10 Best Outdoor Activities in New York City

Suggestions in this article are meant for when travelling is safe.

New York City has many great outdoor activities for people who are eager to explore it; be it a solo traveller, a family or a couple. Therefore, you can check out this list of 10 outdoor activities and add some of them to your itinerary, you can also go about luxuriously around New York city in a limousine. Also, don’t forget to check out amazing flights deals at Cathay Pacific by clicking on the link.

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Have a stroll at Central Park

Central Park, the largest public park in New York City is perfect for an evening stroll. It spans over an area of 863 acres and lies in the heart of Manhattan providing a scenic landscape to its visitors. There are many activities for you to do here. You can explore the Belvedere Castle or go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art if you are a history buff. Many iconic statues are seen throughout the park, for example, a scene from Alice in the Wonderland, Balto and William Shakespeare. Facilities are available for boating experiences in the man-made ponds and lakes of Central Park. The Bethesda Fountain, Cherry Blossom Trees and the Strawberry Fields are some other attractions within the park.

Walkthrough the High Line

High Line, located on the West side of Manhattan is a public park constructed on an elevated railway line in 2009. The track is 4.7 km and you can witness incredible views of the Hudson River. There is not much to see except walking, jogging or running along the rail but you can see vendors and cultural performances occasionally.

Have a nature walking in Inwood Hill Park

Inwood Hill Park which is located in the northwestern side of Manhattan is the only natural park in New York. This park spans over an area of 196 acres and gives evidence on the prehistoric roots of New York through its numerous caves, valleys and ridges. There are hiking trails and cycling trails for those who are interested in such activities. This is also one of the best spots to see a bald eagle in NYC, therefore a suggestion would be to take your binoculars with you.

Try kayaking in the Hudson River

For a different kind of experience away from the lush greens, try kayaking in the Hudson River. Boathouses offer free lessons on kayaking for beginners. The kayaking experiences can go up to a day if you want to. If you don’t know where to go, head to the Pier 26 Boathouse at N Moore St. You will be kayaking through different landscapes from here and if you are lucky enough, you will get to spot some wildlife too!

 

Head to the Marine Park Salt Marsh for birdwatching

Located in the Southern side of Brooklyn, the Marine Park Salt Marsh is an off the beaten path in New York’s hiking trails. It will be a heavenly hike for birdwatchers and spanning over an area of 530 acres of wetlands and grasslands is many birds that try to hide from the human eye. The park is home to over 300 species of birds including sparrows and pheasants. The hike is on a flat pathway and therefore, it is an easy hike that is suitable for even families with small kids.

Go on a picnic at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the perfect place to relax and have a picnic in New York City, especially if you have kids. It spans over an area of 52 acres and provides a home to thousands of plants. The highlights of the garden are Japanese Garden, Discovery Garden, Cranford Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden and the Children’s Garden. A suggestion would be to visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden in April or May to see the Cherry trees in full bloom.

Try mountain biking at Wolfe’s Pond Park

Located on Staten Island, the Wolfe’s Pond Park is the perfect site for mountain biking expeditions. It is the largest park in Staten Island and it also includes a beach for the ones who like to have a sun, sand time in New York. Speaking of the biking trails, it is suitable for both beginner and experienced bike riders. Many terrain levels are ranging from lush forests to beaches as mentioned before.

Catch some fish on Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier

Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier which is located at Staten Island is the place to go if you want to do some fishing in New York. It is one of the longest fishing piers in NYC and the length of it is 255 meters. However, you are expected to have a fishing license if you are aged 16 and older to fish here.

Go canoeing in Gowanus Canal

The Gowanus Canal is a 1.8-mile-long canal in New York City that is popular for canoeing activities. It has a long history of transporting goods but today, much no use there except for occasional moving of small boats. However, free canoeing tours are offered and the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club is one of the companies that offer such tours from April to October. The tours are scheduled at sunset and the duration of a single tour is about 90 minutes. It is home to many birds and fish or crabs and therefore, it is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery with a bit of wildlife in it.

Surf at the Rockaway Beach

Surfing at Rockaway Beach is a great outdoor activity for all those adrenaline-filled people out there! Rockaway Beach is just 30 minutes away from Manhattan. The beach can get crowded during the weekends but what’s worth it is the swells going up to 4ft-6ft on a good day. Therefore, surfing here is suitable for everyone; be it a beginner or experienced surfers. This place is where you can see a few surfing competitions in New York with the “Eastern Surfing Association’s Spring Tune-Up” and ” Rockstock and Barrels Festival” It is also a great place to have a swim, relax or go on beach camping.

Best Outdoor Activities in New York City Takeaways

While 48 hours in New York is doable, we recommend to stay longer in order to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. New York, a large city in its own right has a lot to offer tourists and locals.

Guest post by Sunshine.