As a local New Yorker, I feel confident saying summer in NYC is a special time to visit.
While New York is a year-round destination, the warmer months are especially vibrant, as the city comes alive with al fresco dining, free concerts, and outdoor festivals.
The warm and sunny weather means there’s no better way to spend a weekend afternoon than with a picnic in Central Park, a beach day in the Rockaways, or carnival rides in Coney Island.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s always something fun happening in the city during the summer months.
Here’s a look at some of the best summer activities in NYC.
💸 Pro tip: Summer is a popular time to visit NYC, which often means higher prices. To save on sightseeing, consider getting an NYC Explorer Pass, New York CityPASS, or New York Pass. Compare what each includes to find the best fit for your itinerary!
City-Wide NYC Summer Experiences
1. Strike a pose on an NYC photo tour
Looking for a fun and unique way to explore New York this summer? An NYC Photo Journey is part sightseeing tour, part professional photoshoot—so you’ll visit iconic locations like Times Square, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge and leave with print-ready photos starring you.
Perfect for solo travelers, friends, couples, or families, these 2-hour private experiences include 75 high-resolution images and are led by licensed guides who are also professional photographers.
Bonus: You’ll get tips, local insight, and zero awkward selfie angles.
Want even more images or a shoot tailored to a special occasion? Check out the next item in the list.
2. Capture stunning scenes on a photoshoot
A Professional NYC Photoshoot is the perfect way to commemorate a milestone, elevate your personal brand, or simply celebrate your time in the city with frame-worthy images.
Summer is a great season to book, as lush green parks, bold city backdrops, and golden-hour lighting make every shot pop.
Whether you’re imagining a dreamy Central Park stroll, skyline kiss, or fashion-forward content creation, we’ll help bring your vision to life.
A 2-hour edited shoot typically ends with 100 photos, and even more if you opt for unedited! You can view samples of our work here and full details on the packages here.
3. Take advantage of NYC Summer Streets
Summer Streets is a unique public program that takes place on select Saturdays during the summer.
Miles-long stretches of popular NYC thoroughfares like Park Avenue are shut down to car traffic and only open to pedestrians and cyclists.
This allows you to stroll freely and enjoy the city from a new perspective without having to stick to the sidewalk or stop at crosswalks. To add to the festive atmosphere, there are live music performers, street vendors, and activities like climbing walls and ziplines periodically along the route.
4. Hike and bike the city
There are many places to get active in the outdoors on a sunny summer day in NYC.
First of all, check out the various hiking trails in Manhattan, like The Ravine in Central Park and the woodland trails in Inwood Hill Park.
Additionally, the city is full of bike trails, like the scenic Hudson River Greenway (Manhattan), the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, and the Eastern Queens Greenway.
You can also book a bike tour if you want a guided experience that combines beautiful views with interesting history.
Thanks to well-connected public transit, it’s also easy to have an adventurous Upstate New York hiking day trip. Some of our favorite trails include Breakneck Ridge, Anthony’s Nose, and Bull Hill.
5. Enjoy free outdoor concerts
New York comes alive with free concerts and live outdoor music during the summer months.
You can enjoy concerts all around the city through programs hosted by Lincoln Center, the New York Philharmonic, and the CityParks Foundation.
Some of the best NYC summer concerts are held at SummerStage in Central Park, where big-name artists take the stage for free performances throughout the summer.
6. Watch free outdoor movies
Another one of the best summer events in NYC is free outdoor movie nights. Bring a picnic blanket and some snacks, and enjoy watching an open-air movie in one of the city’s parks.
Free movie nights take place throughout the summer at Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Union Square Park, and other public locations across the boroughs. It’s one of the best things to do in NYC in summer, and it doesn’t cost a dime.
That being said, if you don’t mind spending some money, you can opt for a rooftop movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club in Midtown, Manhattan, or a drive-in movie in Greenpoint, Brooklyn at Skyline Drive-In NYC.
Things To Do In Manhattan In Summer
7. Roam the Seaport
South Street Seaport is a charming waterfront neighborhood that is particularly lively in summer. It feels like a little fishing village, with cobblestone streets showcasing locally-owned shops and restaurant patios.
One main draw is the waterfront, which features gorgeous views and waterfront restaurants like Industry Kitchen and The Watermark. You should also spend time perusing the food and drink options in the Tin Building.
For a nautical experience, step aboard the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree, a restored maritime icon that offers a glimpse into the era when countless vessels lined New York’s bustling waterfront. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the ship brings the city’s seafaring history to life.
This area is also home to one of NYC’s best concert venues, The Rooftop at Pier 17, where you can sing along to your favorite bands while taking in views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
8. Rent rowboats in Central Park
Nothing says summer in Manhattan quite like renting a rowboat in Central Park. You can rent one of these wooden boats by the hour from the Central Park Boathouse and paddle the afternoon away on The Lake, one of Central Park’s best photo spots.
