Why You Should Visit New York In Summer

Summer is a special time in New York City. In the warmth and sunshine, the city reveals yet more fun and frolics for visitors and residents alike. Learn to do the Charleston on Governors Island or take in a film classic on a city rooftop. Go wild on Coney Island – New York’s iconic theme park or enjoy the summer breeze on a twilight cruise down the Hudson River.  Read on to find out why you should visit New York in summer. 

During the summer months, New York City makes the best use of its outdoor spaces. At the end of August, (August 26 & 27, 2017) Governors Island, which sits in New York Harbor between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, will host a Jazz Age Lawn Party. This car free island is a glorious place to be during the summer season, and the Lawn Party is superb. Everyone dresses up in 1920s finery, spends the day sipping gin rickeys and dancing to the sound of wonderful live music from back in the day. 

Even the city’s rooftops have a new lease of life in summer. New York’s Rooftop Cinema Club hosts a summer cinema series on top of midtown’s YOTEL, and OfficeOps in East Williamsburg, until late August. Sit back; take in a cinema classic, sip a cocktail or two whilst the film plays and the sun sets over Manhattan. It is as idyllic as it sounds. If roofs aren’t your thing, then you can enjoy al-fresco cinema at the Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO with Movies with a View each Thursday, until August 24^th. Settle down on Harbor View Lawn, where there’s just enough of a breeze from the East River to cool you down on a warm summer evening. 

One of the most unforgettable things to do in New York during summer is a twilight cruise along the Hudson. The views from the water on a summer evening are glorious. The breeze is a welcome escape from the heat of the city, and the photograph opportunities of the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge set against the pink summer skies are phenomenal.  

Excitement reaches fever pitch for New York’s sporting fans in late August and early September. The US Open – New York’s most-attended sports event – takes place at Flushing Meadows. The world’s greatest tennis stars gather to fight it out for the top spot. To celebrate, New Yorkers lay on quite a show – with live music and street food trucks on hand to help with the festivities. The baseball season is also in full swing until October, so if you visit New York this summer, you have a great chance at seeing a Yankee home game. If you are a fan, then it’s an absolute must. If you’re not, then being swept along with the excitement of these dedicated fans is quite a memorable experience. 

 Unleash your inner child at Coney Island  – an iconic attraction that’s popular with New Yorkers and visitors alike. The best time to visit is between March and Fall. Situated in southwest Brooklyn, Coney Island is an unforgettable day trip because this place epitomises summer for New Yorkers. Try out the rides at Luna Park, catch the breeze on the boardwalk, or check out the New York Aquarium that is also based there.  Don’t leave without trying a hot dog from the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog joint. 

 New York is the perfect destination whatever the season, and if you visit NYC in summer you’ll find it reveals yet another side of itself. Hop over to Gray Line New York’s website at graylinenewyork.com for more information and advice on how to tour New York City during summer, fall, winter and spring!