Bryant Park

August in the city basically means, well, to put it simply…you shouldn’t be there in the first place. If you’re not lounging around in the Hamptons, vacationing at your Connecticut estate, or traveling abroad, you’re probably still stuck riding the subway in 100-degree heat and being dripped on by AC units in doorways on your walk to work. The struggle is real, and it’s time to put an end to it. Good news is there are plenty of outdoor spots within the city that will quickly transport you to luscious suburbia, if only for the afternoon.

Central Park

A true classic. Head to Sheep Meadow for an afternoon picnic and spread out your towels to soak in the rays. Join countless other sunbathers playing Frisbee and socializing on the pristine green lawn, and don’t forget to bust out your favorite tunes of the summer while you do so.

Behind the New York Public Library. Ever the source of free entertainment, Bryant Park remains a go-to spot for the arts and cultural activities. It’s extremely popular for its Monday night outdoor movie showings and is always bustling with life.

Washington Square Park

The place to people-watch. An iconic Greenwich Village landmark, this park is teeming with vibrant personalities. People can be spotted reading a novel, writing a philosophy thesis, sketching in notebooks, or hopelessly flipping their skateboards at all corners of the park. Musicians and artists flock here, as the park’s very existence oozes creativity and innovation.

The High Line

Basic, but worth it. While it’s relatively new in comparison, this outdoor walkway of the West Side has skyrocketed in popularity with its picturesque courtyard of plants and sculptures, even housing lounge chairs for relaxation. There’s also a food court to satiate the appetite after your leisurely afternoon stroll in the sun.

Prospect Park

A Brooklyn gem. This park was created by the same masterminds who designed Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It offers plenty of green space and a peaceful escape from the city’s mayhem. There are wetlands, forests, and meadows to be discovered in this 526-acre expanse, among many other attractions.

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