The Best Outdoor Activities In New York

New York is packed with so much to do that you might find yourself overwhelmed with lists and lists. But, if you know what you want to do in advance, you’re not going to find yourself lost or leave feeling like you didn’t make the most of your time. 

While New York is often portrayed in the media, on TV, and in movies as just building after building, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had! 

Dine Out

When the sun starts beating down in NYC, even the locals will tell you it is a different type of heat – so what better way to spend it than getting a cold drink and some delicious food outside? There is no shortage of places to eat, and no matter what it is you have a hankering for, you’ll be able to find it. 

For something with a breathtaking view – look for a rooftop location; it is one of the best ways to really appreciate that sprawling beauty that is New York. 

High Line Stroll

A great one for families, but the view and experience are great for anyone. The High Line is located in Chelsea, and it is an elevated park. Built on the old train tracks, it is about one mile long. What makes it a great place to be is that there are plenty of stunning examples of garden landscaping, lookout points, public art, and places to sit. 

The tour is really interesting, and you’ll get lots of information about how the High Line was developed, and of course, find yourself at the Chelsea Market! 

Watersports

So often, New York is considered to just be a city-city, but there are plenty of places that offer boating and kayaking in New York. The Catskills offer some of the best water you will find, so if you like to pack a picnic and get away from it all for a few hours – boating is one of the best outdoor activities. 

There are also a couple of places that offer complimentary rentals, like paddles, kayaks, and lifejackets. 

Botanical Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the most highly recommended outdoor activities in New York. Thanks to the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, it has become known as one of the places you can go to get some real peace. 

But it’s not just the Japanese garden that is a crowd-pleaser. The Fragrance Garden is packed with scented flowers and gorgeous plump roses. 

Hiking Trails 

Many people are surprised to find that there are some great hiking trails in New York, and you don’t need to go too far to find them. 

Here are a couple of the best places to go: 

• Timp Torne Loop Train – Bear Mountain
• Saranac Lake 6er – Saranac Lake
• Poet’s Ledge – Palenville
• Mount Mercy – Lake Placid
• Reeves Brook Loop – Harriman State Park 
• Staten Island Greenbelt Trail 

It is a good idea to book a hike with a company so that you don’t find yourself off the beaten trail – and remember that some locations will have bears and other wildlife that you’ll need to look out for! 

There are plenty of places you can camp in and around NYC too! But if you’ve never done it before, here is a guide to help: Planning Your First Camping Trip: Everything You Need To Know – Rita Reviews.