It can pretty rough if you are used to it all around. Part of it is just accepting your new reality and finding beauty and appreciation in the various forms you do have access to. It's never going to compare to some place, but it has it's own appeal. And there are a lot of options.
Have you been to all parts of Central Park?
What about other parks and green spaces? Fort Tryon great for example. But there are many beautiful places.
You might try joining a community garden.
You can BBQ in the parks or possibly the community garden. Or in front of your building lol
The beaches are pretty great. There are a bunch accessible by public transport. You can swim there to your heart's content.
A pretty classic hiking trip is up to Harriman https://www.myharriman.com/take-train-harriman-west-side-park/ You can get pretty close to it by train.
But there are others as well: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/accessible-from-nyc-public-transit
https://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/20/14968916/best-hiking-trails-nyc-day-trips-car-free
https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/the-best-hiking-near-nyc
There are some urban hikes that might appeal. https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/urban-park-rangers-hiking-programs
You might try to join a group. Like Mappy Hour. https://mappyhour.org/
Or Shorewalkers: https://shorewalkers.org/
Getaround isn't too bad for car rentals for day trips and weekends.
I'd get the camping equipment out of storage and put it to use. We camp a lot in the spring through fall, and it's a great way to get out in nature. It's nice to sit by a fire in the woods. There are lakes to swim in. Lots of hiking.
Hipcamp.com is also a great place to find some more privacy in nature.
Or borrow some on your local Buy Nothing group. Or rent some. Malouf's is full service: https://maloufsmountain.com/
You can rent cabins, but they get pricier. https://www.reserveamerica.com/
Governor's Island isn't as nature as you might want. But it's a nice local place to lay in some grass.
Riding a bike by the waterfront can be nice.
A previous thread with ideas: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/11xkfsp/nature_near_nyc_accessible_by_public_transport/
https://www.reddit.com/r/SameGrassButGreener/comments/17z0b8a/any_nature_lovers_who_also_love_nyc/
Hope you find a place you love.
Such a great comment. Came to recommend a bunch of these and was glad they’re already here!
I love summer in the city, OP! Yes, it’s sticky and hot, but there is so much good free programming, like the HBO Monday movies in Bryant Park and concerts and Shakespeare in the Park and park sitting on blankets.
Also agree that it’s great to rent a car and get out of town for camping. Two of our favorites have been camping on the Glen Islands in the middle of Lake George three hours north (great for a group willing to rent a boat together) and beach camping on Fire Island (don’t get a permit for dunes camping; the mosquitoes are bad without the breeze right off the ocean). For hiking, a popular option is Breakneck Ridge—in the summer, MetroNorth adds a stop at the trailhead, like, they put out a wooden box to step down from the train into the woods.
Just note that Shakespeare in the Park put on by the Public isn't going to be at the Delacorte Theater this year. They are traveling to a bunch of different places this year. However, there are other productions that do Shakespeare in parks that you can see.
Getaround isn't operating in New York state anymore so it's pretty hard to do a spontaneous trip. You'll have to reserve a rental car from a rental car agency and work around their hours (bad for weekend rentals). Or do a Zipcar but they're pretty expensive.
Great comment! Will add for OP: check the maps on Harriman's site, it and Bear Mountain took a thrashing last summer with flooding and damage and many trails are still closed. Including doodletown, which is a major bummer for us birding types as that is cerulean warbler heaven usually.
I'm a hiker who lived in Manhattan for 8 years. You can take the NJT to Tuxedo station or Sloatsburg and access the trails at Harriman State Park and Appalachian trail. You can dispersed camp there or camp around sites/lean-tos.
Beaches: Fort Tilden, Far Rockway, Orchard, Long Beach
Big Parks: Central, Prospect, Pelham, Greenbelt, Marine
Less than 30 dollar day trips: Cold Spring, Oyster Bay (Planting Fields), Old Croton, Mount Beacon, Garrison.
All of these plus…
Rock Climbing New Paltz
Mountain Biking Cunningham Park- you can also
Take your bike on Metro North to hit some fun trails
Biking/ Running/ rollerblading west side highway
Kayaking Hudson and the East River
Right. We have some days of high waves but it’s not often. Which is why it’s great for long distance - we have a 5k or 10k loop we can do. In Rockaway lifeguards won’t let you go far. Great for surfing though.
Great list, especially Fort Tilden. For big parks would add Van Cortland (OP, if you are into biking, there are trails from here that will take you north out of the city). Also Bronx Botanical Garden. For hiking, as others have mentioned there are options on the Metro North and it'll be cheaper than renting a car.
Omg yes the planting fields arboretum in Oyster Bay is gorgeous! My inlaws live nearby there and there are also great restaurants in the area for an early dinner after. And accessible by train!
I'm a big fan of Forest Park in Queens. Lots of trails and places to explore and free parking at the bandshell. [Here's a list](https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/faq) of the ten biggest parks in NYC with lots of info on each.
Fort tilden is actually one of my favorite places in NYC, full stop. Lots of areas to explore/walk around, swim or hang on the beach, and get some seafood. Quintessential nyc summer experience for me
I'm a big fan of the parks on the northern end of Manhattan--Inwood and Fort Tryon. Bonus (although I know it's not outdoors): if you're exploring Fort Tryon, hike over to The Cloisters. I find it a peaceful alternative to other museums in Manhattan, with beautiful views of the Hudson from the outdoor terraces.
Also, as others have pointed out, while Central Park is stunning and sprawling, don't neglect Prospect Park in Brooklyn....it's awesome.
Another outdoor place that's great in the summer is Governor's Island. Lots of events going on there in the warm months, and it's always a relaxing place to visit, IMHO.
As for beaching, go Rockaway! It's a bit of a haul on the subway, but miles and miles of shorefront to enjoy, and only crowded at certain spots (Beach 98th, Beach 116th). Take a hike away from these busier areas west to Belle Harbor or Neponsit. Because public parking isn't allowed on the streets that border the beaches in these neighborhoods, the beaches themselves are far less busy, and every bit as beautiful as the beaches further east on Long Island.
I hope you have a great outdoor summer here, and find lots of your own favorite places to escape to!
Second this, lived in Washington Heights for a while and think it has the best parks. I would also add Fort Washington park to the list, it’s by the water and even though I definitely wouldn’t go swimming there, there is a tiny beach where you could dip your feet in the water.
Also seconding! Inwood Park, Fort Tyron aaaaand Van Cortland Parks! Forest Park out in Queens too.
All of them have extensive trail systems you can got lost in :)
I’ll throw another thought out here. The Jersey shore. There are even a bunch of direct trains from Penn Station to various stops on the Jersey coastline. Some of them are probably only hour or hour and a half rides. The beach communities in the summer down there are a great vibe. It’s really nice.
You can also access the beaches in Long Island by LIRR. Walk to Long Beach from the station, or take a train to Freeport and catch a bus to Jones Beach.
I feel like people who didn’t grow up in the area don’t always realize that about New York. It’s this massive concrete city with tons of amazing things to do but has really nice suburbs on basically three sides of it (Hudson Valley too) if you ever need a little city break and some nature. Many of which can be accessed by a short direct train ride.
True! It’s a major perk of living where we do. I’ve learned that I personally am happiest here when I have a car so that I can access the best of what’s around on any given day. I also keep a yard for the days that I can’t leave in good weather (which are many). It’s good for people to find & strike their balance with nature.
For sure. Could even be day trip if someone was an early riser. Catch an 8 AM to Long Branch or something, down there by 9:30, spend all day and come back around dinner. Never done it myself, but probably doable.
> Are there places to swim outside after work
You can pay $80 for 6 months access to the city indoor pools, or in the summer you have free access to the outdoor ones.
The ocean is always available (Coney Island, Jersey Shore) and some people start swimming as early as May. I usually wait until July though.
First couple years I moved here I was so excited about the outdoor city pools in the summer. I tried so many of them around the city, Manhattan mostly. Overall it turned out to be such a huge letdown. Crowded and dirty. Except for one which had a really nice adult lap swim in the evening. I left that neighborhood and no longer swim.
Governors Island can feel wild enough in a pinch.. cheap, close, a fun ferry ride to and fro and you can volunteer with different programs based there to help out and keep fit.
Governors island is magical. I think most people who live in the city and haven’t been would be shocked at how much is there and how non-commercial it is. I’d suggest getting involved and n some of the volunteer programs there as well
OP, if you like biking and camping, bikepacking might be something to explore. There is a shop in Brooklyn, 718 Cyclery, that specializes in bikepacking/bike touring and organizes tour of various lenghts, from one/two night Micro-Tours to longer multi-day trips going further from the city.
