Summer in NYC is what the rest of the year wants to be. Outdoor concerts, free events, rooftop bars at every elevation, beaches a subway ride away. Fifteen things that are specific to summer in NYC.
Outdoor summer classics
1. Smorgasburg (Williamsburg, Saturdays April-October)
The largest outdoor food market in the country. East River State Park, with the Manhattan skyline as backdrop. $10-15 per item; bring cash for some vendors.
2. Coney Island
The boardwalk, the Cyclone, Nathan's, the aquarium, the freak shows. Take the Q train to Stillwell Avenue. Beach is free.
3. Rockaway Beach
The actual NYC beach. Take the A train to Rockaway or the ferry from Wall Street. The boardwalk has surf rentals, taco stands, and views of Brooklyn from a different angle.
4. SummerStage in Central Park (June-September)
Free concerts in Central Park, multiple shows per week. Check the schedule — the lineup ranges from major artists to local discoveries.
The sightseeing flight in summer
5. A sunset Day Tour over Manhattan
Summer evenings are the longest of the year and the air traffic over the harbor is calmer than the afternoon rush. Azzurra City Tours runs sightseeing flights from Linden Airport (KLDJ) until late evening. The Hudson River corridor at golden hour with the Manhattan skyline catching the light. About 45 minutes of air time. Book a Day Tour or call (347) 727-0050.
Rooftop everything
6. 230 Fifth (Flatiron)
The classic with the Empire State Building view. Indoor and outdoor. Reservations strongly recommended.
7. Westlight (Williamsburg)
22nd-floor rooftop at the William Vale hotel. Best Manhattan skyline view in Brooklyn. Reservations.
8. The Ides (Wythe Hotel, Williamsburg)
Smaller, less scene-y than Westlight. Same view.
The water options
9. Kayaking on the Hudson (free, summer weekends)
The Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26 in Tribeca offers free 20-minute public kayaking sessions. Saturdays and Sundays.
10. A ride on the Governor's Island ferry
The island opens for the summer season. Bike paths, art installations, picnics. $4 round-trip on the ferry.
11. Brooklyn Bridge Park (sunset)
Free, with skyline views. Summer evening concerts. Pop-up food.
The unique-to-summer ones
12. Bryant Park Movie Nights (Monday evenings, June-August)
Free outdoor movie screenings on the lawn. The lawn opens at 5 PM, the movie starts after sunset. Bring a blanket and food.
13. Shakespeare in the Park (Delacorte Theater, June-August)
Free outdoor Shakespeare. Tickets distribute via lottery the day of. Show up at 8 AM or use the digital lottery.
14. The Mermaid Parade at Coney Island (June)
Annual costume parade. Free to watch. Specifically NYC.
15. The Hudson River Park outdoor activities
Free fitness classes, dance parties, mini-golf, beach volleyball. Check the Hudson River Park schedule.
The summer survival notes
Subway platforms hit 100°F in July. Drink water. The cabin of a small airplane at 1,500 feet, by contrast, is roughly 10°F cooler than ground level — which is one of the summer-specific reasons people book the flight.