NYC BUCKET LIST
Are you looking for the best things to do in New York City this summer, but you are feeling overwhelmed? This list gives you an overview of the fun activities you can do in the city and other areas of New York. You won’t be bored for a second after reading this list. Below are the 23 best things to do in New York this Summer!
For a more general list of things to do in NYC, please read The Ultimate NYC Bucket List: 26 Best Things to Do in NYC!
1- Have a Cocktail at Gallow Green Rooftop Bar
Gallow Green Restaurant is one of the cutest brunch spots in NYC, as you will get rooftop views and excellent customer service. The plants make for a fresh breath of air throughout the restaurant. You need to reserve a table, as they do not accept walk-ins. Book your reservation.
2- Watch Fireworks at the Brooklyn, NY Waterfront Party on July 4th
Get front row views of the NYC skyline and Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks at the Brooklyn Waterfront Block Party. We will share tickets when they go on sale for 2024.
Address: Skyline Drive-In: 1 Oak Street Brooklyn, NY 11222
When: July 4 – 1 pm to 10 pm
3- Enjoy Outdoor Summer Movies
Bryant Park and Prospect Park have free outdoor movies all summer. Please click here for a list of outdoor movies playing this summer.
4- Have a Hot Dog at a Yankee Game
Catch a Yankees game and enjoy a delicious hot dog with a blue moon this season. Get your tickets here.
5- Dine at Grand Banks a Restaurant on a Ship
Enjoy a delicious meal of fresh oysters and cocktails on a wooden sailing ship located at Pier 25. This unique restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 12:30 am. They are open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-12:30 am. Book your reservation!
6- Enjoy Fabulous Views of the NYC Skyline on a Cruise Ship
Witness the NYC skyline on a cruise ship with cocktails, cheese, and other appetizers.
7- Happy Hour at the Watermark Restaurant
Celebrate Happy Hour at Watermark, a restaurant overlooking the Hudson River with palm trees, cabanas, and an outdoor grill. This restaurant has everything from lobster rolls to oysters to go and try for yourself. Address: 78 South St. Pier 15, New York, NY 10038
8-Bronx Zoo
Witness incredible wildlife at the Bronx Zoo.
9- Enjoy Chocolate Martini’s at Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar
Enjoy chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate Martini’s at Ayza!
10- Take a Cooking Class
In NYC, cooking classes are in abundance. A cupcake class is perfect for you if you have a sweet tooth. You will learn how to make professional cupcakes. We also recommend a Sushi cooking class!
11- Go to a Speakeasy Bar
The Woo Woo NYC is a speakeasy bar that is great for groups and birthdays!
Address: 266 W 47TH St. Manhattan, NY
Are you looking for more NYC Bucket List Ideas? Read 26 Best Things to Do in NYC, where we go over landmarks in NYC to visit like Times Square and Central Park. We added popular things to do, like going to a Comedy Play or Broadway Show!
DAY TRIP FROM NYC:
12- Sunflower Field
The best sunflower field to visit is at North Fork Sunflower Maze.
Address: 8623 Wickham Ave, Mattituck, NY 11952
13- Barlett Arboretum & Gardens
This public garden was once home to Barlett, where he had started planting trees and flowers. The Barlett Arboretum & Gardens is a relaxing place to stroll along a river.
14- Kayaking at Cold Spring
Cold Spring is a cute town along the water where you can either go out to eat or visit local shops. You can also spend the day on the water and rent a kayak or boat.
15- Wings Castle
Spending the night at a real castle overlooking a vineyard is an experience you will not forget. The company offers a free tour of the Castle if you are a hotel guest; however, if you go for the day, you can book a $25.00 Castle tour. The vineyard across the street is a great spot to go wine tasting, learn about how the wine is fermented, and where you can buy a bottle if you would like.
16- Peekamoose Blue Hole
The water flows into the Roundout Reservoir. The reservoir provides half of the drinking water for more than 9 million people in NYC.
17- Goat Yoga
Goat Yoga is a social, fun, interactive, and therapeutic experience located on a 124-acre farm in upstate New York. Learn more: www.nygoatyoga.com
18- Green Lakes State Park- Fayetteville, NY
Green Lakes State Park is home to two glacial lakes surrounded by a beautiful forest. The park is home to campgrounds and row boats you can rent for the day!
19- Letchworth State Park Castile, NY
Letchworth State Park is 17 miles long along the Genesee River and has three waterfalls to visit and a few cliffs to climb.
20- Robert H. Treman State Park Ithaca, NY
This State Park is home to 12 waterfalls and scenic views. A trip to Ithaca is worth adding to your New York bucket list. Other State Parks to go to include Kaaterskill Falls and High Falls Conversation!
Have you ever been to New York during the summer? Please comment about your experience!
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