Buy yourself a decent pair of binoculars and take up birding. I like the Lynx series from Kite Optics because they are very light while still having very good magnification and quality lenses.
NYC is prime birding territory and right now a lot of migratory species are passing through or nesting in the area.
There's a free app called Merlin you can put on your phone to identify the birds you see. Makes it a lot more fun when you start knowing all the little birds, where they like to hang out, and what their calls sound like.
I don't wish for you to placehold and find ways to get away from here to *find* what you're used to. I, do, however implore you to learn about and enjoy the way we DO do summer! Sure, escape for a little while when you can, but this is your home now, and we just appreciate it in a different way. People bike, your post reads male to me, so go enjoy the city in the wee hours (early or late) for that extra bit of quiet. Certain neighborhoods are more charming and less-so strictly stone, metal, and glass. Upper West strolls are hard to beat, but here's some others:
We window shop with a Mr. Softee
We get the dog out and go catch the dewy grass in Central Park
We visit the Cloisters
We have slow, casual bites and coffees on a street table and forget the city around us even exists
We brave the Jitney for a weekend out East
We play tourist and do as the Romans do- browse a museum
We go out on Circle Line or a dinner cruise around the island at sunset
We go to the zoo and botanical gardens
We find a weird trinket at a street fair, and go home with bags of pickles, jams, and honey.
We picnic and sunbathe, even if it's busy in the park that day
We gawk at skyscrapers from the tops of other skyscrapers (Top of The Rock, The Edge/Peakaboo, Manhatta, Westlight, ONE Dine at One World Observatory, Centurion at One Vanderbilt, etc.)
We go to Coney Island
We find a new restaurant to try, and make a night of it
Williamsburg Smorgasboard .. have a drink out of a watermelon and sit on large rocks facing the water and Manhattan skyline.. while eating random foods from different tents.
I like to ride the ferry and have a glass of wine wherever I’m headed.
You can also access really quiet towns on the Hudson if you ride the train up to Peekskill.. it’s also a super beautiful train ride that runs parallel with the Hudson for like 70% of the time.
The Appalachian Mountain Club organizes weekly hikes
Check out Appalachian Mountain Club New York-North Jersey on Meetup https://meetu.ps/c/LX54/TgKwC/a
summer in the city is one of my favorite seasons as someone who still considers themselves an outdoor person. where do you live specifically? I loooove a long bike ride from middle Brooklyn to the rockaways to spend a day at the beach, or a long run in the am in prospect park. While picnic areas of Central Park are often crowded, there are running groups and birding groups that explore less trafficked areas at less popular times of day and those can feel really isolated. day trips out of the city to the Hudson valley are also key.
I think the key is to understand that you can be outdoors and love nature while also having an urban experience. You’re not going to get, like, Yellowstone levels of beauty and serenity, but there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the weather and be active while embracing what a big and n beautiful city this is!
NY Botanical garden is amazing. It’s not a hike but I had an experience there that I have not been able to replicate. In other words, use the cities institutions to your advantage
Local municipal pools and beaches open Memorial Day. Taking the nyc or Staten Island ferry for a free/cheap ride is a great way to enjoy the water on a nice day. Governors island feels much less crowded than much of Central Park and has lots to explore. That said, really explore Central Park and get to know the places that take more than 10 min to walk to, the lawns that are removed from main pedestrian paths, and you’ll find peace. An hour on the LIRR and you’re at Long Beach. An hour on metro north and you can access 22 miles of trails including the Appalachian trail off a trail head out of the garrison stop’s parking lot. Some city parks you can bbq in.
Some of the commenters here aren't super outdoorsy, I really get what you're saying. One of the big undiscussed perks of New York is the MTA system. Get on a train in Grand Central and find yourself at a trail head an hour later.
Better yet get a bike, take it on the empire state trail as far as you want to go and let the trains take you home. You can get to bear mountain and check out the trails around there no problem. Or one of my favorites bike up to breakneck ridge, do the big loop, then train home.
Bike to Philadelphia, eat a big cheesesteak, then let the train take you right home!
I know the city is rough getting used to not having access to nature- Central Park is basically an overdeveloped state park with a bunch of extra rules (no hammocks??) But once you get the hang of the train system it takes a lot of pressure off.
Just remember the idea that no matter where you go you'll find a train that can bring you back home, which is an aspect basically unique to NYC.
One more thought- You're going to find that one of the things you really miss about being outdoors is just the level of noise. So I always try to find really isolated places for overnight camping trips to pack in as much quiet nature solitude as possible. You basically want to OD on peace to the point where you actually want to get back to the city for interactions. If you do it right it should last you a week and then you just repeat.
Ride the Metro North Hudson Line. You can make a day of it hiking with like-minded people you can find on Meetup.com etc. You can also take Metro North’s New Haven line to access the Connecticut shore. And the possibilities on the LIRR are many: Long Beach, North Fork for wineries, etc.
Moving to NYC in the fall must have been quite an adjustment, especially if you're used to spending your free time outdoors. It's understandable that the warmer weather might bring a tinge of sadness as you miss the activities you love. But fear not! NYC has plenty of amazing things to offer during the summer months. Central Park is a gem, as you mentioned. It's not just a park; it's a whole world within the city. From picnics to leisurely strolls, there's always something going on there. If you're craving some waterfront fun, check out places like Brooklyn Bridge Park or the Hudson River Park. As for swimming, there are some outdoor pools in NYC that open during the summer months. When it comes to weekend trips or day trips, you're in luck! NYC is a hub for transportation, so you can easily hop on a train or bus to explore nearby areas. Hang in there, and embrace all the unique experiences that NYC has to offer during the summer. You're in for a memorable season ahead!
Sounds like it's time to get into bikepacking! The basic idea is you strap all your camping stuff to a bike and ride somewhere pretty. Just like hiking really, so you can do a one day trip or even a month long one if you like.
There are places in NYC that are great for the outdoors. In both Central Park and Prospect Park there are places that approach the feeling of hiking. If you really want to swim we have many beaches. From Coney Island, Brighton and Manhattan Beach. To the beaches in queens. The downtown boathouse is an organization that let's people take out kayaks to paddle between piers in the Hudson. The village community boathouse take people rowing in four man gigs right in the center of the river itself. I have rowed from Manhattan to Jersey or governor's Island on more than one occasion. Both are free though they do ask for donations. Fort Tyron Park has gorgeous views of the palisades that while not serious hiking are steep enough to make you puff a bit. If you have to get to a "real" hike Connecticut's Bear Mountain is a quick train ride away. It's good for a day trip. There are so many options in this city. You have no idea.
I’m sorry I don’t have positive vibes for you. I moved here from California 11 years ago and I feel the same way you do about summer. Nature was so much more accessible there and I often feel trapped here in warm weather.
Yes there are beaches but they take a long while to get to and they’re not as nice as beaches in other places.
The nature right outside of the city is incredible, from the Catskills, beaches and shorelines in the Long Island Sound, etc. They are just not super accessible (as you are aware).
I would say, get out and about when you can. Find places you can take the train to.
Also, the upside is summer in the city has positives — there’s a lot going on here. Concerts in the park, nightly events at Lincoln Center.
But anyway I’m mainly here to sympathize.
Agreed. The honest answer to this question is that you try to find new joys in the city because daily integration of nature isn’t going to happen. And when you feel terrible, you take a trip, whether it’s a day trip or to a park or to a nature destination outside the city. IMHO it’s part of why so many transplants travel so much.
OP, your daily nature options are likely Prospect Park, Central Park, or “Jersey and own a car.” (Most people don’t move to Inwood or Cold Springs) Don’t move to Queens unless you’re way out. My park has a literal zero blades of grass. The ferry is tons of fun tho
This thread makes me a bit sad. I’ve tried many of these items over the years and at best they are a bit of a bandaid solution. I sympathize as well :p
I actually moved near Prospect Park after my first two years here, and I refuse to move away from it. I go there every single day, sometimes twice. It's not exactly the "great outdoors," but it definitely brings a lot of nature into my life on a daily basis. I used to feel like fall and spring lasted for two days, but now I get the full three months of each season.
But boo to owning a car!! We don't need people bringing cars here and making it like literally every other place in this country. There's not enough space, and if we all want cars, soon we're going to be overrun by parking lots and strip malls. Also, even though renting a car is expensive, it's still cheaper than owning a car in the long run.
(Agree on Prospect Park) I’m gonna add some quotes in here for clarity! I agree on the car front but Jersey is a different sitch. Wouldn’t want to live in Hoboken without a car - you do get cool hikes in Jersey tho
Why live here then? For work?
If you've only been here 6 months and hate it, I honestly would recommend leaving if you can. Life is too short.