Afterwards, take a short walk and listen to the live music performers at Bethesda Terrace and along The Mall, or enjoy a picnic lunch on the grass in Sheep Meadow.
While anyone can enjoy this activity, it’s especially romantic for couples and makes for a fun summer date.
9. Take a boat tour
One of the best ways to experience NYC is from the water. Summer is the perfect time of year to take a sightseeing boat tour, most of which depart from the west side of Manhattan (though check your ticket to confirm).
You can opt for a classic sightseeing tour that will take you around New York Harbor and past iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty, sail around the entirety of Manhattan on an architectural yacht tour, or enjoy a swanky evening on a dinner cruise as you watch the city lights twinkle on after dark.
10. Hit up a rooftop pool
If you’re looking for a cool respite from the heat, head to a rooftop swimming pool. A number of hotels and rooftop bars in Manhattan have pools that you can access by purchasing a day pass or paying a cover charge.
Some hotels with rooftop pools include:
Rooftop bars and lounges that have pools include Somewhere Nowhere and Mr. Purple.
📸 Want beautiful photos taken of you in scenic New York spots? Book one of our Private Photo Journeys, a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot. Email [email protected] with inquiries.
11. Watch Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare in the Park is an annual event that brings performances of Shakespeare’s iconic works to the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Featuring a star-studded cast, shows have included names like Lupita Nyong’o, Peter Dinklage, Sandra Oh, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
Seeing Shakespeare’s plays brought to life in this way is a very special experience. Each summer, a new play is chosen with a handful of performance dates.
Best of all, it’s totally free! Tickets are first-come, first-served, but it’s worth lining up early on performance day to claim your tickets.
12. Watch fireworks on the 4th of July
Fireworks on the 4th of July are a summertime tradition in NYC. Depending on the year, the nighttime fireworks display can be seen above the East River or the Hudson River.
There are always plenty of free viewing areas for the fireworks, typically along the waterfront.
However, if you’re looking for a really unforgettable experience from an epic NYC photo location, you can book a fireworks viewing party from a rooftop bar like Manhatta in Lower Manhattan, or an observation deck like Edge NYC in Hudson Yards.
13. Stroll the High Line
The High Line is an elevated park and walking path stretching nearly 1.5 miles from Hudson Yards to Chelsea along old raised railroad tracks in Manhattan. It’s also a popular spot for engagement photos thanks to the excellent views over the city.
Summer is the best time to stroll its length, as this is when you’ll find splash pads, artisans selling their wares, and seasonal food pop-ups. One favorite stop is Hearth of the High Line, a fun seasonal wine bar and cafe.
After your scenic walk, enjoy lunch at Chelsea Market, an indoor food hall with more than 50 vendors as well as the Artists & Fleas artisan market.
14. Go kayaking for free
One of NYC’s best free summer activities is kayaking in the Hudson River. The Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26 and the Manhattan Community Boathouse at Pier 96 both offer free kayak rentals on weekends and holidays during the summer.
And although it’s not in Manhattan, you can also go kayaking in Brooklyn with free kayak rentals available from the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse and the North Brooklyn Community Boathouse.
15. Explore Governors Island
Governors Island is a small island in New York Harbor that’s reachable by a quick 10-minute ferry from the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan. The ferry is free on Saturdays and Sundays before 11 AM, making this a great weekend activity on a budget.
Once the home of a historic military fortress (which you can still visit), the island has been transformed with public art, gardens, and parks.
If you’re looking to indulge, visit the QC NY SPA on Governors Island, a relaxing retreat offering wellness treatments, a sauna, thermal baths, and a pool with views of the Manhattan skyline.
Or if you’re looking for something more active, you can rent bicycles to explore the island.
🍔 Tip: If you’re with a group, a fun activity is renting a grill at Picnic Point, which showcases an incredible view of the Statue of Liberty!
16. Experience Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge refers to a unique phenomenon that occurs several times each summer, where the sunset aligns perfectly with the East-West streets in Manhattan.
Thousands of people gather outside to watch the sunset, which has been compared to Stonehenge in England.
Won’t be around for Manhattanhenge? You can still catch a beautiful summer sunset from one of the best free viewpoints around the city, like Brooklyn Bridge Park or Hunter’s Point Park.
Things To Do In Brooklyn In Summer
17. Visit Coney Island
One of the top NYC summer attractions to check out is Coney Island, a beachfront neighborhood that has been a popular warm-weather getaway for city dwellers since the late 19th century.
With its old-school amusement park, classic boardwalk, and wide sandy beach, Coney Island is full of vintage kitschy charm. Just hop on the Q train and you can arrive from Midtown Manhattan in less than an hour.
