The best things to do in New York’s great outdoors

Ready to swap skyscrapers for sun-dappled trails? We get it—the pull of New York’s great outdoors is almost as irresistible as the city’s famous pizza. Whether you’re here for lush parks, waterside adventures, rooftop gardens or vibrant neighborhoods, the Big Apple’s open-air attractions promise memories (and photos) you’ll treasure forever. From sunrise paddles on the Hudson to lazy picnics in secret gardens, the city is filled with ways to breathe deep, explore green spaces and get a fresh perspective on NYC. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sneakers, sunscreen and sense of adventure and let’s go!

The High Line

For a unique blend of nature, art and NYC buzz, head to the High Line. This brilliantly re-designed railway track soars above the Meatpacking District and Chelsea, transformed into a garden bursting with native grasses, wildflowers and even surprising groves of trees. As you walk its 1.5-mile stretch, you’ll pass public art installations, viewing platforms and benches shaped to maximize both comfort and people-watching. The landscaping feels subtly wild, and you’re never far from a fragrant patch of lavender or swooping monarch butterfly. The views offer something to talk about at every turn—gaze at the Hudson River on one side, snap artfully framed shots of skyscrapers on the other, and watch trains glide into Penn Station down below. There’s a contagious, laid-back energy here, whether you pop by for lunch from a nearby market or linger for sunset when the buildings catch golden light and seasonal kiosks dish out everything from gourmet popsicles to savory pies.

Governors Island

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping Manhattan without actually leaving the city, Governors Island holds the answer. Just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan lands you in a completely different world: one filled with historic forts, lush lawns, blooming wildflowers and panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and downtown skyline. There’s an infectious, easy-going energy on the island—kids pedal Surrey bikes along the waterfront while adults stretch out in hammocks or snooze beneath sprawling trees. You’ll find public art in unexpected places, food trucks serving up flavor-packed empanadas and cult-favorite lobster rolls, plus outdoor concerts, art fairs and themed festivals in the warmer months.

For history buffs, Fort Jay and Castle Williams offer self-guided tours through centuries of city life. It’s a rare spot where it feels fine to spend a full afternoon doing absolutely nothing but soaking up sun and breezes, knowing all the excitement of Manhattan sits just across the harbor.

Kayaking on the Hudson

For a totally unique city perspective, try kayaking on the Hudson River. Several boathouses along Manhattan’s west side—most famously the Downtown Boathouse near Pier 26—offer free or donation-based kayak rentals during summer. That means you can paddle beneath gleaming skyscrapers for little more than a signature and a smile. Beginners are always welcome, with friendly volunteers giving you a quick safety rundown before pushing you gently out onto the water. Glide toward Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, or hug the shoreline for views of the city stretching endlessly north and south. The water here is surprisingly peaceful, especially in the early morning, and you’ll be surprised how quickly the city noise falls away, leaving only the splash of your paddle and gulls calling overhead. 

Prospect Park

Prospect Park is where locals go for that perfect mix of wild nature and lively city energy—without the crowds that often fill Central Park. Stretching across over 500 acres, it was designed by the same duo who planned Central Park but comes with a distinctly wilder feel. Here's where to find Long Meadow, one of the longest uninterrupted green spaces in any urban park, perfect for tossing a frisbee, lying in the grass or joining a casual baseball game. Birdwatchers and joggers will love the Lullwater, winding beside a tranquil stream shaded by ancient oaks, while the Ravine offers a forested retreat with trails that will have you forgetting you’re just minutes from busy streets. 

Bring a picnic or grab fresh pastries and iced coffee from nearby Park Slope bakeries, then find your favorite sunny or shaded patch to stretch out and savor the wide open sky. Weekend drum circles, Sunday jazz on the Bandshell lawn, and friendly dog-walking communities make it easy to mingle and enjoy the simple rhythm of outdoor city life.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Where else in the city can you combine waterfront breezes, jaw-dropping skyline views, and the energy of a lively public gathering spot? Brooklyn Bridge Park hugs the edge of the East River, running from the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO down to Brooklyn Heights. With lush lawns, soccer fields, quirky playgrounds and even a roller skating rink, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Stroll along tree-lined pathways or settle at one of the picnic tables to admire the bridges and boats bobbing by. In summer, the Pier 1 lawns draw crowds for outdoor movies and food trucks serving everything from fresh lobster rolls to artisanal ice cream. 

