{"id":18843,"date":"2018-08-30T11:09:09","date_gmt":"2018-08-30T15:09:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=18843"},"modified":"2018-11-28T18:23:57","modified_gmt":"2018-11-28T22:23:57","slug":"6-ways-nyc-waterfront","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2018\/08\/30\/6-ways-nyc-waterfront\/","title":{"rendered":"Soak it All In: 6 Ways to Enjoy the NYC Waterfront"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Almost anywhere you stand by the water will give you a beautiful view of the city.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

When thinking of famous islands<\/strong> around the world, your first thought may be of a tropical destination like Hawaii, Fiji, or The Bahamas\u2014in fact, New York City<\/strong> is so well-connected, it may be extremely easy to forget that the five boroughs are spread across a series of islands (well, except for the Bronx<\/strong>!). One thing that may help you remember, however, is the abundance of beautiful waterfront vistas, sweeping parks<\/strong> along the river, sandy beaches<\/strong>, and aquatic sports<\/strong>. Between the Hudson<\/strong> and East Rivers<\/strong>, smaller straits like the Harlem River<\/strong>, bays and coves, and landlocked bodies of water like Central Park\u2019s Lake, there are plenty of ways to make a splash in NYC<\/strong>! Read on for all the creative ways you can enjoy the waterfront in the city, and why not make your trip more personal by staying in a New York Habitat furnished rental<\/a>? With your own furnished apartment<\/strong>, you can enjoy the prime real estate of a waterfront view<\/strong>, usually with a reduced cost and more space!<\/p>\n

1. Start by exploring the water\u2019s edge on foot<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The rolling green lawns of Governor\u2019s Island are bordered by great waterfront walking paths.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

With the unobstructed skyline views available beside the water and the existence of so many gorgeous waterfront parks, New York City\u2019s coastline is the perfect place for a pedestrian tour! Tourists, locals and fitness enthusiasts alike enjoy the beautiful landscaped walking and biking paths in the waterfront NYC parks<\/a> like Riverside Park<\/strong>, Brooklyn Bridge Park<\/strong>, and Randall\u2019s Island<\/strong>. For an especially quiet escape from the bustle of city life, head to Governor\u2019s Island<\/a>. The rolling green lawns of this preserved colonial-era island are an unexpected gem in a metropolitan city, and the Manhattan skyline<\/strong> views are to die for.<\/p>\n

Over in Brooklyn<\/strong> and Queens<\/strong>, you can also enjoy views of Manhattan on your morning jog<\/strong> from East River State Park<\/strong>, Gantry Plaza State Park<\/strong> or Queensbridge Park<\/strong>. The waterfront areas of the boroughs are sometimes even better for a walk, being that they\u2019re usually a little less touristy than the parks in Manhattan (so there\u2019s less picture-takers to dodge!)<\/p>\n

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This Greenpoint walk-up is filled with natural light thanks to the stunning windows!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If a brisk walk along the water won\u2019t get your heart pumping, then this 2-bedroom loft apartment<\/a> in Greenpoint<\/strong>, Brooklyn surely will! Located on the second floor of a modern walk-up<\/strong> building, just getting to this apartment is a great way to sneak in a little exercise, but the panoramic wall of windows in the living area will reward your efforts. The entire apartment has a sleek contemporary<\/strong> style, right down to the furniture, which helps maintain its luxurious look. A full kitchen with stainless steel appliances<\/strong>, neatly tucked under the floating staircase<\/strong>, opens to the living area. This makes this space great for entertaining. Best of all, the apartment\u2019s location in Greenpoint, the northernmost neighborhood of Brooklyn, means you\u2019ll be close to all three of the aforementioned waterfront parks in the boroughs via the G subway train<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

2. Take a boat ride<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Satisfy your adventurous side with a scenic kayak trip along the Hudson or East River.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If your morning walk by the water left you longing to get even closer, there\u2019s good news: During the summer<\/strong> season in New York City, you can get closer to the water than ever before by taking a kayak<\/strong> out on the Hudson or East Rivers! One of our most beloved summer pastimes<\/a> and a best-kept secret here in the city, many opportunities to kayak are absolutely free<\/a>! You can use a free kayak on loan from the Manhattan Community Boathouse<\/strong> at Pier 96 in Hell\u2019s Kitchen<\/a>, the Downtown Boathouse<\/strong> in Tribeca<\/strong>, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse<\/strong>. Make sure you dress accordingly, you will get wet!<\/p>\n