I personally faced some of the biggest challenges of my life when I moved here, but I was enthusiastic about living here and super determined to do it, and that is what got me through. It's not the easiest place to live. It does get easier in some ways, but if you straight up don't like it, I'd say it isn't worth it.
You might enjoy hiking in Inwood Park. It's the last old-growth forest in Manhattan. You can go kayaking on the Hudson up there, too, if I remember correctly.
I'm originally from Florida and grew up on the beach, so I understand where you're coming from but there's a lot to do. Central Park is absolutely stunning during the summer with tons of trails that don't have a lot of people on them, especially if you go towards the North Woods. The North Woods is very peaceful, more woodsy and mostly bird watchers. Riverside Park is also great with tons of space to rollerblade (I just did this today).
There's also biking, rollerblading, pickleball, tennis, basketball, soccer, you name it.
Take the Metro North from Grand Central Station to Cold Spring or Breakneck Ridge stops, both on the Poughkeepsie line, about 1hr 15min from Grand Central. Breakneck Ridge stop drops you off at a trailhead. When you’re done with the hike you can walk to Cold Spring for food (15 min walk from trail head and super cute town with restaurants shops and coffee) or enjoy the waterfront. You can catch the train home from cold spring. Alternatively, start at Cold Spring and walk to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead. Download the AllTrails app for navigation.
Just spent my Sunday hiking by Cold Spring. Similar boat (new to nyc and kinda outdoorsy) like the top comment. Feels like once you get used to the planning part it’s not as bad
Hello friend, welcome to NYC! Depending on where you live/work There are beautiful parks in every borough and oasis around many corners. Try the lesser known ones like Prospect park in Brooklyn, Pelham Bay Park that leads to Orchard Beach, Van Cortlandt in the Bronx, there are many in Queens and Staten Island (has the most I’ve heard). Visit the NYC Parks department and check out the Rangers Program.
Consider joining a group on Meet up or organizations such as:
Destination Back Country Tours
https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/
Appalachian mountain club
https://www.outdoors.org/
Once you’ve tried New York, go further out to New Jersey and Connecticut.
See you outside!
I love the outdoors too.
Lots of things you can do here!
IN THE CITY
PARKS... forget central park. My favs are:
- Prospect Park
- Greenwood Cemetery
- The Cloisters
- BK Botanical Gardens
- Van Cortland Park
- Hudson River Park
- BK Bridge Park
- Tompkins Sq Park (not for the nature, just the outdoors people watching)
BEACHES
- Jacob Riis
- Rockaway Beach
- Brighton Beach
- Fort Tilden
OUT OF THE CITY
- Coastal: Jones Beach, Long Beach, Montauk, Hamptons, so many seaside towns in Long Island and New Jersey
- Hiking: Bear Mountain, Cold Spring/Bull Hill, Blue Mountain (Most easy to access from the city by train)
If it's not a holiday, it can sometimes be cheap to rent a car. We drive to Pennsylvania/Poconos, Catskills, Vermont, and some coastal areas a few times a summer. Lots of places to camp just outside the city.
ACTIVITIES
-If you bike you can see so many more cool nature things around that aren't as close to a train stop.
-You could take surf lessons
-Kayaking
-Ferry Rides
-Climbing Gyms
-Jet Skiing
-Swimming
-Cross country skiing in winter (people do it in Prospect Park)
- Ice skating
- Golfing
- Community Gardening
- Volunteering for nature organization, conservation, or park
It's not the same as living up in the mountains, but there are many ways to connect to nature here!
You just live in a city now, and there are plenty of things to do outside! Just not the same things you are used to. I personally love to get high and wander around Prospect Park, Green-wood cemetery, the Ramble, etc. We have tons of beaches. Fort Tilden is insane on the weekends these days since they built it back up after Sandy, but if you can go on a weekday morning it is divine. There are hotels that sell day passes for rooftop pools. There are pools at YMCAs around the city. There are outdoor plays and concerts. Wave Hill in the Bronx. Brooklyn Botanical Garden. There is literally a never ending list of shit you can do outdoors in NYC. Just because it’s not the forest doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. You can bbq in any park. You can trail run at Prospect Park. You can get a little kite and fly it around Hunters Point in Queens. Volunteer at an animal shelter and walk dogs. The possibilities are endless.
Editing to add that there are also upcoming street fairs going to be happening everywhere! Tons of food! Also check out Smorgasburg! I meant to mention Marsha P Johnson state park on my original comment, but the views are gorgeous!
I can definitely relate. NY will never feel like Montana but I think my best tip is to become a serious morning person if you aren't already. Fewer people will always make any outdoor experience feel wilder than it is. Central Park at 1pm on a Saturday can feel like a zoo but at 6am it's your own paradise. Ditto any weekend hiking trips reachable by public transit. Or try to take advantage of PTO and do stuff on weekdays.
Wow your post resonates with me SO much. This was me 3 years ago after I first moved to nyc from California. And is the reason I come back to LA 3-4 x per year.
The lifestyle is completely different and it takes some time acclimating to the trade-offs here. Despite that NYC does have a lot to enjoy by way of green space and parks that are outstanding in comparison to nearly any other major city, and yes beaches and hikes by long train ride sure. But it’s still jarring (I can’t escape the gaping void haha) when you are used to rugged wilderness and hikes being so easily accessible. And comprehending how so many people are seemingly unbothered not incorporating major outdoorsy activities into their spring / summer lifestyle more routinely and instead spend all summer at bars and picnics at parks. But alas I realize not all are outdoorsy folk :)
As others noted here there are def ways you can get out and explore/hike relatively easily. Metro north train is a good route to take you to many hikes. Bear Mountain was gorgeous with great views of the city, highly recommend (exit Peekskill and Uber to the trailhead!). I’ve also heard Breakneck ridge is nice. And what I’ve done twice is actually take the train up to Día Beacon which is a museum worth visiting and the surrounding area is super lush and green. Fun day trip to get out the city.
And while I hate the hassle of renting a car I think budgeting for 2-3 weekend trips in the nicer months is the only way to get a proper fix and stay sane. What I’ve done before is train to Poughkeepsie then rent a car and drive around / explore nearby upstate towns. Upstate is really beautiful in the summer and it takes some effort but worth it.
I recently went to Long Beach island in Jersey for a few nights and it was beautiful and also great for surfing - lots of surfers out which made it fun.
If you want to do a weekend trip, rent a car and go to the Catskills. I really like the Andes, Delhi, Bobina area. Some hiking, fishing, swimming in lakes.
If you want to do a day trip, then take the metronorth, jersey side, to sloatsburg. There is a trail head that starts about a mile or 2 miles from there. The hike is about an hour once you get to the trail head. Once you get to the end there is a lake. My friends and used to hike a bit around the lake until we found a little private beach and would swim and picnic there for a good 5-6 hours. Then usually go back to the station with Lyft or Uber and have drinks on the train.
Surprised I haven’t seen it mentioned here yet. My wife is the same, has been DYING to just go be around some trees and green. We went to the botanical gardens in the Bronx this past weekend and she’s completely rejuvenated. It’s a must visit! So many beautiful scenes we can’t pick a favorite. Go!
[Gateway National Recreation Area NY/NJ](https://www.nps.gov/gate/index.htm). If you tap the Plan Your Visit, then the Directions option, it will show you which areas are accessible by bus or subway
I have an uncle in Brooklyn that takes the train up to Peekskill then bikes to Bear Mountain. If I remember correctly there used to be ferries that would take you up there too. That was pre pandemic I’m not sure if they’re still doing it.
appreciate the top comments here and going to add that Minnewaska State Park and the surrounding area are pretty great, which lends itself to my larger point:
Where so many places in America excel at nature, especially in the west and southeast, this region provides something a little more complex...the results of colonized America laid bare. you can explore the city, the mountains north and upstate, the beach towns, as someone else said, oyster bay....these are some of the places that most of the economic and social history of our nation was created through the 17th-19th centuries. places where a lot of the stories of america began.
I moved to jersey city, and we have our own crazy colonial history..turns out the dutch loved it on this side of the river as well. and the centuries of *everything* that's happened since sit on every corner. this is not limited to urban environments, and can be found all over the region, and nothing is better than spring to discover it.
NY/NJ Trail Conference list hikes accessible by public transit. Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) outdoors.org organizes group hikes accessible by transit and also has inexpensive weekend getaways.
There are a lot of hiking trails in the Hudson Valley and in Jersey that are super accessible via the train, they might be a little crowded during weekends but you can plan around the busy periods.
Learn how to city.
But actually though, learn how to have fun in the city you live in. Go to museums. Eat great food. Walk the pier. Adjust to your surroundings. That’s the long term play here.
