The energy that pulses in New York City once the heat cranks up is contagious, and there’s plenty for you to check out around. Small day activities could include watching a free film after sunset every Monday at Bryant Park, relishing the lip-smacking food at Smorgasburg made with passion by the food fair vendors, grabbing some great coffee at the West Village, taking the trapeze class on top of Chelsea Piers, enjoying a stargazing date at the High Line every Tuesday and lots more. The city has plenty to offer for anyone whether they’re into adventure, art and culture or food. Or even better, all of them. Check out these top things to do in the summer in NYC.
1. One-hour New York City jet ski rental (from USD 189.0)
Experience the waterfront views with the backdrop of NYC while you cruise the waters of the Jamaica Bay off the coast of Queens and the Rockaway Beach neighborhood. Step away from the hustle and routine of the Big Apple to spend a day breathing fresh air, spotting native wildlife on this one-hour single or tandem jet ski rental. Professional instruction and a personal flotation device are provided. After the fun in the water, you could head to Thai Rock to have some scrumptious food and refreshments featuring 24 draft beers, authentic Thai cuisine, and a host of signature cocktails.
New York City Jet Ski Rental
Duration 1 hour
2. New York harbor jet ski tour (from USD 500.0)
This is a four-hour action-packed jet ski trip from Rockaway Beach to Manhattan that allows you to witness the beauty of NYC from the water. The adrenaline-filled tour also enables you to spot Coney Island’s classic rides, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Battery Park along with other attractions like the Verrazano Bridge, Governors Island, and the World Financial Center. This will give you a front-row seat to the NYC skyline. While you’re at it, you’re also likely to spot dolphins and seals.
New York Harbor Jet Ski Tour
Duration 4 hours
3. Ride your way through the city (from USD 7.5)
Get a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the city and grab a bike to go around. Ride to the Williamsburg Bridge or the Brooklyn Bridge, hang out by the East Riverfront or take in the skyline in Brooklyn. You could also make short trips to New Rochelle, Palisades Park (New Jersey), Untermyer Gardens & Conservatory, Bronxville in under two hours to make the most of your cycling day out. The rental companies provide you with a helmet, maps, bike locks, and optional lights if you will be riding at night. You could hire some brand-new current model bikes from NYC’s largest bike rental and bike touring company here.
New York City: Central Park Bicycle Rental
Duration 1.0 hour
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4. The iconic fireworks and delicious dinner along a cruise on the 4th of July (from USD 201.0)
Celebrate Independence Day with a New York harbor cruise. With live DJ music to dance away to all night long, a delicious buffet dinner, fantastic views of the Big Apple and the New York skyline from the observation deck, this cruise is packed with awesomeness. This historic vessel features bench-style seating, an observation deck, and a bar. The cruise extends to about three hours and is family friendly. As the sun sets, enjoy casual dining with a light buffet followed by desert and the legendary fireworks display and round it up by dancing to live DJ music.
New York City: 4th of July Fireworks Cruise with Dinner
Duration 3 hs
5. Rockaway Beach water park splash (from USD 28.0)
Head to Rockaway Beach in Queens and experience two frolic-filled hours at the floating water park. Swim over to the Tarzan Boat, a unique boat design featuring a six-foot platform called the Monkey Jump, a 14-foot Gorilla Jump high dive, a 12-foot Tarzan Swing and the Monkey Bounce trampoline. Those feeling a little bit more adventurous can try the 12-foot high trampoline, the jungle-themed curvy water slide, and the Tarzan Boat. Should you get tired, there are plenty of floats all around the boat to recharge before you get back. Other water activities at the park include jet skis, kayaks, and standup paddle boats. The Thai Rock deck and outdoor bar have arrangements for food, drinks, and music.
Rockaway Beach Water Park Splash
Duration 2 hours
6. Full day Poconos whitewater rafting trip
Discover the thrill of whitewater rafting in the Poconos on this full-day adventure from Manhattan. The Lehigh River, which flows through the valleys between the Pocono and the Appalachian Mountains, features Class I, II and III rapids making this an exciting adventure for beginners as well as experienced rafters. This is a guided tour and includes all necessary rafting equipment, lunch, and round-trip transportation from New York City. You meet your guides at West 45th Street and 11th Avenue to board a bus to the Lehigh River, then spend approximately three to four hours rafting down the rapids then break for lunch before you spend another hour on the river, following which you head back to NYC.
Whitewater Rafting Bus Trip from NYC
Duration 11 hours
7. Private half-hour high speed boat tour of Manhattan (from USD 695.0)
Beginning at Pier 25 in Manhattan, this tour lets you customize your 30-minute private tour in a mid-sized fast boat ride down the Hudson River with up to 15 of your friends. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty from the waters.
Private Half Hour High Speed Boat Tour of Manhattan From NYC
Duration 30 minutes
8. Coney Island ocean jet ski tour (from USD 190.0)
This is a 90-minute jet ski tour that allows you to skim across the waves and see spectacular ocean views and sandy beaches. You could also spot dolphins, whales, and seals that swim just off the coast. The exhilarating expedition to Coney Island and into the Atlantic Ocean is packed with thrills and excitement. Once you’re done riding the Cyclone or Deno’s Wonder Wheel, hop on to the jet ski and zip along the shoreline and get ready for the thrills as you head into the ocean, jump waves, and explore the Rockaway beach.
Coney Island Ocean Jet Ski Tour, from Rockaway Beach
Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
9. Delaware River kayak and wine day trip (from USD 179.0)
Escape the everyday grind and go on a full-day kayaking trip along the Delaware River. After a quick ride to the river, slide into a single or tandem kayak and paddle along the scenic stretch of the Delaware River valley. Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by a local deli before heading to a nearby vineyard to sample wines during a guided wine tasting tour. Round-trip transportation from New York City and all the necessary kayaking equipment are included.
Delaware River Kayak and Wine Day Trip from Manhattan
Duration 8 to 9 hours
10. New York sunset and wildlife jet ski tour (from USD 185.0)
This is a guided tour from Rockaway beach to the hidden beaches and marshlands of Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary with some truly breathtaking views to witness during the tour. You hop on to a jet ski from Rockaway beach and zip through the waters of Jamaica Bay where you will be able to spot fascinating wildlife, including awesome views of birds gliding overhead while you explore the shorelines of the sanctuary whizzing through the water on your personal jet ski. Before the trip winds down, witness the amazing Jamaica Bay sunset and hidden parts of NYC.
New York Sunset and Wildlife Jet Ski Tour
Duration 1 hour
And that's not all!
If you still have not had enough of the city, there are some more points of interest you could explore. Head to the New York Botanical Garden, which is an absolute fairytale in the middle of the concrete jungle that NYC is. Take a leisurely picnic in the middle of Central Park. Visit the Dekalb Market Hall in Brooklyn, which features around 40 food vendors, including the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen. Enjoy a 1920s-themed party on Governors Island with live jazz music and classic cocktails at the Jazz Age Party Lawn. A trip to the Rooftop Reds in Brooklyn that claims to be the world’s first rooftop vineyard could also be well worth your time. They feature over 150 grapevines, a tasting room, some picnic tables and outdoor games. All in all, New York City truly has something for everyone and you’re sure to find one thing or another to make your summer the best it could ever be!