Places Welcoming You
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AA Royal Motel & Campground Niagara Falls, New York |
| Chautauqua Lake KOA Dewittville, New York |
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Black Bear Campground Florida, New York |
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Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort Chautauqua, New York |
Awash with compelling art, architecture and history, New York City is a cultural mecca without compare. From world-class museums to towering skyscrapers to dozens of ethnic enclaves serving up top-notch food from around the globe, it’s the kind of place you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not see it all. A new city-wide focus on going green means plenty of outdoor activities to keep nature lovers entertained without leaving the city limits.
Both the observation decks of the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Plaza serve up timeless views of the iconic Big Apple skyline, but for an all-new perspective, head to the breathtaking One World Observatory atop the Freedom Tower. As the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the tower, officially known as One World Trade Center, is a bucket-list destination that includes hands-on exhibits and interactive tours that put the Big Apple’s other landmarks at your fingertips. Seeking to burn off some calories? A walk or jog across the Brooklyn Bridge’s 1.3-mile pedestrian walkway is a fantastic way to see the Big Apple.
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The High Line on Manhattan’s West Side is another must-see NYC engineering marvel. Converted from a historic elevated rail line into a public park that stretches for over 20 blocks, the park incorporates local flora, art and design elements into a truly innovative green space.
Despite the city being situated on three different islands, most people don’t associate NYC with fun on the water. But in addition to enjoying the beaches of Coney Island and Rockaway, some new adventures have cropped up for those looking to take advantage of the proximity of H20. At Pier 26 on the Hudson River or Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the calm waters of the surrounding bays.
Get a concentrated dose of Big Apple energy by visiting New York Harbor off of Lower Manhattan. This legendary port encompasses parts of both New York and New Jersey at the mouth of the Hudson River where it empties into New York Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Everything from huge container ships to luxury yachts traverse this waterway, which hosts attractions like Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial.
Standing more than 150 feet tall, the Statue of Liberty has come to define New York Harbor. Erected in the late 19th century as a gift from France, the world-famous sculpture of a woman dressed in flowing robes and holding aloft a bright torch stands on Liberty Island and faces incoming ships, welcoming newcomers to the United States. The statue and island are accessible to the public only by boat; tours usually start at The Battery in Lower Manhattan.
Sitting in the heart of New York Harbor close to the New Jersey Shore, Ellis Island holds massive historic significance. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, this island served as the processing point for millions of immigrants from Europe who pursued the American Dream. The American Museum of Immigration presents the stories of immigrants who entered the United States through this busy harbour.
Adam Jones
Less than a mile across the water from Ellis Island on the New Jersey Mainland, Liberty State Park gives visitors a pleasant getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Visitors can stroll on the green expanses or visit the Liberty Science Center, which hosts an array of fun and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. The park also is home to the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, commemorating the fateful 2001 attack of the World Trade Center in Manhattan across the harbor.
Back across the state line into New York, Governor’s Island consists of more than 170 acres of hilly terrain punctuated by historical buildings, a six-acre plaza and 10 acres of hammocks and trees. The 70-foot rise of the terrain ensures beautiful views of the city. Fourteen acres of play lawn include two ball fields. Preserved structures like Fort Jay, Castle Williams and the South Battery attest to the island’s role as a military stronghold.
First opened over 150 years ago, Central Park has been a must-see for generations. Whether laying out a picnic in the pastoral Sheep Meadow, listening to the buskers at the Bethesda Fountain or wandering the rugged paths of the Ramble, the park is a playground for locals and tourists alike and one of the best places for people-watching in the city. In Manhattan’s northernmost Inwood neighborhood, Fort Tryon Park remains one of New York’s hidden gems. Donated by John D. Rockefeller in 1935, the park boasts eight miles of trails, as well as the city’s largest public garden. The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art focused on medieval art and artifacts, is also located in the park.
Don’t finish your harbor visit without a delightful early-evening New York City Harbor Lights cruise. Bask in the glow of the setting sun and glistening harbor lights while listening to entertaining and informative tour commentary. Sip your favorite drink and watch the sun set; if you time your tour right, you can watch the moon rise as New York City lights up for the night. Stellar views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge make this an unforgettable experience.
No trip to NYC would be complete without visiting the neon-soaked corner of Seventh Avenue and Broadway, better known as Times Square. Billed as the “Crossroads of the World,” it’s crowded with tourists, street performers, pizza joints and hot dog carts, but there’s no better introduction to the high-energy streets of the City that Never Sleeps. From there, lovers of art and artifacts can explore some of the world’s greatest collections at museums like the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art and the redesigned Whitney Museum. History buffs should hop on the ferry from Battery Park to visit the Ellis Island Museum and Statue of Liberty.
New York City
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New York Department of Economic Development
800-225-5697