Urban, Busy
Best Time to Visit: Located nearer to downtown, this park offers a break from the hectic life of Wall Street and offers a serene view of the giant skyscrapers surrounding the park.
More Information: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/city-hall-park
Fort Washington Park
Vibe: Tranquil, Relaxed
Best Time to Visit: This park is also a little farther out from the city, located in Washington Heights. However, it offers beautiful places for pictures and viewing the bridges which connect New York to New Jersey. Take some time to sit near the Hudson River or hike through their many paths.
More Information: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-washington-park
Hammock Grove on Governors Island
Vibe: Tranquil, Relaxed
Best Time to Visit: Kick back and relax! With assembled hammocks and space to picnic, you can take a short ferry ride to wide open fields and a great view of the city.
More Information: https://govisland.com/things-to-do/activities/hammocks
Prospect Park/Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
Vibe: Tranquil, Relaxed
Best Time to Visit: Perhaps one of the most decorated parks, Prospect Park is home to the beautiful Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Surround yourself with beauty and take in the nature filled paths that adorn this park!
More Information: https://www.prospectpark.org/