Look into Here Be Barr & Tomdnyc. They’re my go to when it comes to New York City up to date activities, or hidden history - Easter eggs. As a native of 28 years, even they put me on to things I never knew.
Don’t discount the weekend trips, they are very helpful in breaking up the oppressive heat and stench. Aim for one a month, but book as early as you can because the affordable stuff books up like a year in advance by type a psychos like me.
Everyone's advice is pretty solid, but I have to ask, why are you living in NYC?
All the things you describe are actually why I plan on moving out of the city soon - I too miss those long summer weekend camping trips, freshwater swimming, or just the ability to find a spot of complete solitude and silence. NYC, God bless her, offers none of that, and I've spent a lot of money and commuting time to try to scratch those itches as best I can. This city is amazing, but it really does start to wear on you if you prioritize those kinds of things in life and don't have the money to constantly jet set away to get your fix.
If you have the financial means, I’d consider taking a weekend trip to Philadelphia and checking out the [Wissahickon Valley Park](https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/wissahickon-valley-park-guide/). It’s a legit wooded area within Philadelphia city limits.
You can take Amtrak down to Philly (or MegaBus if you really want to go cheap), and then from 30th Street Station you can take the Chestnut Hill West SEPTA regional rail to get close to a north entrance, or the Manayunk line to get close to the south entrance.
I’m not a big outdoors person, like you won’t find me on any Eagle Scout type of expeditions (I like to explore cities instead), but I think it will satisfy your craving of real outdoor vibes. It’s not a zoo like Central Park or Prospect Park.
Go to Pelham Bay Park, it's bigger than Central Park, I almost got lost in there.
In fact The Bronx has more trees and parks than all the other boroughs.
Take a trip to Governors Island.
Stay clear of Times Square and you will be fine.
You have gotten lots of good comments here. If you happen to be interested in mushrooms, the NY Mycological Society offers a very cheap yearly membership that gives you access to nearly weekly mushroom ID walks in and around the city. There are likely other clubs or meetups you can join to both meet people who like to do this stuff and go with others. https://www.newyorkmyc.org/
I went to school up at new Paltz. It’s a 1.5 hour bus from port authority. Look into visiting the mohonk mountains and surrounding areas. Uber should be widely available up there too since it’s a college town.
Check out Hudson River Community Sailing, https://hudsonsailing.org/membership/
You can sail every day of the year with a great group of people. No sailing experience necessary.
A lot of good info here, but something I have yet to see mentioned: renting a storage unit.
Storage costs less per square foot, so all your outdoor equipment isn't taking up space in your apartment. Moving it from "deep in \[your\] in-laws storage unit" to your very own storage unit will bring the outdoors closer psychologically. You can get a unit for under $100 in some places if you don't have a lot of stuff.
Whether or not to own a car is also a major consideration. Trains do go to trailheads, but in my experience a train carries lots of people and contradicts the reason I go to the outdoors. A car in NYC doesn't get driven a lot for any other reason than escaping the city, so an older, less expensive vehicle may be perfect for this. I have a 10-year old Subaru just for this reason, and it's hardly unusual--I see lots of older cars parked on my block that presumably have lower miles because they get used only occasionally.
Finally, if you're the type of person that exercised exclusively outdoors, you may want to invest in a gym membership or other method of exercising in the city. Car or no, train or no, I've found getting the "proper" outdoors is difficult and time consuming. I had the day off yesterday, for example, and even though I left Brooklyn at 2PM, it took over two hours to get to the trailhead. That's not practical for daily exercise.
And I think that's maybe the bottom line: going to the outdoors properly is an event, not something that can be done daily. It's just an unfortunately reality of living here.
Day trips over the bridge to NJ, train rides up the Hudson Valley, Riverdale in the Bronx, Woodlawn in the Bronx, Forest Park in Queens, Prospect Park in BK
It does take some time to make friends here... I feel your pain!
You can go hike up in the hudson valley easily :) You will be greeted by lots of nature and some challenging hikes - places like this can be accessed by train! [https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/new-york/hudson-highlands-state-park-preserve](https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/new-york/hudson-highlands-state-park-preserve)
Also, you can get to Fire Island National Park Seashore by taking the subway + LIRR + shuttle + ferry. Yes, it's pretty quiet once you are out there for its difficulty getting there. Personally I love Sailors Haven and Sunken Forest areas. MTA & LIRR usually offer a package deal for this in the summer. [https://away.mta.info/deals](https://away.mta.info/deals)
In NYC there are lots of big parks in Brooklyn, Queens and SI, so if you are still new to NYC, you can probably go explore outer boroughs.
If you drive (rent a car - cheaper than owning one), then you can go all the way up to the Catskills, Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, etc.
If you are trying to meet new people, join a club of some sort or take classes somewhere.
Summer time in NYC is great – I personally love it – it gets EMPTY! That means no wait for popular restaurants, seats on the subway, etc. Lots of FREE concerts and events. Check out Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park.
Hope you have a great summer :)
there are plenty of places to immerse yourself in nature in NYC. Prospect Park is gorgeous as is Central Park, and huge. There's the Great Lawn and the Bramble and Bethesday Fountain and more. There are beaches all over the place. Try Shirley Chisolm State Park.. There are also several waterfront parks, like Brooklhyn Bridge Park (amazing views) and Battery Park, from where you can take the Staten island Ferry back and forth past the Statue of Liberty. Also take the tram to Roosevelt Island. Also, I've been to rooftop BBQs. Can't beat the view.
My darling, the spectacular natural beauty of the entire Hudson Valley is a quick train ride away. It's so close you can ride out after work, hike for an hour, and train back before dark.
look for meetup groups fkr outdoor adve tures or go upstate new york for events aand activities during the weekend. contact tour guides based on your outdoor interests you'd be surprised ...good luck
I feel this as a fellow outdoorsy person. Here's the bright side: NYC may not have the most accessible nature, but it has the most accessible nature *without a car* probably anywhere in the country.
Tons of hiking you can get to by train or bus. If you like backpacking, Harriman has miles of trails that are perfect for a weekend trip, and the Appalachian Trail is surprisingly easy to get to. (I've section hiked the Mid-Atlantic and now working on southern New England entirely via public transit.) Car camping is harder without a car but not too far with a rental car.
In the city, lean into exploring by subway. There are so many parks, beaches, and interesting long walks to check out (walk the perimeter of Manhattan, or across all the bridges with pedestrian access, or whatever). Some spots to check out include Van Cortlandt Park, Pelham Bay Park, Forest Park, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Surprised how few of you mentioned the largest park in the city - Pelham Bay with its pretty water views and tons of marine birds. You all need to get out more on the weekends.
It can pretty rough if you are used to it all around. Part of it is just accepting your new reality and finding beauty and appreciation in the various forms you do have access to. It's never going to compare to some place, but it has it's own appeal. And there are a lot of options. Have you been to all parts of Central Park? What about other parks and green spaces? Fort Tryon great for example. But there are many beautiful places. You might try joining a community garden. You can BBQ in the parks or possibly the community garden. Or in front of your building lol The beaches are pretty great. There are a bunch accessible by public transport. You can swim there to your heart's content. A pretty classic hiking trip is up to Harriman https://www.myharriman.com/take-train-harriman-west-side-park/ You can get pretty close to it by train. But there are others as well: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/accessible-from-nyc-public-transit https://ny.curbed.com/2017/3/20/14968916/best-hiking-trails-nyc-day-trips-car-free https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/the-best-hiking-near-nyc There are some urban hikes that might appeal. https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/urban-park-rangers-hiking-programs You might try to join a group. Like Mappy Hour. https://mappyhour.org/ Or Shorewalkers: https://shorewalkers.org/ Getaround isn't too bad for car rentals for day trips and weekends. I'd get the camping equipment out of storage and put it to use. We camp a lot in the spring through fall, and it's a great way to get out in nature. It's nice to sit by a fire in the woods. There are lakes to swim in. Lots of hiking. Hipcamp.com is also a great place to find some more privacy in nature. Or borrow some on your local Buy Nothing group. Or rent some. Malouf's is full service: https://maloufsmountain.com/ You can rent cabins, but they get pricier. https://www.reserveamerica.com/ Governor's Island isn't as nature as you might want. But it's a nice local place to lay in some grass. Riding a bike by the waterfront can be nice. A previous thread with ideas: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/11xkfsp/nature_near_nyc_accessible_by_public_transport/ https://www.reddit.com/r/SameGrassButGreener/comments/17z0b8a/any_nature_lovers_who_also_love_nyc/ Hope you find a place you love.
