New York City Seasonal Activities

SPRING

• Visit Roosevelt Island – This unassuming island becomes a blooming paradise in the spring. The Kwanzan Cherry Trees trees are stunning and the views of the city are superb.  Plus it’s got a great new roof deck, Panorama Room. 
• Bike ride to Red Hook – Grab a city bike and start from Greenpoint and work your way to Red Hook. It’s a beautiful bike ride that takes you through multiple neighborhoods and the Brooklyn Heights waterfront. You can reward yourself with a beer at Red Hook Brewery or a crazy good burger at Red Hook Tavern.
• Check out the Botanical Gardens – Though it can be argued the garden is excellent year round, spring means the lilacs, daffodils, cherry blossoms and azalea are out in full bloom. 
• Walk the High Line – The High Line is a historic, elevated rail line intended to be more than a park. You can walk through gardens, view art, experience a performance or stop by the restaurants and galleries along the way from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards.
• Bike the Hudson River Park – Spend time strolling the path with piers, exhibits and now the new Little Island park. 
• Spend an Afternoon in Flushing – Head to the Queens Museum and walk around the flurries of petals in Corona Park. From there, walk to Main Street to dine at the best Chinese restaurants in the city.
• Spend Some Cash at the Flea Markets – The Brooklyn, Grand Bazaar and Chelsea Flea Market are a couple of options that open on the weekend.

SUMMER

• Explore Central Park – You can’t beat Central Park in the summer. Walking, biking, having a picnic and listening to music or pop-up shows is the epitome of New York City. Shakespeare in the Park is an option during the summer months too.
• Ferry to Governor’s Island – Governors Island is a seasonal ghost town located just off the coast of Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey. Its sprawling lawns, random art sculptures and abandoned buildings add a quirky element. There are food trucks and a couple restaurants so you won’t go hungry, but it’s also an ideal picnic destination. 
• Ride a Sailboat – See the city by water. The Shearwater is the perfect 1.5 hour sail, but there are plenty of other cruises and tours to choose from.
• Beach day at Rockaway – An hour subway ride or ferry away, Rockaway is one of the best beach options close to Manhattan. The sand is well maintained and the ocean is clean. Most areas have lifeguards, bathrooms and restaurants or delis within walking distance. Keep an eye out for the occasional dolphin!
• Indulge at Smorgasburg – The largest weekly open-air food market in America has some of the best bites with excellent views of the city. From here, explore Williamsburg and its quirky stores and boutiques.
• Enjoy a Bryant Park Concert – These concerts are free and you can bring your own food and drinks to turn it into a picnic.
• See an outdoor movie – There are a few fantastic drive-in theaters in New York City. Since most New Yorkers don’t have cars, options often include walk-in seating. Skyline Drive-In in Greenpoint is one of my go-tos.
• Fly on a Trapeze – Overlooking the Hudson River, the trapeze experts will teach you how to swing, catch and feel like you are flying.
• Watch the Pros at the US Open – Seeing the best players in the world battle it out on the courts, while enjoying the beautiful USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds and a honey deuce or two is the ideal way to spend the last few days of summer.

FALL

• Wander Greenwood Cemetery – For a beautiful and spooky combo, book a moonlight or after-hours tour at Greenwood Cemetery. The guides lead the way through the stunning paths and breathtaking tombs.
• Admire sculptures at Storm King – If you can time it right, the Storm King sculptures will be absolutely magical surrounded by the colorful leaves.
• Imbibe at a Brewery – Every. single. brewery. will be celebrating Oktoberfest. So try some local brews. A couple favorites are Talea and Randolph Beer.
• Marvel at the MET Cloisters – The Cloisters are located in Washington Heights overlooking the Hudson River. Not only is the art world-class, but the architecture and views in Fort Tyron Park are outstanding.
• Spend a day in DUMBO– ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’ area is filled with restaurants, galleries and fun little cobblestone streets. As a bonus, walk over the Brooklyn Bridge on the way back.
• Catch a game – Even if you are not a Yankees or Mets fan, a day at the ballpark is an iconic summer activity. Get a hot dog and socialize while the home team plays.
• Hike at Breakneck Ridge – Here’s the plan: take the train to Cold Spring, enjoy a coffee and pastry in town, and then walk the white-marked trail to the first summit. Hike nearby Breakneck Ridge and admire the views. On the way back, stop at Doug’s Pretty Good Pub for a well-deserved beer.

WINTER

• Take a Tour – Some of my favorite places have been discovered through tours. Some incredible options that will uncover hidden secrets are: New York Public Library, Grand Central and architecture walking tours.
• Visit the MET – The MET, or really any of the world class museums, is the perfect winter activity to escape the cold.
• Stroll 5^th Ave – You can’t miss the décor and festivities along 5th Ave. The lights, window displays and trees are some of the most incredible in the world. 
• See a Broadway Show – Bundle up in your best winter outfit and see one of the many Broadway shows in the Theatre District. Check for tickets at TKTS Ticket Booth or try your hand at the lottery.
• Lincoln Center is home to the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, NYC Ballet and Juilliard School. Because is it even the holidays if you haven’t seen the Nutcracker? 
• Get Tickets to Show Taping – Look at the sites months in advance and enter the lottery system for the shows! No guarantee, but it’s a unique experience if you win.
• Experience Aire Ancient Baths – Taking you on a journey through sensations, you are encouraged to spend time in various baths with water at different temperatures, reminiscent of the ancient traditions of the Romans, Greeks and Ottomans. It’s the perfect way to warm up, relax and renew in the winter.

Tip: Biking, the museums, sailboats and even the Yankees game are all included in the Go City pass, ideal for those who are in town and exploring the city for more than a few days. Saves money and time – because you have a lot to see!