While you’re on the boardwalk, be sure to stop at Nathan’s Famous for a hot dog, followed by dessert at Coney’s Cones.
For thrill-seekers, Luna Park offers roller coasters and other carnival rides, while the public beach is ideal for relaxing under the sun.
18. Eat your way through Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is an outdoor food festival held in various locations around NYC every weekend during the summer. The schedule is:
- Fridays: World Trade Center
- Saturdays: Williamsburg
- Sundays: Prospect Park
In our opinion, the best location is Williamsburg, where you can eat right on the East River with an epic Manhattan skyline view.
The event features 65+ vendors spanning a wide array of cuisines. Many sell inventive fare too, like rainbow grilled cheese from Toastieland and south-Asian inspired donuts in flavors like saffron thandai and cardamom ganache from Knead Some Love NY.
It’s a delicious way to spend a day in NYC!
🥟 Tip: If you’re visiting with a group, divide and conquer so you can try as many different dishes as possible.
19. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
One of the best ways to spend a summer day is walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, which also happens to be our most popular location for a Professional NYC Photoshoot.
Starting in Manhattan, it takes approximately 30 minutes for a leisurely walk across this iconic bridge, which spans a little more than a mile.
Once you reach the Brooklyn side of the bridge, there are two cool neighborhoods nearby to explore: Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO.
Brooklyn Heights is full of tree-lined streets and historic brownstones, while DUMBO offers great waterfront views across the East River to Manhattan. You can also get epic shots of the Brooklyn Bridge from here.
Want to escape the crowds? Other fun options include the Williamsburg Bridge Walk and the Manhattan Bridge Walk!
20. Have a picnic in Prospect Park
Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s answer to Central Park, with 526 acres to explore. It’s a lovely place to find a shady patch of grass under the trees and enjoy a summer picnic, either solo, with friends, or as a romantic date.
There are also plenty of walking trails to discover, one of the most picturesque being the path around Prospect Park Lake.
Rowboats are also available to rent at the Prospect Park Boathouse if you’d like to get out on the water.
Prospect Park is also right next to the next item on our list…
21. Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a great place to visit year-round, but some of the summer highlights include roses, water lilies, and wild meadow flowers.
Spanning more than 50 acres, you can easily spend several hours exploring the gardens and greenhouses here and getting lost in the colorful blooms.
This is also a great activity to combine with Prospect Park for a full day exploring the best of New York City’s outdoor offerings.
Things To Do In Queens In Summer
22. Eat your way through the Queens Night Market
New York is known for being a foodie city with diverse flavors, and nowhere is that better on display than in Queens. From Jackson Heights to Flushing, Queens just might be the best borough for food-lovers in all of NYC.
A great place to sample this delicious food is at the Queens Night Market, which takes place every Saturday during the summer from 4 PM until midnight at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
This open-air food market features more than 100 vendors showcasing cuisine from around the world, from Colombian sweets to Hong Kong street food to Burmese noodles and beyond.
In addition to food, you can shop from local artisans and enjoy free live entertainment.
📸 Want beautiful photos taken of you in scenic New York spots? Book one of our Private Photo Journeys, a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot. Email [email protected] with inquiries.
23. Visit Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach—a laid-back neighborhood in Queens with its own namesake stretch of sand—is within NYC’s five boroughs, yet it feels like a world apart. Spanning nearly 7 miles, it’s the largest urban beach in the USA and offers something for everyone, with each section having its own unique vibe.
The best way to get there is the NYC Ferry, which offers spectacular views, especially as you depart Manhattan and watch the skyline fade away.
If you come in the morning, you’ll likely see surfers catching waves. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take beginner surfing lessons with New York Surf School.
This is also the perfect place to simply spend a laid-back day at the beach. Bring some beach towels, lounge chairs, an umbrella, and a picnic lunch, and you’ll be set.
There are also plenty of restaurants nearby if you’d rather sit down somewhere. For waterfront views, head to Rippers for their grass-fed burgers and homemade vegan burgers, or Caracas Arepa Bar, where you can order Venezuelan arepas and empanadas. Both of these spots also feature live music!
24. Attend the US Open
Every summer, the US Open takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens.
This is one of the biggest sporting events of the year for tennis fans, and although tickets for the most anticipated matches can be very expensive, it’s possible to get tickets for some matches as low as $80.
Not into tennis? The tennis center where the tournament is held is also part of the larger Flushing Meadows Corona Park, where you can discover many other attractions like the Queens Museum, the New York Hall of Science, and the Queens Botanical Garden.
Things To Do In The Bronx In Summer
25. Watch a Yankees game
Attending a baseball game at Yankee Stadium is a quintessential summer activity in NYC. The MLB season runs from late spring through early fall, so there are plenty of summer home games to catch.
