Tourist Activities In New York City

Climb aboard a double-decker bus and view the New York City sights, such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Times Square, while riding in your seat along with the rest of the crowds. However, you can see many of the Big Apple's sights away from the crowds while enjoying your favorite outdoor activity in the city's abundant wide open spaces amidst the urban jungle. Consider striking out on your own during your next visit to New York and take in the sights while getting a little exercise as well.

Hiking

Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx contains a thousand acres of park land that can be explored via miles of hiking trails in the hills above the borough. You can view the nation's first public golf course here as well as the oldest house in the Bronx. Take a hike along the John Kieran trail, which winds through the park's lake area and loops around the Parade Ground, where cricket games are a common sight. The John Muir trail will take you through steep terrain deep in the heart of the park. Pelham Bay Park on Hunter Island will take you through salt marsh areas surrounded by hardwood forest and offers sweeping views of Long Island Sound.

Biking

New York City has more than 100 miles of greenways that crisscross all five boroughs and are suitable for biking safely away from congested traffic. The routes travel through parks and shopping districts, and are designed to provide convenient access to many of the city's museums, waterfront areas and other sight-seeing attractions. Mountain bikers can get off the asphalt at Manhattan's Highbridge Park or at Cunningham Park in Queens. Both parks feature advanced trails suitable for BMX dirt jumpers, with large and small jump lines to launch over. Highbridge Park features a steep freeride trail that descends 150 vertical feet down Fort George's Hill, which can challenge advanced riders seeking an obstacle-riddled thrill.

Kayaking

View Manhattan from a kayak as you paddle the Hudson River. Many commercial outfitters can supply solo or tandem kayaks, and also offer tours of the riverfront. The Downtown Boathouse is a non-profit organization that offers lessons and free use of kayaks. Their Pier 40, Pier 96 and 72nd Street locations on the east side of Manhattan offer walk-up use on a first-come, first-served basis. Guided trips of the river leave on most weekends from June through September from Pier 96 location at 56th Street. Tours usually are four to five miles trips.

Climbing

Climbers can test their arm and finger strength on the boulders of the city's famous Central Park. Rat Rock, an outcrop near Columbus Circle by the ball fields, is a popular bouldering location. The rock is a mere 10 to 12 feet high but offers a formidable challenge to novices and experts alike. Harlem boulder, hidden away in the woods off the park's northern drive, is a difficult challenge with a steep face and slopey edges, and is pocked with tiny finger holds. Scaling Harlem rock can push the limits of even the most experienced climbers. You may want to warm up on the artificial wall located in the north meadow.

Swimming

New York City features 14 miles of beaches that are open to visitors from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swim in the surf of the Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island. Stroll along the famous boardwalk and grab a hot dog for lunch after a refreshing morning workout in the cool waters. Grab a board and paddle out to catch a wave from two locations along Rockaway Beach. The beach can be accessed between 67th and 69th streets and from 87th to 92nd streets in Queens.