After spending months inside, many New Yorkers are eager to get outside and take advantage of this rare opportunity to be a tourist in their own city.
Although NYC slowly returns to normal with museums and indoor dining opening up with limited capacity, there’s still plenty to do outside while the weather is still nice in the city.
New York City is filled with tons of green spaces to enjoy and get some fresh air. Here is a list of some incredible outdoor locations where you can practice social distancing and still connect with nature in this fabulous city.
Central Park
Central Park has over 800 acres of green space to explore right in the heart of the city. In general, the further uptown you go in the park, the less populated Central Park is. For something new, try visiting Conservatory Garden between 104th and 106th Street along the Fifth Avenue Entrance.
Pelham Bay Park
Central Park isn’t New York City’s largest – Pelham Bay Park is three times the size!
Inwood Park
Inwood Park is a peaceful oasis that is home to cute trails and plenty of benches where you can sit observing nature. It is also home to playgrounds as well as places to play sports.
Botanical Gardens
New York City is home to multiple botanical gardens, most notably the New York Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. These are the perfect places to enjoy beautiful blooms before the winter hits!
Socrates Sculpture Park
Since the Park’s inception in the mid-1980s, this outdoor sculpture park has supported up-and-coming local artists. It’s a great place to be outside while doing something different.
Greenwood Cemetery
The 478 acres of hills, valleys, and ponds that make up Greenwood Cemetery are filled with history. It was the site of a battle during the American Revolution (FREE walking tours, limited to 25 people, are offered during various days of the week).
Staten Island
Staten Island’s Greenbelt is one of the most biologically diverse places in New York City. There are so many flora and fauna to see, you’ll forget you’re so close to New York City!
Beach It
Is the weather still incredible? Catch some rays at one of NYC’s beaches. Take the B train to Brighton Beach or make your way to Jacob Riis Park in Queens.
New York City has tons of parks and outdoor space! Visit Nycgovparks.org for a comprehensive listing of all the parks, so you can search which one is closest to you. Get out, soak up some vitamin D, and enjoy nature in the city! Now, more than ever, is the time to stop and smell the fresh air.
If you are feeling unwell, please stay home. If you are in an at-risk category, please stay at home. If, for any reason, you don’t feel confident and happy walking outside, please stay at home. Stay informed of the situation which is changing by the minute, and follow the advice of health professionals.
