Brooklyn Bridge

Break out the sunscreen, your iPod and a long beach towel; summer in New York City is ultimately in full swing. With high temperatures and sunny days, getting some rich color is easy to get just walking down the streets of the city. But, if you’re looking to even out your tan, or just lazily enjoy the dog days of summer, read on.

High Line Park: It’s the latest city attraction and growing to be one of the most visited in New York City. High Line Park seems to be designed for sunny days and sun bathing. This green-friendly pedestrian walkway built on former railroad tracks is high above the city streets, perfect for observing the madness of the city from above. With long brown lawn chairs along the route, they are just the perfect size for a beach towel and to just lay yourself and tan away. This can be so comfortable and relaxing, you just might forget how long you stay out in the sun, so make sure you have enough sunscreen and fluids to hydrate.

Bryant Park: It may not be the most relaxing place to tan, but it sure is the busiest and entertaining. Bryant Park in the summer is like a New Yorker’s playground, filled with activities for all ages, but especially younger and older adults. You can start your day getting a spot on the lawn, which is the same area that is an ice rink during the winter. Grab a bite to eat at Bryant Park Grill where you’ll spoil yourself rotten with luxe dishes. Finally, enjoy the sun until sunset on certain days and catch a movie at the park on a large projector screen. Films include great oldie classics and are free for all visitors!

Long Beach: It’s obvious that the beach is the best place to get golden, but for a good reason. Begin your adventure at Penn Station and catch the LIRR train to Long Beach. (The last stop of the line) Take the Long Beach Express train that leaves at 10:22 a.m. for the fastest way to the beach. Regardless, the ride is pleasant and fairly short. The special Long Beach package includes discounted Round Trip transportation and entrance to the beach. Once you’ve arrived, you have two-miles of clean, friendly and relaxing beach to sunbathe your heart away. Long Beach is the perfect beach day for 20-somethings who want to avoid the family crowds at Jones Beach.

Brooklyn Bridge Park: Visiting Brooklyn Bridge Park alone is already worth the trip out to venture for a nice tan. There’s no better way to work up a sweat than to walk over the bridge and straight to the park. (Luckily, the high winds will cool you off.) Enjoy the lovely view of the New York City skyline, lots of park space to lay out and tan and make an entire day out of it. There are playgrounds for young children, café’s and boutique shops under the bridge. Best of all, you’ll get the perfect sunset photographs of the city that never sleeps.

Randall’s Island: Right between Spanish Harlem in Manhattan and Queens is a small little island unknown to most native New Yorkers. Randall’s Island is turning into the new Governors Island; a getaway within the city. It’s the perfect place to catch some sun for the lazy and the extremely active. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy sports fields, including tennis, baseball and golf. Sunbathers will love sitting by the waterfront and near the landscape areas for total Zen.

Now you know where to go the next time you’ve got a flight to New York City!

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photo: natalietracy