Upper East Side: Top 5 Outdoor Escapades | Make the most of your day!

So, you’re looking to spend some time outdoors on the Upper East Side? Well, the UES isn’t just art galleries and fancy apartments, actually. Too it’s almost an area that really comes alive when the weather is nice, with tons of spots to stretch your legs, soak in some sun, and, you know, enjoy city living at its finest. You might be surprised at just how many awesome outdoor choices there actually are! From relaxing in world-famous parks to discovering lesser-known neighborhood spots, that’s a place with, seemingly, something for everyone. We’ve compiled a list of five awesome things to do outside in the UES. Basically, pack your sunscreen, and let’s head out!

Central Park Exploration

Now, Central Park, right? The southern part of Central Park does, literally, border the Upper East Side, and so it stands to reason that no list of outdoor things is complete without at least one entry of things in this area! We’re talking about is that giant green space we’ve all heard about. More or less, the Park extends all the way up the west side as well. Anyway, whether you want to take a leisurely stroll, bike along scenic paths, or just find a nice spot to relax with a picnic basket, could be that Central Park truly has something for everyone. Arguably, you could spend an entire day—or an entire week— exploring the Park’s many nooks and crannies. That is, seemingly, a really nice way to spend your time!

Oh, but where to begin, you may ask. Fair enough! Well, Bethesda Terrace is definitely one choice. That’s a super nice place to take photographs and to, you know, just admire some skilled craftsmanship! As a matter of fact, you might see people performing there, actually. First, take a stroll by The Lake! Second, visit the Bow Bridge! Very, very picturesque, it’s almost the site of way too many movie scenes! Next, how about Strawberry Fields? Third, take a somber moment and remember John Lennon, if you have the time and inclination. Finally, and perhaps most excitingly, in the summer, Central Park is typically packed with open air performances and activities, apparently, which just makes the park an awesome destination. Very, very nice indeed!

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Museum Mile Walk

You know, who says outdoor activities can’t involve a little learning? Fair point! You could stroll along Museum Mile. You could take in the gorgeous architecture of some of the world’s top museums. You could do a little bit of art appreciation. That does, seemingly, kill a couple of birds with one stone. Arguably, