A New York City Summer: Things to do in Summertime in NYC

A panoramic view of a lake in a park with a city skyline in the background.

Who is this for?  Travelers looking for the best things to do during their summer vacation in New York City.


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The high noon sun bounces off thousands of skyscraper windows like a disco ball. The sidewalks are bustling with people walking past with their shopping bags and iced coffee, and the street is filled with tour buses and yellow taxicabs. Summer has come to New York City. 

 

Summer in the Big Apple is hot and humid, but that doesn’t stop millions of people from visiting every year. If you are planning to be one of those tourists, here are some of the best things to do during your summer trip to New York City.

A person wearing a rainbow wristband is making a heart shape with their hands.

Celebrating Pride Month


New Yorkers have a lot of pride, in more ways than one. In fact, Greenwich Village is famous for it. I’m talking about LGBTQ Pride month. 


Drawing nearly 2 million attendees every year, NYC Pride is a lavish affair that celebrates the diverse LGBTQ community in the birthplace of the Gay Rights Movement. While NYC Pride honors the queer community, people of all backgrounds and sexualities are welcome to join in the festivities. Here are a few events you won’t want to miss.

Pride Events:


  • The March: The very first Pride March happened 1 year after the Stonewall Uprising that sparked the Gay Rights Movement. Now, thousands gather every year to continue the march in a colorful parade.


  • PrideFest: The spirit of community is exemplified in this annual Street Fair. Families, community leaders, local businesses, and artists come together in a grand festival that’s sure to impress.



  • Youth Pride: Created with the goal of providing a safe space for young people, Youth Pride is a kid-friendly event complete with music, non-alcoholic beverages, and carnival attractions.
A man in a cowboy hat is playing a cymbal in a parade.
A man is walking down a sidewalk in front of a brick building.

Celebrate the 4th



If you’re planning a trip for July, you won’t want to miss the Independence Day festivities. One of the biggest events of the summer season, New Yorkers know how to celebrate the nation’s birthday. Here are some of the ways the city likes to honor the day.

Independence Day Celebrations:


  • 4th of July Fireworks: One of the biggest fireworks shows in the country, the Macy’s 4th of July show is visible from multiple locations, with some locations hosting accompanying parties. 


  • Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest:  Hosted on the promenade at Coney Island, the hot dog eating competition is a famous (or perhaps infamous) 4th of July tradition spanning back over 50 years.



  • Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty Tours: Honor our nation’s immigrant roots by visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  Cruises and tours are available, even on Independence Day.

The statue of liberty is on a small island in the middle of the ocean.
A view of the new york city skyline from the water

Sunshine in the City


Most people don’t associate New York City with the great outdoors, but there’s so much to do in the city. Manhattan may not be a traditional wilderness, but New Yorkers have their own way of enjoying the summer sun. Here are a few ideas for your summer visit. 

Parks


  • Central Park: This world-famous park offers over 840 acres of nature to explore. Or, if you are looking for something specific for the season, you can enjoy some music with  SummerStage concerts


  • Bryant Park: Nothing says summer to New Yorkers like movies in the park. Grab a blanket and some popcorn, because Bryant Park hosts movie nights all summer long! 



  • Washington Square Park: Another famous Manhattan park, Washington Square Park supports all kinds of free public activities all summer long!
A black and white photo of a woman singing next to a man playing drums.
A ferris wheel is sitting on top of a sandy beach.

Beaches


  • Coney Island Beach: If you want an iconic summer experience, spend the day on Coney Island. Start with the amusement park, then spend the afternoon on the beach.


  • Rockaway Beach: Perfect for catching a wave, Rockaway Beach is a local favorite that’s easily accessible by subway.



  • Pier 25 and Pier 45: If traditional beaches aren’t for you, head to the Piers. You can enjoy the beauty of the ocean without getting sand in your shoes.

Catch a Game


  • Yankee Stadium: Can you name a sports field more iconic than Yankee Stadium? Watching the Yankees play ontheir home field is an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.



  • Citi Field: Yankee Stadium may be in more movies, but Citi Field is a world-class venue in its own right. Catch a game, a concert, or even a festival in this multi-use space.
An aerial view of a baseball field in new york city
A woman in a red dress is standing in the middle of a city looking up at the skyscrapers.

Beat the Heat


New York is hot in the summer, both figuratively and literally. But you shouldn’t let the heat keep you from enjoying New York. After spending some time outside in the places we mentioned above, here are some indoor places you can go to cool back down.

A row of columns in a courtyard with trees in the background

Hidden Gem Museums



  • Old Westbury Gardens: Go back to the past with this historic mansion and grounds. Furnished with original antiques, you’ll get an insider’s glimpse into a bygone era.


  • Frick Museum: A personal favorite, this small museum showcases exquisite art across several traditional mediums.


  • The Cloisters: If you love medieval art and architecture, you can get your fill in The Cloisters in Upper Manhattan. You’ll get a taste of Monastic life in the middle of the city.

Interactive Experiences


  • Color Factory: Immerse yourself in color in this unique attraction. Go through 14 stunning and colorful exhibits like nothing you’ve seen before.


  • Museum of Ice Cream: What’s a better way to beat the heat than enjoying some delicious ice cream? This interactive museum isthe cherry on top of a fantastic New York vacation. 



  • SPYSCAPE: Who didn’t play spy as a kid? Now you can test your spy skills as an adult at the interactive espionage museum
A yellow couch is sitting in front of a pink and blue wall.
A sign that says tonight all stars at 8 pm

Watch a Show

  • Broadway: If you’re coming to New York, you have to watch a show on Broadway, it’s a rule. With a wide range of shows ranging from serious dramas to playful musicals, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.


  • Off-Broadway: If you really want to experience a less commercialized version of the city’s theater scene, check out an off-Broadway show. 



  • Comedy Shows: Not in the mood for a full production? Manhattan is home to literally hundreds of comedy clubs. Enjoy drinks and some laughs during a night on the town.
A brick building with a sign that says ' incentra village house ' on it.

Stay at Incentra Village House

If you’re ready to enjoy summer in the city, book your stay at Incentra Village House. Located in the heart of the West Village, our guest house is close to all the best things to do in New York.


The perfect combination of historic charm and modern comfort, each of our 11 suites includes private bathrooms, antique furniture, and air conditioning for your comfort. Have an authentic New York summer when you book your stay today!

About the Author


Bozhidar Bachvarov (aka “Boz”) is the manager of Incentra Village Guest House in historic West Village. As a city local and a frequent traveler, Boz knows how to give guests an authentic New York experience.