Updated 2/13/24
When thinking about attractions in New York City, the first things that often come to mind are broadway shows, museums, and other indoor activities. While NYC might not be the first choice for an outdoorsy trip- there are actually a ton of amazing outdoor activities in NYC. If you wanted to you could spend the majority of a trip to NYC outside enjoying the fresh air.
Below is a list of my favorite 60 outdoor activities in NYC. I have been living in NYC for the past ten years and I LOVE spending time outdoors, so I consider myself quite an expert on the subject! These activities are perfect for anyone who enjoys being outside or would prefer outdoor activities in NYC for Covid-19 safety.
Tips:
If you visit NYC in the winter, I recommend bringing hand and toe warmers to help stay warm. If you visit in the Spring or Summer, be sure to bring layers as the temperature can vary greatly. If it is super hot outside- the AC on the subway tends to be freezing!
Where to stay:
If you are looking for accommodations in NYC, I recommend the following hotels:
Budget-Friendly: Dream Midtown
Mid-Range: Arlo Nomad
Luxury: Crosby Street Hotel
Below is a list of my favorite outdoor activities in NYC. These activities span all five boroughs and vary in cost/length/type. There is sure to be something fun below for any type of traveler!
60 of the Best Outdoor Activities in NYC (2021)
Kayaking at Pier 26
Did you know that Pier 26 has free kayaking on weekends? Their kayaking program will open Memorial Day weekend this year. Tip: bring a change of clothes or wear a swimsuit, because you will definitely get wet!
Pier 26 is located in TriBeCa. After kayaking I recommend checking out the Ghostbusters firehouse (or you can see this as part of a NYC TV and Movie Tour), grabbing a picture in front of the Staple Street Sky Bridge, and strolling by Taylor Swift’s apartment building (if you are a mega-fan like me 😅)
Metropolitan Museum of Art rooftop
The rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is absolutely stunning. It is decorated beautifully and it offers an incredible view of central park and the Manhattan skyline. The rooftop can be tough to find, so be sure to ask for directions once you are inside the Met. Skip the line to get into the Met by purchasing tickets ahead of time here.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge connects lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is an incredible spot for photos and takes about 60 minutes to walk across it. I recommend giving yourself longer than 60 minutes so that you have time for photos. I recommend starting on the Manhattan side and then walking to the Brooklyn side to hang out in DUMBO afterwards.
Sip wine at a rooftop vineyard
A rooftop vineyard in Brooklyn? Yes please! Rooftop Reds is the world first commercially viable urban rooftop vineyard. It is located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and reservations are required.
Bryant Park
I love Bryant Park! It is always changing and has an entirely different set up in the winter and in the summer. In the winter they set up their “Winter Village”, complete with an ice skating rink, christmas tree, and winter market. In the summer, they open up their lawn, fountain, and a few outdoor bars/restaurants. Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library, and is a must-do outdoor activity in NYC!
Go golfing
There are several golfing options in NYC. For mini-golf check out pier 25 at Hudson River Park. For a driving range and golf lessons, check out The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers. The Golf Club is partially covered, so this is a great outdoor activity in NYC even if it is raining.
The Highline
The High Line is a linear park that sits about two stories above street level. It is converted from an abandoned railway track, and some parts of the track are still remaining. It spans along the west side of Manhattan between 12th street and 34th street, and offers great views of Chelsea. The Highline gets very crowded on weekends, so plan to go on a weekday to avoid the crowds. This is one of my favorite outdoor activities in NYC to enjoy on a nice day.
See an outdoor movie
In the summertime there are free movie showings regularly through the NYC Parks Department. There are also frequent pop-up outdoor movie events throughout the city such as free movies on the deck of The Intrepid. Year-round there are movies at The Skyline Drive-In. Tickets for The Skyline Drive-In generally cost $22 per seat or $55 per vehicle. There are gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline from here and this is one of my favorite outdoor activities in NYC. Be sure to carry-in food from one of the amazing restaurants nearby!
Stroll through Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is located just north of The Flatiron Building and is a great spot to take photos. While you are there, be sure to grab a burger at the Original Shake Shack. There are also many shopping options nearby.
Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center is home of the New York City Ballet, New York Philharmonic, and Metropolitan Opera. You might recognize its fountain from movies and TV shows such as Ghostbusters, Sex and the City, and Sweet Home Alabama.
Get a drink at the Empire Hotel Rooftop
The Empire Hotel has an iconic rooftop.You probably don’t want to get more than one drink here though because they are super overpriced (even by NYC rooftop standards). You can get better prices next door at PJ Clarks (no rooftop, but great food).
