10 Things to Do in NYC This Summer

A Native New Yorker's Actual NYC Summer Bucket List

I have lived in New York City my entire life, and I can confirm that summer is an amazing time to be in the city. Not just because of the weather, but because there are so many events and outdoor spaces that invite you to be in community. From the free events in NYC Parks to the hotel rooftop pools, there's no shortage of things to do every summer. Here's my actual NYC summer bucket list, filled with the top 10 experiences I think everyone should have before the summer ends. It's a mix of free, affordable, and paid experiences that are worth every penny.

1. Rooftop Drinks or a Hotel Pool Day

Summer is, of course, rooftop season everywhere, and New York City has several rooftop bars and hotel rooftops to choose from. Some of the best rooftop bars in the city include Westlight, 250 Fifth, Harriet's Rooftop, Skylark, Dear Irving, and Refinery Rooftop. In the summer, several hotels around the city with rooftop pools also open, including Hotel Indigo Williamsburg, the William Vale, Arlo Williamsburg, the Rockaway Hotel, and Dream Downtown. On a 90-degree summer day, lounging by the pool with city views is one of the best things you can do. You can book a day pass for most of these on ResortPass, but be sure to book in advance. Feel free to use my referral link for $20 off your first $100 booking.

2. Picnic in Brooklyn Bridge Park or Central Park

Going outside and touching grass is, in fact, a must-do every summer in New York City. You can spend all day at Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park, with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline directly across the water. Or sunbathe in Sheep Meadow, a 15-acre lawn in Central Park. Make or pick up a charcuterie board, bring a blanket, grab a friend or a book, and enjoy yourself outdoors.

3. NY Liberty Game

The Liberty won the WNBA championship in 2024, and the energy around the team has only grown since. Going to a game at Barclays Center is a genuinely great experience, from the crowd's energy, the players dominating on the court, and our favorite mascot, Ellie the Elephant, turning up during halftime. Support women's basketball and go to a game this season.

4. Baseball Game

I am not a huge baseball fan, but the baseball stadium experience is top-tier, especially during the summer. Whether you're at a Yankee game or a Mets game, you're going to have an amazing time. Go on a weekday when games are cheaper and less crowded, or on a themed/heritage night.

5. Queens Night Market

The Queens Night Market runs every Saturday from May through October in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, and it is the best food market in the city - full stop. They have over 80 vendors, serving a range of cuisines, which truly reflects Queens, the most diverse county in the nation, and every single dish is no more than $6. You can eat your way through Tibetan, Filipino, Salvadoran, Jamaican, and a dozen other cuisines in a single night. FYI, some vendors are cash only.

6. Outdoor Movie Night

Outdoor movie night is one of my favorite free NYC summer activations. You can catch a movie (most of them with a view) at various parks and locations across the five boroughs, including Movies Under the Stars, run by the NYC Parks Dept, Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Paramount + Movie Nights at Bryant Park, and Pier 1 Picture Show at Riverside Park. Bring a blanket, and arrive early for a good spot.

7. Beach Day — Rockaway Beach or One of NYC's Free Beaches

Most people will head out to Long Island for a beach day, but New York City has several free beaches worth visiting. Rockaway Beach in Queens is accessible by the A train, has a boardwalk, great food, and a whole surf culture and community. Orchard Beach in the Bronx has calmer water and is a genuine Bronx institution. Coney Island in Brooklyn gives you the boardwalk, Nathan's, and the amusement park all in one trip. All three are free and accessible via the subway. Go on a weekday if you can; weekend crowds at Rockaway, especially, are significant.

8. A Full Day on Governors Island

Going to Governor's Island is the perfect mini day trip from New York City. It's a 172-acre island in the Manhattan harbor, and less than 10 minutes from Lower Manhattan by ferry. Arrive on the island in the morning, rent a bike, ride the perimeter, and stop at the Hills for the best skyline views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Have lunch at one of the many food vendors, including the Smorgasburg pop-up, admire the rotating art installations, and chill out in the hammock grove. For a more luxurious experience, spend some time at QC Spa and even consider glamping overnight at Collective Retreats.

9. Long Island Wine Country Day Trip

A Long Island wine country day trip is a must for me every single summer. The region has 50-plus wineries, about 100 miles from the city, with the vast majority sitting on the North Fork. A few of my favorites include: Macari Vineyards, Croteaux Vineyards, Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery, Duck Walk Vineyards, and Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Most of these vineyards allow walk-ins, but I recommend booking your tastings in advance, especially if you're traveling with a group. Check out liwines.com for more wine country info.

10. US Open & US Open Fan Week

The US Open runs from August 30th to September 13th at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens. US Open Fan Week, a free alternative where you can see tennis pros practice, watch qualifying matches, and enjoy a range of other family-friendly activities, runs from August 23rd to August 29th. You can find more information at usopen.org. This is quite literally one of the best free events to wrap up the summer.

A Few Practical Notes

Several of these experiences have specific time windows. The Queens Night Market runs every Saturday through October. Governors Island is open Memorial Day through October. The US Open runs strictly from August 30 through September 13, but Fan Week (free) runs from August 23–29. The NY Liberty regular season runs through September, with playoffs into October. If you're working around a visit or a specific month, plan accordingly. For the hotel pool day via ResortPass, book at least a week in advance during peak summer because passes sell out quickly during heat waves. For the Long Island wine country trip, the North Fork is best in late summer and early fall when harvest begins. July and August give you lush green vineyards; September brings the harvest energy and the crowds that come with it.