You could spend a year in New York and still not see all the attractions and neighborhoods in the five boroughs that make up New York City. New York offers plenty of exercise spots, interesting places to walk and outstanding cultural experiences. From the Bronx Zoo, through Manhattan and down to Coney Island, every day offers an adventure.
The Bronx
While in the Bronx, visit Pelham Park, New York's largest park. It is a great spot for a picnic, a game of Frisbee or just a nice stroll in the sun. The Bronx Botanical Garden is another lovely, historic Bronx landmark worth visiting. This 250-acre garden is right next door to the Bronx Zoo and offers year-round exhibits amid beautiful, fragrant walking trails. The Bronx Zoo, famous for housing animals in re-created natural habitats versus cages, is home to more than 4,000 animals and offers the Skyfari, an overhead tram that gives visitors an unique perspective over this park.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn has several wonderful neighborhoods and places worth exploring. Red Hook is a perfect place to walk while exploring its abundant art galleries, restaurants and cobblestone streets. Smith Street is another area worth traversing. Boutiques, restaurants and bars make it an ideal place to meet friends and commune over billiards, bowling and beer. Finally, no trip to Brooklyn is complete without a trip to nostalgic Coney Island. From rides to carnival attractions to the bustling beachfront, Coney Island is a great place to spend the day.
Manhattan
There are many wonderful spots to get some exercise, take in a little culture and see some hidden city gems in Manhattan. Central Park is a perfect place to flex your muscles. Walkers, joggers and runners enjoy the many trails throughout the park, and there is plenty of open lawn space for a game of kickball or any other recreational sport. Museum Mile, which stretches down Fifth Avenue from East 82nd to East 102nd Street, offers nine museums with eclectic exhibits and attractions. The Metropolitan Museum of Art alone offers more than two million permanent works of art. Don't forget to visit the Empire State Building, where you can see the city from the 86th floor observation deck.
Queens
Tennis fans will enjoy taking a trip to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where each August more than 700,000 fans arrive for the U.S. Open. Throughout the year, the courts are open to the public. Additionally, Queens is home to the P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center. P.S. 1 gets its name because it was a public school that was abandoned in the 1970s. This alternative art space offers experimental installations as well as Summer Saturdays, an outdoor dance party that attracts hundreds of people each week.
Staten Island
If you are looking for an affordable way to see New York City from the water, you should take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. After a long day of walking and sightseeing, this free boat ride is 25 minutes long and offers a perfect vantage point to photograph the Statue of Liberty. There is a bar on board, so you could sip an ice cold beer and take in the sights. Staten Island offers plenty of attractions, including museums, the September 11 Memorial, Staten Island Zoo and the Chinese Scholar's Garden at Snug Harbor.
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