New York City is a breeze to visit in the summertime. The town is less crowded thanks to throngs of New Yorkers vacationing elsewhere, and you have access to anything you need 24/7.
Enjoy NYC’s summer weather by packing the right items for you and your family so you can have a comfortable, safe, and fun vacation.
Read through this list of activities to find out what you’ll need.
Walking Around Town
The Big Apple is best explored by foot, which means you’ll most likely take public transportation. If you have a baby or toddler, a carrier will serve you much better than a stroller. Not all subways have an elevator, so this will save you the inconvenience.
Bring a daypack to carry the essentials with you while exploring:
- A lightweight cover-up you can take off and on as you walk through hot streets and dip into air-conditioned buildings
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Snacks and water
- Tissues and hand sanitizer
- Umbrella
- Camera
Make sure everyone is wearing their most comfortable walking shoes!
Fine and Casual Dining
Pack appropriately for fine dining at nicer restaurants, such as Bâtard, a lovely French restaurant on West Broadway. Several of them recently eliminated the tie rule, but most still prefer sport jackets(loaners are often available). As a rule of thumb, pack simple, quality dress clothes and accessories for enjoying fancy eats while in the Big Apple.
For more casual, but still trendy, restaurants such as The Union Square Cafe, enjoy a more informal dress and have fun people-watching!
Live Shows
Planning on seeing a show on Broadway? Keep it cute and casual with long sundresses and lightweight slacks. Bring a jacket in case the theater is chilly, but something light and easy enough to carry around in the heat outside is perfect.
Sightseeing and Tours
Whether you’re at an Upper East Side cafe, the observation deck of the Top of the Rock, on the Yacht Kingston or at tapings for “The Daily Show”, you’ll want to pack your camera and multiple chargers.
Festivals
Remember to pack sunscreen if you’re planning on catching some of the NYC festivals along the water’s edge, such as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular or the Annual Space & Science Festival in July.
Take advantage of free outdoor performing arts and summer concerts at parks around the city, such as at the famed SummerStage in Central Park. It’s one of the most quintessential New York summer experiences you can have. But remember to pack insect repellent and a blanket for comfortable picnics on summer nights.
Remember to keep some space open in your suitcases. Shopping in New York is inevitable, and fun! You’ll definitely bring home souvenirs.
Have you visited New York in the summer? Tell us about your trip!
Want to plan a trip? Find cheap flights to NYC on Allegiant.