Visit Carrie Bradshaw’s stoop
Carrie Bradshaw’s stoop from the show “Sex and the City” is located at 64 Perry Street in the West Village. Afterwards, stop by for a photo at LoveShackFancy which always has an instagrammable storefront. Then, grab a cupcake and Magnolia Bakery and stroll by Bleecker Playground for a celebrity sighting or two! If you prefer, you can check out this spot on a Sex and the City NYC Bus Tour.
Visit outdoor markets
NYC has many outdoor markets to choose from during all seasons. In the wintertime you can see holiday shops at Columbus Circle, Union Square, Bryant Park. Year-round you can visit the Grand Bazaar or Hester Street Fair.
Eat at an outdoor food festival or food market
A few of my favorites are San Gennaro in Little Italy which takes place in September, Smorgasburg which is typically open on Saturdays during the summer, and Time Out Market which is a rooftop bar open year-round with dining options from some of NYC’s top restaurants.
Explore Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is a small island located in between Manhattan and Queens. You can use your metrocard to take the tram there (it costs the same as a subway ride). There is not much to do on Roosevelt Island, but the views of Manhattan from the tram and from the Roosevelt Island Parks are super pretty.
Have a drink at The Frying Pan
The Frying Pan is a bar and restaurant located on a historic vessel permanently docked on Pier 66. It is open May-October (and in April and November when the temperature is above 65 degrees).
Wander through Times Square
Times Square is one of the most iconic NYC locations and is often what comes to mind when thinking of NYC. Locals avoid Times Square at all costs due to its overpriced restaurants and crowded streets. However, it is definitely worth stopping by to grab a photo and to experience the excitement.
Take the ferry to Staten Island
The Staten Island ferry connects downtown Manhattan with Staten Island and is totally free. The trip takes about 25 minutes and offers beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty.
Take the ferry to the Rockaways
Taking the NYC ferry to the rockaways is a really fun summer activity. The Rockaway Ferry connects downtown Manhattan, Sunset Park Brooklyn, and the Rockaways. A one-way ride costs $4.00 (only a little bit more than the cost as a subway ride), and tickets can be purchased from the NYC Ferry app or at the ferry station. Lines can be very long on summer weekends, so arrive early. This is one of my favorite NYC outdoor activities in the summertime.
New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden is located in the Bronx. You can get there by car, subway, or the Metro-North train. Tickets cost between $15-$35, and there is a discount for NYC residents and students. Get your tickets in advance here.
Stone Street Historic District
Stone Street is located in the financial district and is one of New York’s oldest streets. It was New Amsterdam’s first cobblestone street and incorporates two 17th century roads. Currently it is a great spot for nightlife and has many bars and restaurants with outdoor seating.
South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport is a historic area in NYC with fun shopping and dining options. Afterwards stop at The Greens at Pier 17 for a drink and to enjoy the view.
World Trade Center
The World Trade Center consists of a few sites: One World Observatory, The 9/11 Museum, and Memorial. The 9/11 Memorial is located outside and is a breathtaking dedication to those who lost their lives in 9/11. Get tickets here.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is located on West 4th Street and has two iconic spots to see: the arch and the fountain. Washington Square Park is a popular hang-out spot for NYU students. There are often performances and other fun things happening around the park. The squirrels here are very friendly- one time one ran on my lap!
Union Square
Union Square is a major transit stop in NYC with seven different subway lines connecting here. Union Square park has a playground, dog park, farmer’s market, and a holiday market in the winter.
Outdoor Dining
Outdoor and street dining used to be a limited commodity in NYC due to its small sidewalks and busy streets. However, because of changes in regulations due to Covid-19, NYC restaurants have taken their outdoor dining experience to the next level. There are literally thousands of restaurants to choose from with incredible outdoor dining options. A few of my favorite areas to find a outdoor restaurants are the Upper East Side (on 2nd Avenue between 79th and 86th street), Hell’s Kitchen (on 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue), and Chelsea (on West 22nd Street between 7th and 8th avenue). There are also a lot of cute cafes on the Upper East Side with great outdoor dining set-ups.
Long Island City
Gentry Plaza State Park in Long Island City is well known for its iconic PepsiCola Sign. The park also offers beautiful views of Manhattan and has a lot of pretty features and outdoor seating options.
Coney Island
Coney Island is located deep in Brooklyn and has a boardwalk, beach, and amusement park. The area has an old-school New York vibe and can be a little run-down in sections, but is still a fun outdoor activity in NYC.
Go walk a unique walking tour
NYC has a lot of unique walking tours such as bird watching tours in Central Park, ghost tours in the West Village, and movie and tv show tours. There are fun outdoor activities in NYC for both first-time visitors and locals.
Governors Island
Governors Island is located in New York Harbor and is accessible via ferry from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn. It offers beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan. There are some cool attractions such as a 57 foot slide, public hammocks, and public art displays.