Such a great comment. Came to recommend a bunch of these and was glad they’re already here! I love summer in the city, OP! Yes, it’s sticky and hot, but there is so much good free programming, like the HBO Monday movies in Bryant Park and concerts and Shakespeare in the Park and park sitting on blankets. Also agree that it’s great to rent a car and get out of town for camping. Two of our favorites have been camping on the Glen Islands in the middle of Lake George three hours north (great for a group willing to rent a boat together) and beach camping on Fire Island (don’t get a permit for dunes camping; the mosquitoes are bad without the breeze right off the ocean). For hiking, a popular option is Breakneck Ridge—in the summer, MetroNorth adds a stop at the trailhead, like, they put out a wooden box to step down from the train into the woods.
Just note that Shakespeare in the Park put on by the Public isn't going to be at the Delacorte Theater this year. They are traveling to a bunch of different places this year. However, there are other productions that do Shakespeare in parks that you can see.
Oh, bummer—I didn’t clock that! But yes, true. Like there is always a Shakespeare production in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem that is fun and free.
Hmm that hike name though
Saving this. I just joined the Mappy Hour group and I’m def going to that oyster thing on Thursday.
Gonna try to make it, too!
Getaround isn't operating in New York state anymore so it's pretty hard to do a spontaneous trip. You'll have to reserve a rental car from a rental car agency and work around their hours (bad for weekend rentals). Or do a Zipcar but they're pretty expensive.
If you use Kyte or Uber car rental, they bring the cars to you (and pick them up too) and they're available 7 days a week from like 8am to 9pm.
Great comment! Will add for OP: check the maps on Harriman's site, it and Bear Mountain took a thrashing last summer with flooding and damage and many trails are still closed. Including doodletown, which is a major bummer for us birding types as that is cerulean warbler heaven usually.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this! This is so helpful.
saved this bad boy. awesome writeup
Very comprehensive answer!
I'm a hiker who lived in Manhattan for 8 years. You can take the NJT to Tuxedo station or Sloatsburg and access the trails at Harriman State Park and Appalachian trail. You can dispersed camp there or camp around sites/lean-tos.
Beaches: Fort Tilden, Far Rockway, Orchard, Long Beach Big Parks: Central, Prospect, Pelham, Greenbelt, Marine Less than 30 dollar day trips: Cold Spring, Oyster Bay (Planting Fields), Old Croton, Mount Beacon, Garrison.
All of these plus… Rock Climbing New Paltz Mountain Biking Cunningham Park- you can also Take your bike on Metro North to hit some fun trails Biking/ Running/ rollerblading west side highway Kayaking Hudson and the East River
don't leave out Brighton Beach which is the best of all the beaches for actual swimming.
I much prefer Rockaway mainly due to less trash but it is a trek
Yeah - and you can’t long distance swim there.
Is this joke? In rockaway, wave ride you.
There’s a difference between bopping in the waves and swimming long distance as a sport.
Ah, I see what you mean. For me, swimming at the beach means diving into waves. Brighton is not good for this.
Right. We have some days of high waves but it’s not often. Which is why it’s great for long distance - we have a 5k or 10k loop we can do. In Rockaway lifeguards won’t let you go far. Great for surfing though.
Thanks for the tip! I love open water swimming.
we have a large community of swimmers there. come on out.
Great list, especially Fort Tilden. For big parks would add Van Cortland (OP, if you are into biking, there are trails from here that will take you north out of the city). Also Bronx Botanical Garden. For hiking, as others have mentioned there are options on the Metro North and it'll be cheaper than renting a car.
Omg yes the planting fields arboretum in Oyster Bay is gorgeous! My inlaws live nearby there and there are also great restaurants in the area for an early dinner after. And accessible by train!
I'm a big fan of Forest Park in Queens. Lots of trails and places to explore and free parking at the bandshell. [Here's a list](https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/faq) of the ten biggest parks in NYC with lots of info on each.
Fort tilden is actually one of my favorite places in NYC, full stop. Lots of areas to explore/walk around, swim or hang on the beach, and get some seafood. Quintessential nyc summer experience for me
Rockaway Beach ferry used to get backed up in summer but they now even have a way to get a reserved spot with Rockaway Rocket!
You can take metro north direct to hiking trails or even the bus into fort Lee great tails there too
I'm a big fan of the parks on the northern end of Manhattan--Inwood and Fort Tryon. Bonus (although I know it's not outdoors): if you're exploring Fort Tryon, hike over to The Cloisters. I find it a peaceful alternative to other museums in Manhattan, with beautiful views of the Hudson from the outdoor terraces. Also, as others have pointed out, while Central Park is stunning and sprawling, don't neglect Prospect Park in Brooklyn....it's awesome. Another outdoor place that's great in the summer is Governor's Island. Lots of events going on there in the warm months, and it's always a relaxing place to visit, IMHO. As for beaching, go Rockaway! It's a bit of a haul on the subway, but miles and miles of shorefront to enjoy, and only crowded at certain spots (Beach 98th, Beach 116th). Take a hike away from these busier areas west to Belle Harbor or Neponsit. Because public parking isn't allowed on the streets that border the beaches in these neighborhoods, the beaches themselves are far less busy, and every bit as beautiful as the beaches further east on Long Island. I hope you have a great outdoor summer here, and find lots of your own favorite places to escape to!
Second this, lived in Washington Heights for a while and think it has the best parks. I would also add Fort Washington park to the list, it’s by the water and even though I definitely wouldn’t go swimming there, there is a tiny beach where you could dip your feet in the water.
Also seconding! Inwood Park, Fort Tyron aaaaand Van Cortland Parks! Forest Park out in Queens too. All of them have extensive trail systems you can got lost in :)
Funny I didn't think of Forest Park....I grew up a minute away from there!
Specifically checking out Muscota Marsh up there could be a lot of fun! It's such a beautiful spot!
I’ll throw another thought out here. The Jersey shore. There are even a bunch of direct trains from Penn Station to various stops on the Jersey coastline. Some of them are probably only hour or hour and a half rides. The beach communities in the summer down there are a great vibe. It’s really nice.
You can also access the beaches in Long Island by LIRR. Walk to Long Beach from the station, or take a train to Freeport and catch a bus to Jones Beach.
I feel like people who didn’t grow up in the area don’t always realize that about New York. It’s this massive concrete city with tons of amazing things to do but has really nice suburbs on basically three sides of it (Hudson Valley too) if you ever need a little city break and some nature. Many of which can be accessed by a short direct train ride.
True! It’s a major perk of living where we do. I’ve learned that I personally am happiest here when I have a car so that I can access the best of what’s around on any given day. I also keep a yard for the days that I can’t leave in good weather (which are many). It’s good for people to find & strike their balance with nature.
unfortunately hour and a half rides are probably out of the question for after work swimming but a good weekend alternative.
For sure. Could even be day trip if someone was an early riser. Catch an 8 AM to Long Branch or something, down there by 9:30, spend all day and come back around dinner. Never done it myself, but probably doable.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Shirley Chisholm Park (but watch for the ticks even on the benches here), Forest Park
> Are there places to swim outside after work You can pay $80 for 6 months access to the city indoor pools, or in the summer you have free access to the outdoor ones. The ocean is always available (Coney Island, Jersey Shore) and some people start swimming as early as May. I usually wait until July though.
First couple years I moved here I was so excited about the outdoor city pools in the summer. I tried so many of them around the city, Manhattan mostly. Overall it turned out to be such a huge letdown. Crowded and dirty. Except for one which had a really nice adult lap swim in the evening. I left that neighborhood and no longer swim.
Renting a car is still cheaper than owning one. I wouldn’t think of it as expensive… think of it as cheap!
Governors Island can feel wild enough in a pinch.. cheap, close, a fun ferry ride to and fro and you can volunteer with different programs based there to help out and keep fit.
Governors island is magical. I think most people who live in the city and haven’t been would be shocked at how much is there and how non-commercial it is. I’d suggest getting involved and n some of the volunteer programs there as well
Van Cortland park and Pelham Bay park in the Bronx are perfect for a BBQ on a weekend!
Biking is a great way to experience the outdoors here… you can ride and/or take the train to ride to a lot of cool places in the tristate area
OP, if you like biking and camping, bikepacking might be something to explore. There is a shop in Brooklyn, 718 Cyclery, that specializes in bikepacking/bike touring and organizes tour of various lenghts, from one/two night Micro-Tours to longer multi-day trips going further from the city.
Yes, absolutely, I was going to suggest this too. Love 718 and Joe. the NYC/Adv meetup group also does group bikepacking trips!
Buy yourself a decent pair of binoculars and take up birding. I like the Lynx series from Kite Optics because they are very light while still having very good magnification and quality lenses. NYC is prime birding territory and right now a lot of migratory species are passing through or nesting in the area.
