South Street Seaport

When the sunlight beams on the steel towers of the New York City skyline, its evident spring has arrived. Great weather in New York City will make everyone come out to play, especially if you’re touring Manhattan. Find the best outdoor venues to soak up the sun and enjoy the city at the best time of the year.

South Street Seaport: One of Manhattan’s best kept secret is the Seaport, located on the East end of Lower Manhattan. This historic area was once a thriving market where the city’s fish was imported.  Today, the area is a waterside destination with retail stores and restaurants. Just hold on to your hat with the windy breeze from the East River while you take pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.

Coney Island: No trip to New York City is complete without a trip to Coney Island if you happen to encounter good weather. Best known as an amusement park and major resort in the 20th century, the legacy of Coney Island still remains. It is a youthful kind of place, to enjoy a famous Nathan hot dog and walk the landmark boardwalk. There are landmark attractions; famous rides that were part of the amusement park for decades: The Wonder Wheel, The Cyclone and the Parachute Jump. Last, but not least, there is the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean when temperatures soar to cool down after working on that summer tan.

New York Botanical Garden: Take the subway uptown, to the point where the underground subway goes above ground into the Bronx to visit the New York Botanical Garden. The grounds contain 50 different gardens and plant collections with cascade waterfalls and untouched New York Forest. Allergy sufferers beware: it is a beautiful wonderland of flower, but a huge trigger for pollen. This 250 acre facility can fill your day as you get some fresh CO2 and capture nature at its best.

High Line: What were once forgotten railroad tracks from New York’s past was revitalized and developed into a unique and walkable promenade. It is a public park owned by the City of New York and maintained by Friends of the High Line, who saved this landmark from being demolished and turned into high rises. This recreational area is located between Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street between 10th and 11th Avenue. Along the walk on the High Line, you’ll see flower arrangements, unique sculptures and places to sit back and relax after a long walk.

Socrates Sculpture Park: Imagine turning a green space into an outdoor exhibition for sculpture? The founders of Socrates Sculpture Park did exactly this. Located in Long Island City, Queens, the founder turned a landfill into a space for the creative arts. There are opportunities to view exhibitions of sculptures made by different artists. The space is also used for family events, fitness programs and even a green market.

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photo: kevharb