Stroll around DUMBO
DUMBO is one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC to stroll around. Washington Street is a great spot for photos- you might recognize it from the show “Gossip Girl”. The waterfront parks in this neighborhood offer amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge.
Go for a ride on Jane’s Carousel
Jane’s Carousel is a historic carousel located in the Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO. Tickets cost $2 and it is a popular spot for photos.
Go window shopping along Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is an iconic NYC street well-known for its high-end stores.I enjoy strolling fifth avenue and window shopping. It is even better in the winter time to see the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue light show and the Cartier Building wrapped in a red ribbon.
See the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of NYC’s most iconic monuments. There are a few options to view it from a distance- such as by taking the Staten Island Ferry or visiting Governor’s Island. For a close-up view you have to visit Liberty Island- book your visit here.
Stroll along Park Avenue
Park Avenue is another beautiful street in NYC well known for its high-end stores. I love strolling along Park Avenue to enjoy the beautiful flowers planted and to go window-shopping.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a landmark NYC building with observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors. Tickets vary in price from $42-$75 and can be purchased in advance here.
Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards is NYC’s newest neighborhood. It is home to The Vessel, The Edge, and The Shed.
The Edge
The Edge is a new attraction located in Hudson Yards. It has a glass floor, bar, and 360 degree views of NYC. Tickets start at $36 and can be purchased here.
The Vessel at Hudson Yards
The Vessel is a new NYC landmark located at Hudson Yards. It is shaped like a honeycomb with 154 interconnecting flights of stairs. It recently re-opened to the public, but solo visitors are not allowed.
Go brewery hopping
NYC is home to several great breweries. For a DIY beer tasting tour- visit Big aLICe Brewing, ICONYC Brewing, and Fifth Hammer Brewing Company.
Visit the New York Public Library’s rooftop
In June of 2021 the New York Public Library opened up the city’s first free public rooftop. It is located at 40th Street and 5th Avenue.
Enjoy your own patch of grass at the Rooftop Greens at Pier 17
The Rooftop Greens is one of NYC’s most unique rooftops. It offers individual seating areas for your group with a private patch of grass to enjoy. Be sure to make reservations in advance. This is a great photo spot!
Visit the Fearless Girl Statue
The Fearless Girl Statue is a bronze statue located across from the New York Stock Exchange Building. It was commissioned in 2017 in anticipation of International Women’s Day.
Go on a dinner or wine cruise
There are a variety of evening cruise options available in NYC such as wine cruises, dinner cruises, and even hot tub cruises!
Enjoy the food and nightlife on Macdougal Street
Macdougal Street is located in the West Village/SoHo area. It is my favorite place to go for cheap eats- some popular spots are Artichoke Pizza, The Kati Roll Company, and Pommes Frites.
Explore Chinatown and Little Italy
Chinatown and Little Italy are two of the most unique neighborhoods in NYC. Both neighborhoods are well-known for their fantastic food options. If you visit NYC in September be sure to check out the San Gennaro festival in Little Italy.
Visit Prospect Park
Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s largest park and has a variety of points of interest such as Grand Army Plaza, Drummer’s Grove, lakes, and a bandstand.
See the Dyker Heights Holiday Lights
If you visit NYC during the holidays I highly recommend checking out the Dyker Heights Holiday Lights! Every December the neighborhood of Dyker Heights decorate their homes with over-the-top holiday decorations. It is a really cute tradition to witness. You can visit on your own, or book a guided tour.
Rooftop pool at TWA Hotel
The TWA Hotel is located at JFK Airport on the grounds of a former TWA flight center. They have a rooftop pool where you can relax and watch the planes arriving and departing from JFK. Unfortunately, the rooftop pool is currently only for guests of the TWA Hotel.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is a great outdoor activity in NYC during the holidays to see the Christmas tree and ice skating rink. You can also visit Top of the Rock which is an observation deck 70 floors above NYC. Tickets start at $36.
Central Park
Central Park has SO much to see- you could spend multiple days exploring the different parts of the park. The last ten activities on this list are all located in Central Park!
Take a walk around the Jackie Onassis Reservoir
The Jackie Onassis Reservoir is located between 86th street and 96th street in Central Park. Is has a 1.6 mile jogging path that offers beautiful views of the reservoir and the NYC skyline.
Go for a boatride on the Central Park Lake
Rowboats are available at the Loeb Boathouse and cost $20 per hour. The Central Park Lake spans 20 acres and is home to many different species of waterfowl.
Listen to live music at Strawberry Fields
Explore Belvedere Castle
Shakespeare in the Park at Delacorte Theater
Get a photo at Bethesda Fountain and Terrace
Stroll along The Mall
Hear the NY Phil at the Great Lawn
Have a meal or a drink at the Loeb Boathouse
Visit the Conservatory Garden
Thanks for reading! If you are looking for restaurant recommendations in NYC, be sure to check out:
