Top Things to do in the Summer in NYC

By: ROS Team

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Summer means heat and lots of fun in the sun. It’s nature’s way of telling us that it’s time to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air.  New York City summers bring more than just heat–there’s also an influx of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Here are some of the best things to do in New York City during the summer:

 1) Go On a Boat Tour

As the temperature rises, you’ll definitely want to find a way to cool off. What better way to kick off your summer than with a boat tour. The East and Hudson River harbors are the most popular sites for boat tours.  The Staten Island Ferry is another way to get cool on a hot, summer day.  And, as a bonus, this ferry is free!   If you have time, enjoy a cool summer breeze while sailing to the Statue Of Liberty.

2) Rooftop Bar Fun

New York City has known the world over for its breathtaking skyline, especially at night. What better way to behold the iconic skyline than from a rooftop? Rooftop bars are becoming one of the hottest trends in NYC.  They are popping up across the city, each with a unique and stunning view of the Manhattan skyline.

3) Visit Governors Island

Governors Island is only open during the summer.  Ferry rides to the island are very cheap. From there, you can enjoy the view of the Statue Of Liberty against the backdrop of NYC.

4) Free Movie Nights

Warm summer nights are the best and most memorable when paired with a free movie. Every Monday, Bryant Park hosts a free movie. Viewers can bring blankets, lawn chairs, or watch from their vehicles.  But get there early if you want to snag a good spot–it gets crowded fast!

5) Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is America’s largest art museum and one of the most visited places in New York City.  The museum has ancient artifacts from all over the globe on display.  It’s impossible to see all the museum’s exhibits in one visit, so plan on coming back the following day or on your next visit to NYC.

6) Head to the Beach

Not much is said about the beaches of NYC, especially in the summer.  But the city does have a decent beach scene that won’t burn your wallet–it only costs $3 to take the ferry to Long Island.

7) Parks

NYC is not just a concrete jungle full of skyscrapers. It’s also a city with lots of green space.  Brooklyn Bridge Park is located just below the Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park is one of the most loved places in NYC and popular parks in the U.S.  Central Park spans over 850-acres, which means there’s plenty of space to do things like have picnics, paint, exercise, or participate in a sporting activity.

You can also rent a bike and ride through the park while enjoying the scenery.

8) City Bike Rides

Speaking of bike rides, consider touring NYC by bike as well. The city is big and crowded, but if you rent a bike, you can enjoy views of the city you’d probably miss if you took a subway ride. Most streets have separate bike lanes to help bike riders maneuver through the city’s hectic traffic.

9) Attend the U.S. Open

The U.S. Open is one of the most exciting sporting events in the U.S. so definitely check it out if you can.  This year the event will be a bit different due to COVID-19, and it’s likely the event happen without fan attendance.  But it is still one of the most anticipated events that happen in NYC during the summer.

Final Takeaway:

There’s no shortage of things to do in New York City during the summer. There’s an adventure around every corner. We only mentioned a few, but there are tons more that will make NYC one of your summer hot spots.

Related Article: 60 Fun Things to Do in NYC