People often think of New York as a winter holiday destination. Specifically, pre-Christmas shopping, or a long weekend exploring the tourist attractions, but it really is a city that embraces all the seasons and Summer is no exception. If you are planning a summer vacation and choose to visit the Big Apple, then don’t restrict yourself to Manhattan, to get full advantage of what is on offer, then try and make your way round all the Five boroughs of this bustling metropolis.
Manhattan
Especially known for…
Central Park – Enjoy picnics, boat rides, outdoor concerts, and Shakespeare in the Park performances.
Museum Mile – Explore world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
Broadway Shows – Catch a Broadway show or enjoy outdoor performances in Times Square.
High Line – Walk along this elevated park built on a former railway track, offering scenic views of Manhattan’s skyline.
Governors Island – Take a ferry to this historic island for biking, picnicking, art installations, and events.
Brooklyn
Especially known for…
Coney Island – Experience the iconic boardwalk, amusement park rides, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, and the beach.
Brooklyn Bridge Park – Enjoy outdoor movies, kayaking, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Prospect Park – Picnic, paddleboat on the lake, visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, or attend outdoor concerts and events.
Williamsburg – Explore trendy shops, restaurants, and street art in this hip neighbourhood.
Brooklyn Museum – Visit one of the largest art museums in the country, showcasing a diverse collection of artwork.
Queens
Especially known for…
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park – Visit the Queens Museum, catch a game at Citi Field (home of the New York Mets), or explore the park’s gardens and attractions.
Rockaway Beach – Relax on the sandy shores, surf, or enjoy beachside dining.
Socrates Sculpture Park -: Admire outdoor sculptures and enjoy cultural events in this waterfront park.
Queens Night Market – Sample diverse cuisines from around the world at this lively night market.
Astoria – Explore Greek culture, cuisine, and visit the Museum of the Moving Image.
The Bronx
Especially known for…
Bronx Zoo – Discover wildlife from around the world in one of the largest metropolitan zoos.
New York Botanical Garden – Explore beautiful gardens, exhibitions, and seasonal events.
Yankee Stadium – Catch a baseball game and experience the excitement of cheering for the New York Yankees.
City Island – Enjoy fresh seafood, quaint shops, and waterfront views in this charming maritime community.
Wave Hill – Visit this public garden and cultural centre overlooking the Hudson River, offering scenic views and outdoor concerts.
Staten Island
Especially known for…
Staten Island Ferry – Enjoy a free ride with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center – Explore botanical gardens, museums, and historic architecture on this waterfront site.
St. George – Visit the Staten Island Yankees’ stadium, shop at St. George Ferry Terminal’s retail outlets, or dine along the waterfront.
Conference House Park – Relax in this waterfront park with walking trails, picnic areas, and historic landmarks.
Throughout all boroughs, visitors can also enjoy street fairs, food festivals, outdoor concerts, and cultural events over the summer months that showcase the vibrant diversity of New York City. Here are just ten reasons to visit New York this summer and join in the festivities of the warmer months…
summer events that you might expect in New York City:
Reasons To Visit New York This Summer #1 Shakespeare in the Park
The Public Theater’s free Shakespeare in the Park series typically runs from late May through August in Central Park’s Delacorte Theater, where attendees can enjoy high-quality productions of Shakespeare’s plays under the stars. However, for summer 2024, there is a change in location – due to renovation of the Delacorte the full five boroughs are sharing in the hosting of the event.
Reasons To Visit New York This Summer #2 SummerStage
City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage hosts a series of free outdoor concerts, performances, and events across all five boroughs. It showcases a diverse lineup of artists and performers, including music, dance, theatre, and spoken word.
Reasons To Visit New York This Summer #3 Governors Ball Music Festival
This annual music festival takes place on Randall’s Island and features a wide array of performers across various genres, including rock, hip-hop, electronic, and indie music.
Reasons To Visit New York This Summer #4 Pride Month Events
June is Pride Month, and New York City hosts one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world. Expect a series of events including the Pride March, PrideFest street fair, and numerous parties and performances throughout the city.
Reasons To Visit New York This Summer #5 Outdoor Film Screenings
Various parks and venues throughout the city host free outdoor movie screenings during the summer months. Bryant Park, Central Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park are popular locations for these events.
Reasons To Visit New York This Summer #6 4th of July Fireworks
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular lights up the sky over the East River, attracting thousands of spectators. The fireworks display is accompanied by live music performances and televised nationwide.
Reasons To Visit New York This Summer #7 Taste of Times Square
This annual food festival allows visitors to sample dishes from some of Times Square’s best restaurants. It typically takes place in June and features live music and entertainment.
Reasons To Visit New York This Summer #8 Summer Restaurant Week
Participating restaurants offer discounted prix-fixe menus during NYC Restaurant Week, which typically takes place in July and August. It’s a great opportunity to dine at some of the city’s top restaurants at a more affordable price.
Reasons To Visit New York This Summer #9 Outdoor Fitness Classes
Many parks offer free outdoor fitness classes during the summer, including yoga, Pilates, and boot camps. It’s a great way to stay active while enjoying the sunshine.
Reasons To Visit New York This Summer #10 Street Fairs and Festivals
Throughout the summer, neighbourhoods across the city host street fairs and festivals celebrating food, music, art, and culture. These events offer opportunities to sample international cuisine, browse artisanal crafts, and enjoy live performances.
As you can see you could return to NYC time and time again and yet have a never-ending list of locations to see because there are so many things to do no matter the season.
