New City, New York

There aren't any mountain peaks to summit in New York City, but the view from the top of the Rockefeller Building is the next best thing. You'll have to pay a few bucks ($29 to be exact) and deal with some tourists but you won't regret your decision once you're looking out over one of the most ic...

If you're craving some time away from the bustle of everyday life to enjoy some silence, broken only by the babbling sound of water flowing over small boulders and the occasional crunching of leaves-- you'll find many spots along the Croton River to satisfy your desire for stillness.  The Croton...

Nestled along the East River waterfront in Long Island City, Queens, Gantry Plaza State Park offers visitors a breathtaking urban park experience with unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline. This 4-acre historic waterfront park transforms former industrial land into a stunning green space ...

Built on a historic freight rail line and perched above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side, the High Line is a public park that features a green-lined walkway. Park hours depend on the season, although it never opens before 7am, so best to go for sunset. Although you may have some company on wa...

Kingsland Wildflowers is a rooftop meadow located atop Broadway Stages in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood, offering 24,000 square feet of native plants like bee balm, purple aster, and wild strawberries. The green space, a collaboration between Alive Structures, New York City Audubon, and the ...

There are several trailheads for Hemlock Hills But the least crowded is at the intersection of Ned's Mountain road and Bogus Road.  I took my 3 year old black lab. There are ton's of little ponds for your dog to jump in and do dog things.  For the most part the hike is flat but at some parts it c...

Join the thousands of people who cross the GWB each day, but do it by foot! This is an easy walk with beautiful views of the New York City skyline. You will begin seeing signs for the bridge bike path at Ft. Washington St. & E. 177th St., which you follow for a few blocks until you begin asce...

This 5-acre public park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is perfect for soaking up the sun and taking in the city! Picnic on the grass with lunch and your favorite book, or walk along the water and watch the boats pass by with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.

Brooklyn Bridge Walk is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near New York City, New York.

Get a feel for what New York was like in the 19th century at the Seaport! The Seaport boasts some of the oldest buildings and architecture in Manhattan, and the area continues to bustle today. The Seaport borders the Financial District and the East River - so there are lots of wonderful sights to...

Starting at the Brooklyn Main Street Park, you are on the right side of the Manhattan Bridge. Here you can check out the new outdoor climbing gym. Keep walking along the water and you'll soon come upon Pebble Beach. Now this beach is not exactly a "let's bring our beach chairs and spend the da...

Practice bouldering at North America's largest outdoor rock climbing gym after work. Of course you aren't climbing mountains, but at least the view of the East River isn't too shabby! Enter at the corner of Adams St. and John St. and see the Manhattan Bridge above you. To your left is the new ...

Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city doesn't always require actually leaving the city. Hanging out next to the East River and focusing on photographing the Brooklyn Bridge can be just what you need to clear your head and get your fix for some outdoors time. This is a great spot to practice ...

Located in DUMBO this is seen as one of of the prime photography spots in NYC for good reason. Off the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street is a perfect view of the Manhattan Bridge sandwiched between two buildings. If you want to take it one step further you are able to get a close...

Located at the Battery, the southern tip of Manhattan Island in New York City, facing New York Harbor. The Battery is named for the artillery batteries that were positioned there in the city's early years to protect the settlement behind them. There's also multiple transportation going on underne...

The Brooklyn Bridge Park spans over a mile of waterfront and is an awesome location for being active or just relaxing outdoors without leaving the city. There is a ton of grassy space to set up a picnic and watch the sunset and many other options for fun - basketball courts, a carousel, roller sk...