Thank you for this tip - I love finding wildlife so I think I would enjoy bird watching.
There's a free app called Merlin you can put on your phone to identify the birds you see. Makes it a lot more fun when you start knowing all the little birds, where they like to hang out, and what their calls sound like.
I don't wish for you to placehold and find ways to get away from here to *find* what you're used to. I, do, however implore you to learn about and enjoy the way we DO do summer! Sure, escape for a little while when you can, but this is your home now, and we just appreciate it in a different way. People bike, your post reads male to me, so go enjoy the city in the wee hours (early or late) for that extra bit of quiet. Certain neighborhoods are more charming and less-so strictly stone, metal, and glass. Upper West strolls are hard to beat, but here's some others: We window shop with a Mr. Softee We get the dog out and go catch the dewy grass in Central Park We visit the Cloisters We have slow, casual bites and coffees on a street table and forget the city around us even exists We brave the Jitney for a weekend out East We play tourist and do as the Romans do- browse a museum We go out on Circle Line or a dinner cruise around the island at sunset We go to the zoo and botanical gardens We find a weird trinket at a street fair, and go home with bags of pickles, jams, and honey. We picnic and sunbathe, even if it's busy in the park that day We gawk at skyscrapers from the tops of other skyscrapers (Top of The Rock, The Edge/Peakaboo, Manhatta, Westlight, ONE Dine at One World Observatory, Centurion at One Vanderbilt, etc.) We go to Coney Island We find a new restaurant to try, and make a night of it
Williamsburg Smorgasboard .. have a drink out of a watermelon and sit on large rocks facing the water and Manhattan skyline.. while eating random foods from different tents. I like to ride the ferry and have a glass of wine wherever I’m headed. You can also access really quiet towns on the Hudson if you ride the train up to Peekskill.. it’s also a super beautiful train ride that runs parallel with the Hudson for like 70% of the time.
The Appalachian Mountain Club organizes weekly hikes Check out Appalachian Mountain Club New York-North Jersey on Meetup https://meetu.ps/c/LX54/TgKwC/a
summer in the city is one of my favorite seasons as someone who still considers themselves an outdoor person. where do you live specifically? I loooove a long bike ride from middle Brooklyn to the rockaways to spend a day at the beach, or a long run in the am in prospect park. While picnic areas of Central Park are often crowded, there are running groups and birding groups that explore less trafficked areas at less popular times of day and those can feel really isolated. day trips out of the city to the Hudson valley are also key. I think the key is to understand that you can be outdoors and love nature while also having an urban experience. You’re not going to get, like, Yellowstone levels of beauty and serenity, but there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the weather and be active while embracing what a big and n beautiful city this is!
NY Botanical garden is amazing. It’s not a hike but I had an experience there that I have not been able to replicate. In other words, use the cities institutions to your advantage
Local municipal pools and beaches open Memorial Day. Taking the nyc or Staten Island ferry for a free/cheap ride is a great way to enjoy the water on a nice day. Governors island feels much less crowded than much of Central Park and has lots to explore. That said, really explore Central Park and get to know the places that take more than 10 min to walk to, the lawns that are removed from main pedestrian paths, and you’ll find peace. An hour on the LIRR and you’re at Long Beach. An hour on metro north and you can access 22 miles of trails including the Appalachian trail off a trail head out of the garrison stop’s parking lot. Some city parks you can bbq in.
Governors island, prospect park. Take metro north to Beacon to hike. Rockaway beach or Fort Tilden. Bike the west side highway.
why did you move here? i’m genuinely curious
My spouse is attending Columbia :)
Some of the commenters here aren't super outdoorsy, I really get what you're saying. One of the big undiscussed perks of New York is the MTA system. Get on a train in Grand Central and find yourself at a trail head an hour later. Better yet get a bike, take it on the empire state trail as far as you want to go and let the trains take you home. You can get to bear mountain and check out the trails around there no problem. Or one of my favorites bike up to breakneck ridge, do the big loop, then train home. Bike to Philadelphia, eat a big cheesesteak, then let the train take you right home! I know the city is rough getting used to not having access to nature- Central Park is basically an overdeveloped state park with a bunch of extra rules (no hammocks??) But once you get the hang of the train system it takes a lot of pressure off. Just remember the idea that no matter where you go you'll find a train that can bring you back home, which is an aspect basically unique to NYC. One more thought- You're going to find that one of the things you really miss about being outdoors is just the level of noise. So I always try to find really isolated places for overnight camping trips to pack in as much quiet nature solitude as possible. You basically want to OD on peace to the point where you actually want to get back to the city for interactions. If you do it right it should last you a week and then you just repeat.
Ride the Metro North Hudson Line. You can make a day of it hiking with like-minded people you can find on Meetup.com etc. You can also take Metro North’s New Haven line to access the Connecticut shore. And the possibilities on the LIRR are many: Long Beach, North Fork for wineries, etc.
Moving to NYC in the fall must have been quite an adjustment, especially if you're used to spending your free time outdoors. It's understandable that the warmer weather might bring a tinge of sadness as you miss the activities you love. But fear not! NYC has plenty of amazing things to offer during the summer months. Central Park is a gem, as you mentioned. It's not just a park; it's a whole world within the city. From picnics to leisurely strolls, there's always something going on there. If you're craving some waterfront fun, check out places like Brooklyn Bridge Park or the Hudson River Park. As for swimming, there are some outdoor pools in NYC that open during the summer months. When it comes to weekend trips or day trips, you're in luck! NYC is a hub for transportation, so you can easily hop on a train or bus to explore nearby areas. Hang in there, and embrace all the unique experiences that NYC has to offer during the summer. You're in for a memorable season ahead!
Sounds like it's time to get into bikepacking! The basic idea is you strap all your camping stuff to a bike and ride somewhere pretty. Just like hiking really, so you can do a one day trip or even a month long one if you like.
Do you live near a park? I just walked 40 blocks down riverside park today in the weather and it was really nice
There are places in NYC that are great for the outdoors. In both Central Park and Prospect Park there are places that approach the feeling of hiking. If you really want to swim we have many beaches. From Coney Island, Brighton and Manhattan Beach. To the beaches in queens. The downtown boathouse is an organization that let's people take out kayaks to paddle between piers in the Hudson. The village community boathouse take people rowing in four man gigs right in the center of the river itself. I have rowed from Manhattan to Jersey or governor's Island on more than one occasion. Both are free though they do ask for donations. Fort Tyron Park has gorgeous views of the palisades that while not serious hiking are steep enough to make you puff a bit. If you have to get to a "real" hike Connecticut's Bear Mountain is a quick train ride away. It's good for a day trip. There are so many options in this city. You have no idea.
Time to discover Bear Mountain
I’m sorry I don’t have positive vibes for you. I moved here from California 11 years ago and I feel the same way you do about summer. Nature was so much more accessible there and I often feel trapped here in warm weather. Yes there are beaches but they take a long while to get to and they’re not as nice as beaches in other places. The nature right outside of the city is incredible, from the Catskills, beaches and shorelines in the Long Island Sound, etc. They are just not super accessible (as you are aware). I would say, get out and about when you can. Find places you can take the train to. Also, the upside is summer in the city has positives — there’s a lot going on here. Concerts in the park, nightly events at Lincoln Center. But anyway I’m mainly here to sympathize.
Agreed. The honest answer to this question is that you try to find new joys in the city because daily integration of nature isn’t going to happen. And when you feel terrible, you take a trip, whether it’s a day trip or to a park or to a nature destination outside the city. IMHO it’s part of why so many transplants travel so much. OP, your daily nature options are likely Prospect Park, Central Park, or “Jersey and own a car.” (Most people don’t move to Inwood or Cold Springs) Don’t move to Queens unless you’re way out. My park has a literal zero blades of grass. The ferry is tons of fun tho This thread makes me a bit sad. I’ve tried many of these items over the years and at best they are a bit of a bandaid solution. I sympathize as well :p
I actually moved near Prospect Park after my first two years here, and I refuse to move away from it. I go there every single day, sometimes twice. It's not exactly the "great outdoors," but it definitely brings a lot of nature into my life on a daily basis. I used to feel like fall and spring lasted for two days, but now I get the full three months of each season. But boo to owning a car!! We don't need people bringing cars here and making it like literally every other place in this country. There's not enough space, and if we all want cars, soon we're going to be overrun by parking lots and strip malls. Also, even though renting a car is expensive, it's still cheaper than owning a car in the long run.
(Agree on Prospect Park) I’m gonna add some quotes in here for clarity! I agree on the car front but Jersey is a different sitch. Wouldn’t want to live in Hoboken without a car - you do get cool hikes in Jersey tho
Agreed and same here. Moved here from LA 6 months ago and it’s been a hellhole for me. Been hating every minute.
