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    Top 5 places to enjoy the New York summer outdoors

    By Heather Martin | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Fri, Jul 15, 2011
    This story comes from the Yahoo! Contributor Network, where individuals publish their unique perspectives on some of the world’s most popular websites.
    Do you have a story to tell? Become a Yahoo! contributor

    The best part of summer is being outdoors enjoying the sun. If you feel the same, this list of top summer spots in New York is for you. To take advantage of the summer in New York, here are some great places to enjoy being outdoors:

    Fort Tilden State Park

    Hands down, the best beach I have seen in the city. Pristine, sandy beaches, nice waves, and, most importantly, very few people. Far Rockaway is probably less popular in part because it lacks amenities. There are no food vendors and only port-o-potty restrooms. However, for a truly nice beach and space to spread out on the sand, a little convenience is worth forgoing. Bring beach towels, sunscreen, swimsuits, entertainment, beverages, and food. You can get there by car or bike via Flatbush Avenue or 878. If you drive, you will need to either park before the state park entrance to avoid paying the fee or be prepared to pay. To go via subway, take the A to the last stop, Rockaway Park Beach/116th Street.

    Battery Park

    Battery Park is one of the best places in the city for a picnic on a hot day. The views are wonderful, especially of the Statue of Liberty, and being so close to the water helps you cool off even if there is no breeze. If you stay later, you will even see fireflies. Having an after-work potluck picnic is an especially fun way to get together with friends during the heat wave. Bring picnic blankets, plates, cups, silverware, napkins, and, of course, food and beverages. The nearest public restrooms if you meet after 6 p.m. are at the Staten Island ferry terminal. Battery Park is off the 1, 4, or 5 South Ferry stop or the Whitehall Street stop on the R.

    Shore Boulevard

    Going for a run, walk, skate, or bike ride along Shore Boulevard is a great way to enjoy beautiful summer views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, and New York Bay. The boulevard continues from Bay Ridge all the way to Bensonhurst and is for pedestrians and bikers only with a divided path. There are no facilities, but a short bus ride or walk to Bay Ridge Avenue or Third Avenue will lead you to restaurants and shops. Take the N train to 59th or R train to Bay Ridge Ave, 77th Street, 86th Street, or 95th Street to get there by subway and go west to the water.

    Staten Island Ferry or boat cruise

    Being on the water feels wonderful on a hot, humid summer day and a boat or ferry ride is a great way to enjoy the water. The cheapest option is to walk on the Staten Island Ferry for free, which you can get to by taking the 1, 4, or 5 to South Ferry or the R to Whitehall Street. If you have a little more money to spend and would like to see more of Manhattan, click here to access an excellent list of the different cruise and boat tour providers.

    Bars/restaurants with outdoor areas

    Eating or drinking outdoors is a fun way to really enjoy the summer weather. Though not at all comprehensive, some of my favorite spots include Vela at 830 Third Ave. in Bay Ridge, Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden at 29-19 24th Ave, in Astoria, The Delancey at 168 Delancey St. in the Lower East Side, Spunto at 65 Carmine St. in West Village, and Sidecar at 560 Fifth Ave. in Park Slope.

    Heather Martin fell in love with New York City after relocating to the city to pursue her MS in global affairs and a career in international human rights. A Brooklyn resident for over three years, she enjoys exploring all that New York City has to offer.

    For more stories in your area, check out Yahoo! Local New York.

     

    1 comment

    • Howard
      Howard  •  10 mths ago
      First of all, Fort Tilden is not a state park. It is part of the federal Gateway National Park. Secondly, you can't just get off the A-Train and walk to the park. It is a 3-mile bus ride. Thirdly,, there
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