Summer is so busy in New York there is hardly time to work. The number of outdoor activities to enjoy without spending a dime is truly impressive. Green spaces and parks number more than 1,500 with 14 miles of beaches and untold public performances of theater, film and music. Stay nourished at a bevy of restaurants serving local and organic, but never dull cuisine. Pack some fruit from one of many local farmers' markets. Get creative and get moving for a summer in Gotham.
Bike the City and Join the Joy Ride
It is no secret to city cyclists that the streets of New York are increasingly biker-friendly. Get out on the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway and bike its 32-mile path around the island of Manhattan. City parks have many great bike pathways and no-autos hours. Bicycling clubs and events abound. The Joyride is a musical group bike ride and picnic. Several dozen joyriders boogie from Foley Square to Central Park, some playing instruments and all pedalling to a soundtrack created for the occasion.
Can You Canoe? Yes, in the Hudson.
Launch your canoe or kayak from Pier 66 on Manhattan's west side. You will find yourself in the Hudson River and you may never want to leave. The city view from low on the harbor is like something you never thought you'd see. Paddle the New York City Water Trail. It is a 160-square mile web of waterways around the shores of the island. It will take you through bird sanctuaries and tidal marshes and into the deep Hudson or the tidal estuary of the East River.
Surf Rockaway Beaches
Of course there are surfing beaches in New York City and you can get there on the subway. The two surf beaches are in the Rockaways, a set of beaches on the Rockaway Peninsula, a barrier beach on the south shore of Long Island. They are open year round from dawn to dusk and though long illegal for surfing are now sanctioned. The once scofflaw surfing community have been legit since 2005 and are growing every season. The surf break here is good, but there are no lifeguards so mind the posted rules for surfing.
Dance Under the Stars
Tango, meringue, bhangra, hustle. It's not complicated. Go to Lincoln Center at night, take a quick lesson if you need one and then dance till your shoes wear out. Great international dance bands rock the plaza for two weeks of evening dance in Manhattan. Another prime venue for dancing under the stars is the Highline, Manhattan's unique park built on an old elevated railway.
Head to King of the Courts Handball Tournament
Take up handball and your will find an entire world of the sport in New York City. Handball courts are found in nearly every playground. Serious players identify themselves to one another by the name of their home court. It is a gritty, sweaty and really healthy way to enjoy the streets of summer. Top it off by attending the King of the Courts Handball Tournament in Liberty Park in Queens. That is where the best of the best handball contenders smack the ball and catch the ricochet.
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