Of course, the city that never sleeps comes to life during the summer months and boasts plenty of fun activities and events for all kinds of vacationers. The only challenging part is deciding where to begin.
So many tourists choose The Big Apple, as it's one of the perfect US destinations for summer travel because of its incredible sense of community, and there are multiple exciting things that the city and the locals, themselves, organize to lighten up the summer in NYC.
Looking for things to enjoy in NYC before the warm season ends? Here are some of the many bucket-list things to do in New York City in summer before the season ends.
10 Enjoy A Day At The Seaside At Any Of The Top Beaches In New York City
Want to enjoy the last-minute summer of fun in the sun? New York City, one of the most expensive cities in the world, is home to beautiful beaches that guarantee epic experiences for last-minute tourists. Whether going for a quick weekend trip, a family vacation before schools reopen, or just a camping getaway, the best beaches in NYC are worth visiting.
The best beach in NYC depends on what one is specifically looking for. Fort Tilden Beach is an incredible option for visitors looking for perfect sand with fewer crowds. Rockaway Beach, on the other hand, is one of the most famous beaches in New York City but is often crowded. Some of the best beaches NYC has in store for visitors include:
- Jacob Riis Park Beach: Located near Rockaway Beach and Fort Tilden Beach, this stretch of sand is one of the most popular beach destinations for the LGBTQ+ community. It gives incredible access to public transit.
- Jones Beach: Stretching for 6 miles, this expanse is perfect for families, thanks to the fantastic amenities, including ball courts, shuffleboard, mini golf, and a swimming pool where both adults and kids can have some fun moments.
- Cherry Grove Beach: This beach is perfect for tourists looking for affordable and laid-back beach experiences. There are also numerous delicious restaurants, bars, and clubs to try around here.
9 Take In The Gorgeous Views From One Of The Epic Rooftop Bars In New York City
While people enjoy exploring NYC's gorgeous streets, gardens, and underground bars, the city has achieved great success when it comes to upward expansion, and vacationers will find plenty of restaurants and bars located on top of some of the highest buildings.
NYC is home to plenty of amazing rooftop bars with sensational city views (which also serve irresistible drinks). Spending time on a rooftop bar in NYC is definitely one of the most exciting things to enjoy in the city before summer ends.
Some of the best NYC rooftop bars to enjoy include Panorama Room, Overstory, and Nubeluz.
8 Plan The Ultimate Family Trip To A Summer Camp In New York City
Wondering how to keep the little ones entertained before the summer holiday season ends? Well, many people always resort to playgrounds and parks. But summer camps will be an excellent way of engaging the young ones, thanks to the incredible learning opportunities they offer.
Perhaps one of the best things to do in New York City for families in summer is to enjoy a retreat at any of the summer camps within the area. NYC boasts plenty of summer day camps that offer memorable experiences for travelers going on late summer family trips, including:
- New York Aquarium Summer Camp has aqua-based programs and activities to keep kids engaged from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Bronx Zoo Summer Camp is another summer camp experience not to miss in NYC. This one is excellent for animal lovers. It has plenty of educational and entertaining opportunities for toddlers and children in kindergarten to enjoy.
7 Attend One Of The Numerous NYC Concerts In Summer
Summer tourists never fall short of outdoor opportunities to grab in the season, thanks to the availability of many parks in New York City. Many of these NYC parks host multiple music performances to keep travelers engaged during the warm months.
The best part? One doesn't have to pay to enjoy many of them, which makes concerts among the free things to do in New York City. Central Park, one of the most beautiful city parks in the US, hosts several free concerts, sometimes referred to as “SummerStage,” and there are plenty to catch later in the season.
6 Soak Up The NYC Scenery From The Water By Kayaking Under The Brooklyn Bridge
Kayaking around the East River is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn, NYC's most populous borough. The Brooklyn Bridge Park offers tourists an incredible opportunity of kayaking under the bridge for free while taking in the breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan. To enjoy doing that, one needs to make reservations via the Brooklyn Bridge Boathouse.
Generally, people kayak here from June through September on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Families who want to have this amazing experience can come from July through August, usually on Sundays. Find more information on the Brooklyn Bridge Park website.
There is a Youth Group Kayak Program run by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy throughout the summer. The program is perfect for kids between 11 and 18 who want to be introduced to kayaking.
5 Ride The NYC Ferry
Traveling to NYC for cheap? Being one of the most expensive tourist destinations in the world, vacationers would expect to spend a lot to have a vacation in the city. But that's not always the case, especially when it comes to the ferry in New York City. For only $2.75, travelers can enjoy an unforgettable boat ride by riding the NYC Ferry along the East River.
This ferry is among the best places to enjoy incredible views of the NYC skyline. It also offers a perfect chance to enjoy the scenery of the Statue of Liberty, one of the most iconic attractions in the US. If looking for one of the best late summer experiences in NYC, try riding the NYC Ferry.
- The cost of riding the ferry: $2.75
Want to enjoy more of NYC in summer (or at any time of the year)? Book of the New York City boat tours and cruises. Many of these tours offer a chance to see the city's top-rated attractions.
4 Explore Governors Island During The Summer
Visiting Governors Island is one of the best things to do in New York City in the summer. Getting there is simple and very affordable; it's an easy ferry ride. Vacationers can just board a ferry right at the southern tip of bustling Manhattan.
Governors Island feels worlds away from New York City; it has lots of historic buildings and plenty of fun activities to enjoy. From the island, vacationers can enjoy spectacular views of the Manhattan Skyline and the scenery of the Statue of Liberty. There are numerous playgrounds in the middle of the island, too, where travelers can enjoy picnics with friends and family.
3 Go Roller Skating At Pier 2 Roller Skating Rink In Brooklyn Bridge Park
Roller skating is one of the bucket-list things to do in NYC before summer ends. At the Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2 Roller Skating Rink, tourists can enjoy the public skating sessions, which come with gorgeous views of Manhattan.
What's more, skaters can enjoy free admission to the rink on Mondays and Fridays between 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm and on Sundays between 10:00 am and noon. At this rink, vacationers can also organize field trips and kids' birthday celebrations. There are other roller skating rinks to enjoy in NYC, including RollerJam USA and United Skates of America.
- Cost of skating: $6
- Cost of skate rentals: $7
- When to enjoy free admission to the rink: Mondays and Fridays between 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm and on Sundays between 10:00 am and noon
2 Catch A Sunset Movie In Bryant Park
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park is one of the most beautiful parks in New York City. It is not one of the largest city parks in the US but it always feels full. Its incredible location makes it a perfect base to enjoy some outdoor movies in NYC in the summer.
Tourists will see the locals coming from all the city's five boroughs, as well as visitors from different places, to catch a movie at Bryan Park. Some of the late summer Bryant Park Movie Nights to attend include:
- Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: July 24th
- Swingers: July 31st
- 48 Hrs.: August 7th
- Zoolander: August 14th
- Good Burger: August 21st
1 Relish Some Stunning Stargazing At The High Line, 14th Street
Travelers can actually enjoy some of the best stargazing in the US for free at the High Line in NYC. If visiting the city for a loved-up trip, stargazing is one of the most romantic activities, thanks to the Amateur Astronomers Association, who make the wonderful experience possible. Visitors are offered telescopes to enjoy the beautiful view of the clear night sky.
Travelers can enjoy this activity every Tuesday from dusk until about 9:45 pm, and fortunately, the members of the association are always there to help, making it a bucket list thing to do in NYC during summer for both experienced and novice stargazers.
- Opening hours: from dusk to 9:45 pm, April through October
- Suitable for: both novice and experienced stargazers