5 Summer Staycation Ideas in NYC
Why leave New York City when you can enjoy all its summertime amenities, sites to see and attractions to visit with the whole family and memories that will last a life time. We curated a list of top 5 staycation ideas for you and your family to enjoy in and around New York City this summer!
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Famous for its Fourth of July Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest, Coney Island brings family and friends together with endless amounts of entertainment and attractions. Soak in some rays while hanging on the beach or walking the celebrated boardwalk. Enjoy Luna Park and its famed Cyclone roller coaster, but if that’s not your speed hit up the Wonder Wheel, there are also plenty of other attractions that are kid friendly and will appeal to the whole family. Don’t miss out on the Circus Sideshow or if planning on going in June make sure to attend the annual Mermaid Parade.
Brooklyn (Williamsburg & Dumbo)
Spend the day getting lost in Brooklyn while eating your way through Smorgasburg, a seasonal outdoor food market in Williamsburg while overlooking the city skyline. While in Williamsburg make sure to take a stroll through the hip neighborhood and pop into its trendy boutiques and cafes. Or rent City bikes for the whole family and bike across the Brooklyn Bridge where you will end up in Dumbo, another trendy neighborhood in Brooklyn know for its cobblestone streets, art galleries and buzzy restaurants. End your day at the north end of Brooklyn Bridge Park and take a ride on the historic Jane’s Carousel with picturesque views of New York City skyline.
Tribeca/SoHo, Manhattan
Rent City bikes for the whole family and take a ride down the westside highway along the Hudson River ending up in Tribeca, known for its industrial old buildings turned into contemporary spaces, explore its hip boutiques and restaurants. Or spend the day at Pier 26 at Hudson River Park kayaking in the Hudson River with the family. Then head on up to City Vineyard also located at Pier 26 for savory wine, classic dishes, live music all while taking in both Manhattan and Jersey City Skylines. Soho another great neighborhood right next to Tribeca is filled with all different kinds of boutiques, art galleries and delicious eateries. If shopping and gallery hopping is your ideal thing, check out SoHo and make sure to reserve tea time at Laurdee SoHo for some afternoon Tea and Laurdee’s famous macarons!
Downtown (Financial/South Street Seaport Neighborhoods), Manhattan
There is so much to explore downtown from the Financial District (FiDi) to the old charm of South Street Seaport, there’s lots to do with the whole family. The Financial District is one area of the City not to miss, from experiencing the City skyline at the top of One World Observatory, to witnessing the breathtaking 9/11 Memorial Pools and The 9/11 Memorial Museum and of course marveling at the intricate architecture of The Oculus. For shopping and restaurants both The Oculus and Brookfield Place are great options to explore. The South Street Seaport district is another not to miss downtown neighborhood to explore. Walk along the cobblestone streets and stroll pass restored buildings many as early from the 1800’s. South Street Seaport Museum is another must, as it tells the story of how and where New York began with interactive exhibits such as touring the historic vessels docked along the harbor. Downtown is filled with so much history and has something for the whole family.
Upper East Side, Manhattan
Central Park at its finest is during the summer. Everyone is out on the lawns picnicking, taking in that warm sunshine while gazing at the surrounding nature, that for a moment makes you feel like you’re not in the city anymore. Rent a boat at the Loeb Boathouse and sail across Central Park Lake. The Central Park Zoo is a must and a hit with every age with so many different exhibits to experience one will not be left unentertained. Take a stroll down The Mall and Literary Walk or explore the Conservatory Water where children will be entertained by the model boats, climbing sculptures or story telling programs. Central Park is an adventure and make sure to catch Shakespeare in The Park as its only shown throughout the summer months! But if you want to explore deep into the Upper East Side, Serendipity’s 3, famous for its Frozen Hot Chocolate and foot long hot dogs located in a whimsical café is an iconic destination on the Upper East Side. Both the original Dylan’s Candy Bar flagship store and Bloomingdale’s flagship store is a must to see and shop. Get lost at The Met or Guggenheim Museums or roaming the neighborhood tree lined streets, taking in the architecture surrounding you.
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