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A quiet rowboat ride on Central Park\u2019s Lake creates an idyllic and romantic atmosphere.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If you\u2019d rather be a more comfortable distance from the open water, there are plenty of other ways to take a boat ride around the city. The Staten Island Ferry<\/strong> is a favorite of NYC residents and travelers alike for its zero-fare views of the city and the Statue of Liberty<\/a>. There\u2019s also no shortage of cruises<\/strong> you can take around Manhattan, from guided tourism cruises to NYC water taxis<\/a>. And of course, we can\u2019t mention water features in New York without a shout-out to the famously picturesque lake in Central Park<\/strong>. Known simply as \u201cThe Lake<\/strong>,\u201d this gorgeous area has drawn decades\u2019 worth of lovers to row their oars to the iconic date spot<\/strong> and wedding venue of the Loeb Boathouse<\/strong>. If you\u2019re looking to impress your date, entertain your family or just get a great arm workout, you can rent a rowboat and take it out on the tranquil and serene lake for $15 per hour.<\/p>\n

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The location of this Midtown West apartment couldn\u2019t be better for waterfront activities!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Be close to all the best boating in New York in this luxury high rise 2-bedroom apartment<\/a> in Midtown West. If you\u2019re all about \u201clocation, location, location!\u201d then you\u2019ll love this apartment; as it\u2019s close to major tourist attractions like Times Square<\/strong> as well as Central Park and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum<\/strong>. In addition to its contemporary furnishings, large panoramic windows, and hardwood floors, the unit offers air conditioning, queen-sized beds in both bedrooms and ample closet space for comfortable living (and storing all your water gear!). The true highlight for lovers of the NYC waterfront will surely be the building\u2019s two roof decks<\/strong>, which give you panoramic views of Midtown<\/strong> and the Hudson River, so you can dream of your next trip to the water from the comfort of home.<\/p>\n

3. Get a breath of coastal air over lunch!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The cobbled streets of South Street Seaport give it a small-town feel that\u2019s perfect for dining al fresco.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

As the home of New York-style pizza, bagels<\/a>, Reuben sandwiches and cronuts, New York has a reputation for its cuisine<\/a>, and when combined with waterfront real estate, a dining experience becomes as scenic as it is tasty! After all that exercise in the morning, you\u2019re probably hungry for a good meal, so head to a waterfront dining<\/strong> destination for lunch or dinner! Some of the best places in the city to eat on the water include South Street Seaport<\/strong>, notable for its quaint cobblestone streets and seafood restaurants<\/strong>, Battery Park<\/strong> (great for cheap eats and food trucks\/street food!), and the waterfront in DUMBO<\/strong>, which is known for its trendy atmosphere and some of the best bridge views in the city!<\/p>\n

4. Go for a swim and soak up the sun at the beach<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Coney Island is world-famous for its bathing beach and its carnival atmosphere!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

New York truly has a little bit of everything\u2014even a handful of sandy beaches<\/a>! Hop on the subway<\/strong> from Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Bronx or Queens and you can go from skyscrapers to the seaside in less than an hour. Orchard Beach<\/strong> and the Rockaways<\/strong> are great destinations for a smaller beach town feel or a surfing spot (respectively). However, the true New York classic is Coney Island<\/strong>, known for its extensive boardwalk, amusement park and fair food, including Nathan\u2019s famous hotdogs<\/strong>! So beloved is this Brooklyn beach, it has even become a staple in many New York-based films<\/a>. Whether it\u2019s swimming, surfing, sunbathing, or theme park rides that bring you to the beach, you\u2019ll find plenty of waterfront fun at NYC\u2019s beaches.<\/p>\n

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Don\u2019t miss the chance to stay in this amazing DUMBO studio and admire its unparalleled river views!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If you\u2019re looking for some of the best waterfront real estate in New York to complement your favorite beach or dining destination, look no further than this stunning alcove studio in DUMBO<\/a>! The studio makes the most of its space with high ceilings, wood floors and an open kitchen with island and granite-style countertops<\/strong>. Funky contemporary seating, artwork and quirky lighting give this space a hip flair, while the sleeping alcove<\/strong> is accented with plenty of colorful books in the built-in shelves to keep the bedroom from being too plain. Finally, we can\u2019t talk enough about the huge triple windows in the living area and their spectacular views! Peer out of the windows or enjoy your breakfast and coffee at the dining table<\/strong> for 5 and enjoy unparalleled views of the East River and the Manhattan Bridge<\/strong>, exclusive to the prime location of this apartment.<\/p>\n

5. Get fit with a riverfront view<\/strong><\/p>\n