Updated NYC Summer List + 20 Photo Worthy Spots

Jun 28

We're heading into the ~~heatwave~~ summer months of New York City...
and I'm not ready for it. I've heard this summer is supposedly going to be one of the hottest summers NYC has ever had, and I'm *mentally* planning a trip to Iceland right now.
A lot of you have asked for a summer guide of things to do / see / or places to eat here in NYC. The concrete jungle is many things, but a beach... it is not. So as we New Yorkers try to enjoy our summer to the fullest, I wanted to share the other activities you can do besides become best friends with the AC. AKA my method of coping.

P.S. Is it too early to crave Fall? We're not even into the first full month of summer and I'm already dreaming of my Fall NYC guide blog post.
I rounded up my *updated* list here below. Make sure to bookmark this page so you can access it again this summer:

1) Who doesn't love a booze cruise? 🍷⛵ One of the things I love about NYC in the summer are the fun boat cruises you can book with friends or a significant other. There are many piers located down the lower parts of Manhattan. From sunset cruises, rosé cruises, or even a nice ferry ride from Lower East Side to Long Island City, there's an option for just about anything.

I went on a rosé cruise with Président Cheese on the La Nuit Rosé Hornblower. There were rosé stations throughout the entire boat, with lots of appetizers, photobooths, music, and of course -- a dance floor. 💃

2) Host a picnic in a NYC park. I hosted one (here) at Hunter's Point Park in Long Island City. You can also picnic and lay out in Central Park, DUMBO waterfront, Bryant Park, Washington Square Park, and more.

3) Rent a boat at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park for $15 an hour. The boats are first come first served. Still on my bucket list, the Loeb Boathouse is the epitome of a Central Park adventure. You can rent a boat (cash only) and sip on wine overlooking the water from the outdoor bar / restaurant.

4) Check out the views of Hunter's Point Park in Long Island City I don't think this park gets enough credit. It's my new favorite because it's a ferry ride over, with the most spacious and beautiful view of the City. There's a playground for children, and a giant turf area to lay out on, or play sports.

5) Take the tram over to Roosevelt Island at East 59th Street. You get a beautiful view of the Upper East Side / Midtown alongside the Queensboro Bridge.

6) Walk around DUMBO waterfront. There's Jane's Carousel, views of the City from Brooklyn, TONS of restaurants in the area, and a public rooftop you can visit -- with this view (below).

7) Eat at Taco Cina and walk around Domino Park.

8) Go kayaking at Pier 2 at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It's free.

9) Watch movies outdoors at Pier 1 in the Brooklyn Bridge Park with friends or a SO. They have dates and times for all the events here.

10) Get drinks, photos, and enjoy the view at Public's Rooftop & Garden. Seriously, it's beautiful.

11) On the topic of views... get drinks on the rooftop at Lemons BK atop Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, and then hop over to Westlight's Turf Club for an epic sunset view with summer cocktails and lawn games with friends. Do it for the ~~gram~~ experience.

12) Dine at Eataly's spring concept SERRA FIORITA in Flatiron. The rooftop is open and makes for a perfect photo backdrop. I'm a sucker for the aperol spritz selections.

13) Visit and drink at the upscale Elsie Rooftop lounge and terrace. Another photo worthy spot.

14) Shop, dine, take photos at Hudson Yards. You can walk up to the top of The Vessel (seen in the above image) and get a different perspective of the City.

15) Enjoy light bites + drinks at the rooftop bar of the Knickerbocker Hotel. It's literally right beside the Ball in Times Square. The twinkle lights make for the perfect date night setting too. Just saying.

16) Walk around, shop, and dine in Seaport District -- the historic district in lower Manhattan. There's beautiful cobblestone streets with restaurants and cafes right by the water.

17) While visiting Seaport District, dine and lounge around at r17, one of my favorite restaurants and a beautifully designed cocktail lounge atop Pier 17. They have terraces with incredible views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building. It's the perfect summer hang out spot.

18) Take the ferry to Governor's Island. There's always something to do at Governor's Island. Check here for more details on events and happenings.

19) Walk to Gapstow Bridge in Central Park. This is one of my favorite spots year-round in Central Park.

20) Eat at By Chloe -- one of my favorite healthy, vegan spots in NYC. There are several locations to choose from. My go-to: Avocado toast or quinoa bowl with a side of sweet potato air-baked fries.
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Other NYC blog post guides: - 7 GREAT ROOFTOP BARS to visit this summer - 7 CAFES you must try in NYC - 10 PLACES TO VISIT ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE - 8 COFFEE SHOPS to visit in NYC