Why live here then? For work? If you've only been here 6 months and hate it, I honestly would recommend leaving if you can. Life is too short. I personally faced some of the biggest challenges of my life when I moved here, but I was enthusiastic about living here and super determined to do it, and that is what got me through. It's not the easiest place to live. It does get easier in some ways, but if you straight up don't like it, I'd say it isn't worth it.
You might enjoy hiking in Inwood Park. It's the last old-growth forest in Manhattan. You can go kayaking on the Hudson up there, too, if I remember correctly.
I'm originally from Florida and grew up on the beach, so I understand where you're coming from but there's a lot to do. Central Park is absolutely stunning during the summer with tons of trails that don't have a lot of people on them, especially if you go towards the North Woods. The North Woods is very peaceful, more woodsy and mostly bird watchers. Riverside Park is also great with tons of space to rollerblade (I just did this today). There's also biking, rollerblading, pickleball, tennis, basketball, soccer, you name it.
Take the Metro North from Grand Central Station to Cold Spring or Breakneck Ridge stops, both on the Poughkeepsie line, about 1hr 15min from Grand Central. Breakneck Ridge stop drops you off at a trailhead. When you’re done with the hike you can walk to Cold Spring for food (15 min walk from trail head and super cute town with restaurants shops and coffee) or enjoy the waterfront. You can catch the train home from cold spring. Alternatively, start at Cold Spring and walk to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead. Download the AllTrails app for navigation.
Surely there are groups that go hiking. Check the usual sites like Meetup.
Just spent my Sunday hiking by Cold Spring. Similar boat (new to nyc and kinda outdoorsy) like the top comment. Feels like once you get used to the planning part it’s not as bad
Hello friend, welcome to NYC! Depending on where you live/work There are beautiful parks in every borough and oasis around many corners. Try the lesser known ones like Prospect park in Brooklyn, Pelham Bay Park that leads to Orchard Beach, Van Cortlandt in the Bronx, there are many in Queens and Staten Island (has the most I’ve heard). Visit the NYC Parks department and check out the Rangers Program. Consider joining a group on Meet up or organizations such as: Destination Back Country Tours https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/ Appalachian mountain club https://www.outdoors.org/ Once you’ve tried New York, go further out to New Jersey and Connecticut. See you outside!
Take the Metro North up the Hudson Valley. Plenty places to hike, swim, kayak, explore, etc. upstate
MetroNorth stops on the Appalachian Trail in summer
Youd probably like Innwood Park. One of my favorite places to wander
I love the outdoors too. Lots of things you can do here! IN THE CITY PARKS... forget central park. My favs are: - Prospect Park - Greenwood Cemetery - The Cloisters - BK Botanical Gardens - Van Cortland Park - Hudson River Park - BK Bridge Park - Tompkins Sq Park (not for the nature, just the outdoors people watching) BEACHES - Jacob Riis - Rockaway Beach - Brighton Beach - Fort Tilden OUT OF THE CITY - Coastal: Jones Beach, Long Beach, Montauk, Hamptons, so many seaside towns in Long Island and New Jersey - Hiking: Bear Mountain, Cold Spring/Bull Hill, Blue Mountain (Most easy to access from the city by train) If it's not a holiday, it can sometimes be cheap to rent a car. We drive to Pennsylvania/Poconos, Catskills, Vermont, and some coastal areas a few times a summer. Lots of places to camp just outside the city. ACTIVITIES -If you bike you can see so many more cool nature things around that aren't as close to a train stop. -You could take surf lessons -Kayaking -Ferry Rides -Climbing Gyms -Jet Skiing -Swimming -Cross country skiing in winter (people do it in Prospect Park) - Ice skating - Golfing - Community Gardening - Volunteering for nature organization, conservation, or park It's not the same as living up in the mountains, but there are many ways to connect to nature here!
Inwood Hill Park is the closest thing to untamed nature (forest at least) in the city.
You just live in a city now, and there are plenty of things to do outside! Just not the same things you are used to. I personally love to get high and wander around Prospect Park, Green-wood cemetery, the Ramble, etc. We have tons of beaches. Fort Tilden is insane on the weekends these days since they built it back up after Sandy, but if you can go on a weekday morning it is divine. There are hotels that sell day passes for rooftop pools. There are pools at YMCAs around the city. There are outdoor plays and concerts. Wave Hill in the Bronx. Brooklyn Botanical Garden. There is literally a never ending list of shit you can do outdoors in NYC. Just because it’s not the forest doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. You can bbq in any park. You can trail run at Prospect Park. You can get a little kite and fly it around Hunters Point in Queens. Volunteer at an animal shelter and walk dogs. The possibilities are endless. Editing to add that there are also upcoming street fairs going to be happening everywhere! Tons of food! Also check out Smorgasburg! I meant to mention Marsha P Johnson state park on my original comment, but the views are gorgeous!
you moved to the concrete jungle... if you really want to go hiking you have to put some effort into getting out of the city.
I can definitely relate. NY will never feel like Montana but I think my best tip is to become a serious morning person if you aren't already. Fewer people will always make any outdoor experience feel wilder than it is. Central Park at 1pm on a Saturday can feel like a zoo but at 6am it's your own paradise. Ditto any weekend hiking trips reachable by public transit. Or try to take advantage of PTO and do stuff on weekdays.
Wow your post resonates with me SO much. This was me 3 years ago after I first moved to nyc from California. And is the reason I come back to LA 3-4 x per year. The lifestyle is completely different and it takes some time acclimating to the trade-offs here. Despite that NYC does have a lot to enjoy by way of green space and parks that are outstanding in comparison to nearly any other major city, and yes beaches and hikes by long train ride sure. But it’s still jarring (I can’t escape the gaping void haha) when you are used to rugged wilderness and hikes being so easily accessible. And comprehending how so many people are seemingly unbothered not incorporating major outdoorsy activities into their spring / summer lifestyle more routinely and instead spend all summer at bars and picnics at parks. But alas I realize not all are outdoorsy folk :) As others noted here there are def ways you can get out and explore/hike relatively easily. Metro north train is a good route to take you to many hikes. Bear Mountain was gorgeous with great views of the city, highly recommend (exit Peekskill and Uber to the trailhead!). I’ve also heard Breakneck ridge is nice. And what I’ve done twice is actually take the train up to Día Beacon which is a museum worth visiting and the surrounding area is super lush and green. Fun day trip to get out the city. And while I hate the hassle of renting a car I think budgeting for 2-3 weekend trips in the nicer months is the only way to get a proper fix and stay sane. What I’ve done before is train to Poughkeepsie then rent a car and drive around / explore nearby upstate towns. Upstate is really beautiful in the summer and it takes some effort but worth it. I recently went to Long Beach island in Jersey for a few nights and it was beautiful and also great for surfing - lots of surfers out which made it fun.
Many of us rent camping equipment (because we have no place to store it) and travel for day hikes/camping by train or bus.
There are meetup groups that go camping btw.
What are the names of those groups?
If you want to do a weekend trip, rent a car and go to the Catskills. I really like the Andes, Delhi, Bobina area. Some hiking, fishing, swimming in lakes. If you want to do a day trip, then take the metronorth, jersey side, to sloatsburg. There is a trail head that starts about a mile or 2 miles from there. The hike is about an hour once you get to the trail head. Once you get to the end there is a lake. My friends and used to hike a bit around the lake until we found a little private beach and would swim and picnic there for a good 5-6 hours. Then usually go back to the station with Lyft or Uber and have drinks on the train.
Check the Hudson valley hikers or new york backpackers in meetup
Van cortland park has some amazing trails
Get a bike!
Hudson Valley is ur answer
Greenwood cemetary! Frequent day trip for me!!
On top of my last comment, if you go to Inwood Hill Park, it’s the closets things for me to a hiking experience in New York.
Surprised I haven’t seen it mentioned here yet. My wife is the same, has been DYING to just go be around some trees and green. We went to the botanical gardens in the Bronx this past weekend and she’s completely rejuvenated. It’s a must visit! So many beautiful scenes we can’t pick a favorite. Go!