Astoria Park and the East River waterfront

Queens gets its fair share of fresh air at Astoria Park, a spacious neighborhood hangout along the East River that’s often less crowded than Manhattan’s other outdoor spaces.

. The wide, grassy lawns invite rest and relaxation—perfect for frisbee, picnics, or just sinking into a novel beneath the leafy canopy. Astoria Park’s star attraction is its Olympic-sized pool, open during summer, while runners, cyclists and dog walkers loop the pedestrian paths all year round. At sunset, locals flock to the riverfront promenade to watch the light sparkle on Hell Gate Bridge and the Manhattan skyline rise in silhouette. If you’re hungry, the surrounding neighborhood is a treasure trove of international eats: stop into Bel Aire Diner, a retro spot open 24/7, to try their massive strawberry milkshake.

Hudson River Greenway

Joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers and daydreamers all share the Hudson River Greenway, a multi-use path running from Battery Park up past the George Washington Bridge. This riverside stretch offers more than just fitness opportunities—it’s an escape, stretching over 11 miles along Manhattan’s west side, with the river always in sight. The Greenway delivers a full spectrum of parks, gardens and recreation piers along its route, including lovely spots like Chelsea Waterside Park and Riverside Park South. You’ll pass vibrant murals, playful dog parks and even kayak launch points. There’s a friendly energy to the trail, with locals and visitors alike making use of the flat terrain, and numerous shaded benches and lawns if you want to stop and people-watch or take in the sunset. Pack a snack or grab a refreshing smoothie from one of the pop-up stands near Pier 84 on hotter days. The best part? You can hop on and off the path at countless neighborhoods, so every trip on the Greenway doubles as an adventure in discovery—a farmers’ market here, a hidden playground there, or perhaps a spontaneous riverside yoga class.

Bronx Zoo and the Wild Asia Monorail

If you love animals and wide-open spaces, the Bronx Zoo is so much more than a collection of enclosures—it’s 265 acres of lush, walkable parkland with a focus on conservation and stunning animal habitats. The highlight? The Wild Asia Monorail, which glides silently through realms where rhinos, deer and red pandas roam. Walking the zoo’s winding trails, you can pause at the Madagascar! exhibit to see lemurs leap, soak up the peace of the Himalayan Highlands or enjoy the children’s zoo, where friendly goats nibble from outstretched hands. Picnic areas are scattered throughout, so bring lunch or grab a slice at the café. 

Staten Island Greenbelt and High Rock Park

If you crave an escape to true wilderness—without leaving the city—the Staten Island Greenbelt is just the ticket. This nature preserve covers 2,800 acres, with dozens of miles of hiking trails weaving through forests, meadows, wetlands and serene waterways. High Rock Park, perhaps the most beloved section, feels almost enchanted: you’ll meander past towering tulip trees, tranquil wetland boardwalks, and quiet ponds teeming with frogs and dragonflies. The trail network ranges from easy strolls to moderate hikes, offering options for every skill level. The serenity here is unmatched—come early for birdsong and deer sightings or pack a picnic for the tables beside Walker Pond. You can even climb Moses’ Mountain, a modest but rewarding summit with a leafy canopy and a glimpse of the New Jersey Highlands on clear days. It’s the kind of place where you can recharge, discover wildflowers and forget the city’s pace, all just a bus or ferry ride from Lower Manhattan.

Socrates Sculpture Park

For a blend of art, community and riverside tranquility, Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City is a standout. This five-acre outdoor museum and public park offers large-scale sculptures, conceptual installations and performance art—all set against the backdrop of the East River and Manhattan skyline. The rotating exhibitions keep the park feeling fresh, so every visit brings new surprises: you might wander among mirrored pyramids, towering steel figures or whimsical interactive structures.Yoga studios host free classes in the grass, local musicians serenade picnickers, and food truck pop-ups bring the weekend energy. Whether you come for the culture or the sheer joy of outdoor lounging with a creative twist, Socrates delivers a singular New York experience. Don’t forget your camera!

Looking for more NYC inspo? Check out our favorite things to do on summer vacation, and ideas for attractions to visit during a Big Apple downpour.

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