Now that summer is in full bloom, I’ve found myself enjoying some outdoor activities here in New York to escape the heat and boost my spirits. I find having picnics at parks and riding out to a waterfront are not only fun and cheap, but also make for great day trips.
Hang Out at Parks
New York runs abundant with greenery throughout every borough. Whether you’re in search of eye candy, or just looking to kick back in the breeze, be sure to check out Prospect Park in Brooklyn for a group date or the High Line in Chelsea for it’s stellar views of the West Side.
Prospect Park offers numerous trails that open to a massive pool of locals mingling, grilling, playing, biking, and tanning. The park is both intimate and remote enough for anyone to find a spot all to themselves to take in the sunbeams and good vibes. Plus the triumphal arch at Grand Army Plaza, the colorful buds at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and art galleries at Brooklyn Museum surround it just outside.
Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York
The High Line has had New Yorkers flocking to seek out the best sights along the west side of Manhattan ever since it’s opening in 2008. It’s not just a park, but a beautification of public space complete with history and garden-like terraces overlooking the West Side Highway and Chelsea streets. Here you can check out notable restaurants where the high brow folk like to frequent, industrial buildings-turned art galleries parallel to the Hudson River piers, and several impressive landscape structures including a designated glass seating area, contemporary metal benches, freshly grown plants, flowers, and shrubbery, and other wondrous points of interests. I get lost here for hours.
View from the Highline in New York City
Get Off The Island
For those that are looking to leave Manhattan but want to stay close to home, head to Governors Island or Coney Island for a trip down memory lane.
Free ferries ride from both Manhattan and Brooklyn; Governors Island is the new cool place to be. Once a prominent military base, Governors Island is now a congregation of visitors offering first-hand views of Lady Liberty, sea breeze-filled piers, and historical landmarks. People invade the island for free historical tours, bike rentals, interactive art spaces, and picnic spots. Since Governors Island just opened up to the public, there are a plethora of events going on all summer long so be sure to check their calendar!
Governors Island picnic
I don’t care what the haters says about Coney Island, it is fabulous. A big beach, the original Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Circus Sideshow freaks, and a classic amusement park – what more could you want! How about an annual Mermaid Parade, burlesque shows, aquariums, and so many old-timer Brooklynites parading the boardwalk, you won’t know what to do with yourself. Believe me, Coney Island is worth the long subway ride; you need to see this place for yourself at least once in your life.
Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York
Don’t let the “heatpocalypse” stray you away from exploring the city, get out there and make your summer happen!
Alisha Miranda is a Travel Geek and social media addict currently settled as a proud Brooklynite. Having recently returned from her first solo trip to Spain, she is now determined to taste the breeze of every great city, living vicariously through Anthony Bourdain’s footprints. In the mean time she’s adjusting to the thought of being an adult. For more information on Alisha, check out her Sosauce profile and personal site.
All images in this story are courtesy of Sosauce.