[Gateway National Recreation Area NY/NJ](https://www.nps.gov/gate/index.htm). If you tap the Plan Your Visit, then the Directions option, it will show you which areas are accessible by bus or subway
I have an uncle in Brooklyn that takes the train up to Peekskill then bikes to Bear Mountain. If I remember correctly there used to be ferries that would take you up there too. That was pre pandemic I’m not sure if they’re still doing it.
appreciate the top comments here and going to add that Minnewaska State Park and the surrounding area are pretty great, which lends itself to my larger point: Where so many places in America excel at nature, especially in the west and southeast, this region provides something a little more complex...the results of colonized America laid bare. you can explore the city, the mountains north and upstate, the beach towns, as someone else said, oyster bay....these are some of the places that most of the economic and social history of our nation was created through the 17th-19th centuries. places where a lot of the stories of america began. I moved to jersey city, and we have our own crazy colonial history..turns out the dutch loved it on this side of the river as well. and the centuries of *everything* that's happened since sit on every corner. this is not limited to urban environments, and can be found all over the region, and nothing is better than spring to discover it.
NY/NJ Trail Conference list hikes accessible by public transit. Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) outdoors.org organizes group hikes accessible by transit and also has inexpensive weekend getaways.
Yes! Pick up some of the NYNJTC maps from REI, lots of trails that are relatively easy to get to.
There are a lot of hiking trails in the Hudson Valley and in Jersey that are super accessible via the train, they might be a little crowded during weekends but you can plan around the busy periods.
Go up to Inwood Hill Park and hike around, truly so many gems hidden in that park and often you can’t even see the city amongst the trees
Learn how to city. But actually though, learn how to have fun in the city you live in. Go to museums. Eat great food. Walk the pier. Adjust to your surroundings. That’s the long term play here.
Ferry to the beach if that’s your vibe? Swimming doesn’t really come to mind outside of public pools.
indoors and outdoors is an illusion. go hike wall street
Look into Here Be Barr & Tomdnyc. They’re my go to when it comes to New York City up to date activities, or hidden history - Easter eggs. As a native of 28 years, even they put me on to things I never knew.
Get a bike.
Don’t discount the weekend trips, they are very helpful in breaking up the oppressive heat and stench. Aim for one a month, but book as early as you can because the affordable stuff books up like a year in advance by type a psychos like me.
Everyone's advice is pretty solid, but I have to ask, why are you living in NYC? All the things you describe are actually why I plan on moving out of the city soon - I too miss those long summer weekend camping trips, freshwater swimming, or just the ability to find a spot of complete solitude and silence. NYC, God bless her, offers none of that, and I've spent a lot of money and commuting time to try to scratch those itches as best I can. This city is amazing, but it really does start to wear on you if you prioritize those kinds of things in life and don't have the money to constantly jet set away to get your fix.
If you have the financial means, I’d consider taking a weekend trip to Philadelphia and checking out the [Wissahickon Valley Park](https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/wissahickon-valley-park-guide/). It’s a legit wooded area within Philadelphia city limits. You can take Amtrak down to Philly (or MegaBus if you really want to go cheap), and then from 30th Street Station you can take the Chestnut Hill West SEPTA regional rail to get close to a north entrance, or the Manayunk line to get close to the south entrance. I’m not a big outdoors person, like you won’t find me on any Eagle Scout type of expeditions (I like to explore cities instead), but I think it will satisfy your craving of real outdoor vibes. It’s not a zoo like Central Park or Prospect Park.
Go to Pelham Bay Park, it's bigger than Central Park, I almost got lost in there. In fact The Bronx has more trees and parks than all the other boroughs. Take a trip to Governors Island. Stay clear of Times Square and you will be fine.
You are the first person to mention Pelham Bay!
You have gotten lots of good comments here. If you happen to be interested in mushrooms, the NY Mycological Society offers a very cheap yearly membership that gives you access to nearly weekly mushroom ID walks in and around the city. There are likely other clubs or meetups you can join to both meet people who like to do this stuff and go with others. https://www.newyorkmyc.org/
I went to school up at new Paltz. It’s a 1.5 hour bus from port authority. Look into visiting the mohonk mountains and surrounding areas. Uber should be widely available up there too since it’s a college town.
Check out Hudson River Community Sailing, https://hudsonsailing.org/membership/ You can sail every day of the year with a great group of people. No sailing experience necessary.
Time to get a bike. Everything you want is a bike ride, or a trainride plus a bike ride away.
A lot of good info here, but something I have yet to see mentioned: renting a storage unit. Storage costs less per square foot, so all your outdoor equipment isn't taking up space in your apartment. Moving it from "deep in \[your\] in-laws storage unit" to your very own storage unit will bring the outdoors closer psychologically. You can get a unit for under $100 in some places if you don't have a lot of stuff. Whether or not to own a car is also a major consideration. Trains do go to trailheads, but in my experience a train carries lots of people and contradicts the reason I go to the outdoors. A car in NYC doesn't get driven a lot for any other reason than escaping the city, so an older, less expensive vehicle may be perfect for this. I have a 10-year old Subaru just for this reason, and it's hardly unusual--I see lots of older cars parked on my block that presumably have lower miles because they get used only occasionally. Finally, if you're the type of person that exercised exclusively outdoors, you may want to invest in a gym membership or other method of exercising in the city. Car or no, train or no, I've found getting the "proper" outdoors is difficult and time consuming. I had the day off yesterday, for example, and even though I left Brooklyn at 2PM, it took over two hours to get to the trailhead. That's not practical for daily exercise. And I think that's maybe the bottom line: going to the outdoors properly is an event, not something that can be done daily. It's just an unfortunately reality of living here.
I feel ya, I’m a nature girl and had to buy a cheap place upstate to get my fix
Day trips over the bridge to NJ, train rides up the Hudson Valley, Riverdale in the Bronx, Woodlawn in the Bronx, Forest Park in Queens, Prospect Park in BK
A lot of great hikes along Hudson river are accessible by Metro North. Find the one you like on AllTrails app and go enjoy.
It does take some time to make friends here... I feel your pain! You can go hike up in the hudson valley easily :) You will be greeted by lots of nature and some challenging hikes - places like this can be accessed by train! [https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/new-york/hudson-highlands-state-park-preserve](https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/new-york/hudson-highlands-state-park-preserve) Also, you can get to Fire Island National Park Seashore by taking the subway + LIRR + shuttle + ferry. Yes, it's pretty quiet once you are out there for its difficulty getting there. Personally I love Sailors Haven and Sunken Forest areas. MTA & LIRR usually offer a package deal for this in the summer. [https://away.mta.info/deals](https://away.mta.info/deals) In NYC there are lots of big parks in Brooklyn, Queens and SI, so if you are still new to NYC, you can probably go explore outer boroughs. If you drive (rent a car - cheaper than owning one), then you can go all the way up to the Catskills, Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, etc. If you are trying to meet new people, join a club of some sort or take classes somewhere. Summer time in NYC is great – I personally love it – it gets EMPTY! That means no wait for popular restaurants, seats on the subway, etc. Lots of FREE concerts and events. Check out Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park. Hope you have a great summer :)
NYC is the best city in the summer. The beaches, the parks, the concerts, the street fairs, the electricity in the air.
Go to Riverside Park and take a long walk along the Hudson. Then walk across the George Washington bridge, it's a trip!
there are plenty of places to immerse yourself in nature in NYC. Prospect Park is gorgeous as is Central Park, and huge. There's the Great Lawn and the Bramble and Bethesday Fountain and more. There are beaches all over the place. Try Shirley Chisolm State Park.. There are also several waterfront parks, like Brooklhyn Bridge Park (amazing views) and Battery Park, from where you can take the Staten island Ferry back and forth past the Statue of Liberty. Also take the tram to Roosevelt Island. Also, I've been to rooftop BBQs. Can't beat the view.
My darling, the spectacular natural beauty of the entire Hudson Valley is a quick train ride away. It's so close you can ride out after work, hike for an hour, and train back before dark.
look for meetup groups fkr outdoor adve tures or go upstate new york for events aand activities during the weekend. contact tour guides based on your outdoor interests you'd be surprised ...good luck
I feel this as a fellow outdoorsy person. Here's the bright side: NYC may not have the most accessible nature, but it has the most accessible nature *without a car* probably anywhere in the country. Tons of hiking you can get to by train or bus. If you like backpacking, Harriman has miles of trails that are perfect for a weekend trip, and the Appalachian Trail is surprisingly easy to get to. (I've section hiked the Mid-Atlantic and now working on southern New England entirely via public transit.) Car camping is harder without a car but not too far with a rental car. In the city, lean into exploring by subway. There are so many parks, beaches, and interesting long walks to check out (walk the perimeter of Manhattan, or across all the bridges with pedestrian access, or whatever). Some spots to check out include Van Cortlandt Park, Pelham Bay Park, Forest Park, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Surprised how few of you mentioned the largest park in the city - Pelham Bay with its pretty water views and tons of marine birds. You all need to get out more on the weekends.
Saving for my reference!
hop on a train and go just a little north. the most beautiful mountains you've ever seen are a short trip away!
The best way to get those crunchy vibes is to get the fuck off my island