Looking for a great place to take a stroll in NYC? If so, you are in luck, as the Big Apple has many of great places where you can take in the sites and enjoy the warmer weather. In this first of a two-part series, we will explore some of the great places to take a summertime stroll in NYC.
Astoria Park
Located at 19 19th Street in Queens, Astoria Park is less crowded than many of the other parks in the area. That fact alone makes it a good choice for spending time outdoors and enjoying the warmer weather. In addition to beating the crowds, the park also offers fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline, Randalls Island and more.
Brighton Beach to Coney Island
Covering just a few miles along two separate boardwalks, the stretch from Brighton Beach to Coney Island allows you to take in the beach views without getting your feet sandy. This stroll also offers the best of two worlds, with Brighton offering a quieter atmosphere and ample Russian restaurants while Coney Island offers more of a seaside amusement park atmosphere. Find the boardwalk by putting 601 Riegelmann Boardwalk in your GPS.
Governors Island
While you have to take a ferry to get to Governors Island, the trip will be well worth it once you get there. With the entire island being car-free, you can walk, roller-skate or bike throughout the island without concern for traffic. The island also offers a number of paths to explore through its hills, including those that provide beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty and more.
Hudson River Greenway
No matter which direction you choose to stroll along the Hudson River Greenway, you will be sure to be pleased with the results. Stretching along lower Manhattan to Washington Heights, the greenway boasts a number of great points of interest. Among these is a protected pathway accessible to both cyclists and pedestrians through Hudson River Park. Other points of interest include the Cherry Walk, which stretches from 100th to 125th streets in Riverside Park, and a small expanse of land beneath the George Washington Bridge that serves as the home of the Little Red Lighthouse.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
Stretching over more than a mile and a half long, the pathway along the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir offers excellent views of the surrounding area. Also referred to as the Central Park Reservoir, the reservoir itself covers 106 acres.
Wolfe’s Pond Park
With more than 12,000 acres of open green space, Staten Island is often referred to as NYC’s greenest borough. One of the greatest gems within all of this green space is Wolfe’s Pond Park, which can be found at 420 Cornelia Avenue along the eastern edge of the island. The park features trails, secluded areas and a beach to explore. The beach is almost certain to be less crowded than the city’s more popular beaches, such as the Rockaways or Coney.