the 13 best outdoor activities in nyc
With a plethora of parks, gardens, and more, NYC has plenty of fun outdoor activities, especially for a large metropolitan city. Here is how you can enjoy the fresh air and spend more time outdoors in NYC, no matter what time of year it is.
the best secret gardens in nyc
upper east side
One of my favorite hidden spots in the city, this garden is located by the E 105th Street entrance to Central Park on the Upper East Side. I felt like I was a character in the classic The Secret Garden book as I wandered through the rosebushes, trellises, and perfectly manicured shrubs. They even have a fountain with lily pads! Still can’t believe this gem exists in the city.
west village
Part of the gardens of the Church of St. Luke’s in the Fields in West Village, this quiet oasis is filled with people reading, walking, or chatting quietly with a cup of coffee on the weekends.
nolita
This green oasis is filled with sculptures from the antique store next door (be sure to check them out after at the Elizabeth Street Gallery). Right now the garden is in danger of being destroyed for a housing development complex. To learn more on how to donate/volunteer/help, visit this link.
the best nyc parks
chelsea
Make sure you reserve your free tickets for a specific timed entry here before you go. The only open entrances are at Gansevoort Street, 23rd Street, or 30th Street, but this is the least crowded time in High Line history, so definitely take advantage of it.
dumbo
This expansive park in Dumbo has unbeatable, sweeping views of the East River. Walk up and down the esplanade to go from one end of Dumbo to the other. A carousel (temporarily closed), ferry stop, OddFellows Ice Cream stand, and more await you at this sprawling, lively park.
upper manhattan
While you don’t need me to tell you about the city’s most popular park, did you know about the Central Park Zoo within the park? While the zoo is small, there are penguins, sea lions, and even a bear and a snow leopard in the middle of the city. There have also been a slew of free comedy shows in the park over the summer, so be sure to check on Eventbrite. Also, the Jackie O Reservoir is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the city!
washington square park
greenwich village
This park has it all - the fountain, the arch, the people watching, the street performers, the tourists, the NYU students, the picnics, the couples on dates, the dogs, the kids, and West Village right at your fingertips. Make sure to also visit the NY Dosa man while you’re here. This infamous food truck churns out authentic, affordable, and delicious Indian dosas.
west side highway
A plethora of activities await you at this expansive riverside greenery. An extremely popular running, biking, and walking spot, the park is also good for sunset picnics, people watching, and outdoor gatherings. (This is one of my favorite places to watch the sunset in the city!)
prospect heights
The Central Park of Brooklyn, Prospect Park is neighbored by brick family-filled townhouses. You will find runners, dogs, families, friends, couples, kids, tennis players, and more at this ginormous park. There is a central lake, ice skating rink in the winter, a zoo, tennis courts, and more. Smorgasburg is also held here, but that is temporarily closed due to covid. This is the perfect park to picnic in during the summer.
williamsburg
Located on the former property of a Domino Sugary refinery, this park borders the East River in Williamsburg. While it is a narrow park structured similarly to the Hudson River Park, there is enough grass to lay out a blanket and enjoy the riverside views.
top three outdoor activities in nyc
This little oasis is only an eight minute ferry ride from Manhattan. While it is mostly known for hosting the annual Governor’s Ball music festival (before it outgrew the island and had to be moved to Randall’s Island instead), Governor’s Island is worth a trip in and of itself. With a relaxing grove of hammocks, an outdoor food court, lavender fields, a scenic bike and walking path, art exhibitions, rooftop oyster bars, and more, Governor’s Island has plenty to offer.
This is the perfect inexpensive date activity overlooking the downtown Manhattan One World Trade Center skyline, as well as the Jersey skyline across the river.
This cobblestone, river-facing neighborhood has old school charm mixed in with modern touches. Take a stroll through this historical area of the city, while exploring places like Pier 17 (a lively open-air venue with concerts and more), Bowne & Co. (an old school small batch printing shop) and the Mcnally Jackson bookstore.