Hot town, Summer in the city, Back of my neck gettin’ dirty and gritty … For many New Yorkers, the words of The Lovin’ Spoonful’s classic ring all too true as summer sends the mercury soaring across Manhattan, and residents flee in droves to the cooler climes of Long Island, the Adirondacks, and the Hamptons. However, while pounding New York’s pavements at the height of midsummer might not seem the obvious recreational choice, the city has some surprising balmy charms.
Keeping Cool in New York City
The key to staying refreshed during summer in New York City is to avoid midtown Manhattan, the Big Apple’s ‘core,’ which is filled with sightseeing buses and camera-clicking crowds from the Fourth of July to Labor Day. The summer months see Times Square overrun with visitors scrambling for their ‘I Heart NYC’ t-shirt and Yankees cap, while the Empire State Building’s elevator line can, through the heated haze, appear to stretch as far horizontally as the iconic building reaches for the skies. Consequently, opt for any direction—uptown, downtown, cross-town, or across a bridge—to discover a cooler slice of the city.
Shady Uptown Escapes
To first explore the city’s northern reaches, take a stroll through Central Park’s astoundingly uncrowded avenues, stretching from Columbus Circle to Central Park North. Pause for a refreshing swim at the glorious outdoor Lasker Pool (located between 108th and 109th Streets), and then enjoy one of the numerous free concerts—ranging from Philharmonic to children’s jazz and dub reggae—that grace the summer calendar. Spread your picnic blanket among lunching office workers on the Great Lawn or swap people-watching for bird-watching along The Ramble, a lush 38 acres of wooded paths and streams. Heading west from the park, indulge in afternoon treats at New York’s iconic Zabar’s food market, and later, as dusk unfolds, meander through the serene firefly-flecked Riverside Park amidst the Upper West Side’s joggers, strollers, and dog owners, leading to the stunning outdoor 79th Street Boat Basin Cafe.
Summer Fun Along the Hudson
Meanwhile, farther south along the Hudson, enjoy the shady, tree-lined streets of the West and Greenwich villages. Fill up on organic blueberries and heirloom tomatoes at the Union Square Greenmarket, then stroll past students and chess players in Washington Square Park to linger over cappuccinos in an old-fashioned Italian pavement cafe on Bleecker Street. Top off your afternoon with a delightful Salty Pimp cone (soft serve covered in chocolate and dulce de leche) at Big Gay Ice Cream. As the sun sets slowly over Hoboken, head to the Hudson River Park, where classics like The Wizard of Oz are screened alfresco beneath the stars, and three water-themed playgrounds provide a perfect antidote to any meltdowns.
Keeping It Cool in the East Village
East across town, the streets and squares of the East Village offer magnificent boutique browsing, far removed from the chain-store crowds of Broadway. Browse the rare cheeses and charcuteries of the historic Essex Street Market, select a refreshing smoothie (or a cake ball) at Tra-La-La Juice Bar, and rediscover your inner child at Economy Candy on Rivington Street, where retro delights such as Cherry Lips and Pixie Sticks abound. Enjoy your treats outdoors at Sara D. Roosevelt Park, where locals gather to shoot hoops and splash in water fountains. If you’re still feeling the heat, consider slipping into the indie movie house Metrograph for a foreign film and some glorious air conditioning.
Seeking Breezes and Water Views
Heading south, skip the tourist boat tours to Liberty Island and instead hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry, alongside commuters, for a spectacular view—free of charge—of Ellis Island, Lower Manhattan, and Lady Liberty herself. Next, cross the Brooklyn Bridge to stroll the delightful and breezy Brooklyn Heights Promenade, catch an outdoor Shakespeare performance in Brooklyn’s vast Prospect Park, and treat yourself to a butter pecan sundae at the waterfront Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, located in a charming 1920s fireboat house.
Classic Summer Fun on Coney Island
Finally, take the N-Train right out to Coney Island—the epitome of an old-fashioned seaside summer—to dip your toes in the great gray Atlantic Ocean. While there, indulge in knishes, Nathan’s famous hot dogs, and funnel cake, ride the historic Cyclone rollercoaster and Wonder Wheel Ferris wheel, and leave every trace of Lovin’ Spoonful’s hot city summer far, far behind.
This article was originally published in 2010. It was updated in June 2019.