Even if you aren’t a huge baseball fan, the atmosphere at Yankee Stadium on game day is worth experiencing. So grab a hot dog from the concession stand and cheer the Yankees on to victory from the stands.
Don’t forget an iconic navy blue Yankees baseball cap to complete your game day look.
26. Visit the New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden in The Bronx is NYC’s largest, covering over 250 acres of curated gardens, greenhouses, and native forest.
In summer, you’ll find everything from vibrant roses to blooming water lilies.
Beyond the flora, the NYBG also hosts seasonal farmers markets, guided forest bathing sessions, and plant-focused talks and workshops.
27. Explore City Island
City Island is like no other place in New York City. This fishing village within The Bronx has a distinctly nautical feel, with seafood restaurants dotting the streets and small boats bobbing in the water.
It’s an excellent destination for a summer day in NYC if you want to get off the beaten path. Discover local history at the City Island Nautical Museum, enjoy waterfront views and arcade games at Seafood City, get ice cream from Lickety Split, and have a seafood meal at one of City Island’s iconic eateries like The Lobster House or Sammy’s Fish Box.
Nearby Orchard Beach is also a great place to relax, lie in the sand, and soak up the sun.
Things To Do In Staten Island In Summer
28. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is a fun, free activity to do in NYC in the summer.
The ferry runs between Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and St. George Terminal in Staten Island several times per hour. It’s a scenic 25-minute journey across the New York Harbor that allows you to take in views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Concessions are available onboard, including beer, soft drinks, and snacks if you’d like to create your own DIY cruise.
Once you arrive in Staten Island, you can either hop on the ferry returning to Manhattan or spend some extra time in New York’s least-visited borough.
29. Visit Snug Harbor Cultural Center
If you decide to spend some time in Staten Island, one of the best places to go is the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. This complex of museums and gardens is a nice place to pass a few hours on a sunny summer day.
The Chinese Scholar’s Garden is the main highlight here, but don’t miss the other landscaped gardens either.
There are also several local museums to check out if you want to escape the heat and go indoors for a while. For instance, the Staten Island Museum is a must-visit with interesting exhibits about the history, natural science, art, and culture of the island.
Fun Summer Tours In NYC
For those looking for unique ways to get outside during the summer in NYC, some top-rated tours include:
- 🌸 Secret Places of Central Park Tour
- 🥟 Secret Food Tour of Chinatown and Little Italy
- 🛳 New York City Sunset Cocktail Cruise on Small Yacht
- 🎨 The Soul of Harlem Walking Tour
- 🚴♀️ Lower Manhattan & Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour
➡️ Click here for a full list of unforgettable NYC tours!
📸 Want beautiful photos taken of you in scenic New York spots? Book one of our Private Photo Journeys, a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot. Email [email protected] with inquiries.
Top NYC Hotels With Rooftops
One of the best parts about visiting New York City during the summer is getting to enjoy the views from the many rooftops.
For the easiest access, consider booking a hotel with a rooftop, like:
The William Vale (Williamsburg). This luxury hotel features our favorite rooftop lounge in all of NYC, Westlight, which offers 360-degree views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond! Their craft cocktails and bites are also delicious. You won’t regret ordering the mezcal-cured salmon tostadas.
The Standard, High Line (Meatpacking District). Located along the High Line, this stylish hotel combines vibrant nightlife with breathtaking city views, featuring a rooftop discothèque, a lively German beer garden, and a prime spot to soak in NYC’s summer vibe.
The Knickerbocker (Times Square). Offering an upscale escape in the heart of Times Square, you’ll have easy access to the stylish St. Cloud rooftop bar and unbeatable access to Broadway theaters and Midtown landmarks.
➡️ Click here for a list of top-rated NYC hotels, or view the map below. It’s currently set to Times Square, but you can easily change it to your preferred neighborhood:
New York City Travel Insurance
When visiting New York City, it’s wise to get travel insurance. We recommend SafetyWing, which is budget-friendly, straightforward, and offers two flexible plans:
🧳 Essential – Ideal for short- to mid-term adventures
- Covers unexpected medical needs, travel delays, and emergency evacuations
- Choose a rolling 28-day subscription or set dates for one-off trips
- Optional upgrades include U.S. coverage, adventure sports, and protection against electronics theft
🌏 Complete – Built for digital nomads and long-term travelers
- Offers similar travel protections to Essential, but with expanded healthcare benefits like routine checkups, mental health support, and maternity coverage
- Stay protected both abroad and at home
- Includes outpatient treatment, cancer screenings, and therapies like chiropractic care
➡️ Compare plans here and get the coverage that fits your trip.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy summer in NYC?
