Summer in the City

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Cherry Esplanade

Picnic and relax on a sunny day at one of Brooklyn’s [prettiest summer attractions](/museums-galleries/brooklyn-botanic-garden).

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Admire more than a thousand varieties of trees on the [garden’s campus](/attractions/brooklyn-botanic-garden), including this weeping willow.

Coney Island

Stroll on the Boardwalk past [Nathan’s Famous](/restaurants/nathans-famous) and the parachute jump tower, and—if you dare—ride the Thunderbolt roller coaster.

Brighton Beach

This [Brooklyn beach](/boroughs-neighborhoods/brooklyn/brighton-beach) is great for sunbathing and swimming. While you’re in its namesake neighborhood, try the amazing Russian food.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

During July and August, [this park](/attractions/brooklyn-bridge-park) hosts Movies with a View. If anything, the name is an understatement.

Celebrate Brooklyn

See big-time musical acts in [Prospect Park](/venues/prospect-park), often for free, on a summer night. Sit up close (if you get there early enough) or picnic on the grass.

Central Park

A rock outcropping, a lush lawn, Manhattan buildings in the background—mere descriptions tend to fail when it comes to conveying the magic of [Central Park](/boroughs-neighborhoods/manhattan/central-park).

View from the Manhattan Bridge

Walk the [Manhattan Bridge](/attractions/manhattan-bridge-chinatown) around sunset for a magnificent panorama of Manhattan, plus Dumbo highlights like Brooklyn Bridge Park (and, yes, the [Brooklyn Bridge](/articles/guide-to-the-brooklyn-bridge)).

Mermaid Parade

Join thousands of marchers in colorful sea-themed costumes (some of which, er, don’t cover much) dancing their way through the streets of [Coney Island.](/articles/fun-things-to-do-in-coney-island-that-arent-rides)

Red Hook

This [Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood](/boroughs-neighborhoods/brooklyn/red-hook) sometimes feels like a quiet beach town on a pleasant summer day. Stick around until sundown for the harbor views.

Rockaway Beach

[Rockaway Beach](/articles/rockaway-beach-at-a-glance), in Queens, is your stop if you want to hang ten—it’s the only NYC beach where surfing is allowed. Novices can rent a board and take lessons.

Roosevelt Island Tramway

Hitch a ride over the East River to [Roosevelt Island](/boroughs-neighborhoods/manhattan/roosevelt-island) and back on one of the City’s more novel and fun forms of transit.

Staten Island Ferry

Get free views of Lower Manhattan on this [commuter boat ride](/articles/guide-to-the-staten-island-ferry). Bring your camera—there are photo opportunities of the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks.

Staten Island Yankees

This minor league team’s [ballpark](/sports/staten-island-yankees) is right by the water and has great views of Manhattan's downtown skyline just beyond the outfield.

Washington Square Park

Picnic, watch acrobatic performers, listen to piano players, read by the fountain and sing classic tunes with busking guitarists at [Greenwich Village's lively center](/arts-culture/washington-square-park).

In summer, New York City goes outside for picnics in parks, baseball games, Coney Island thrill rides, Russian food in Brighton Beach and scenic walks.

Enjoying the Summer in the City

Citywide

Outdoors & Recreation

Things to Do

Summer

Head outside for baseball, thrill rides and scenic walks.

Summer in the City

NEW YORK CITY

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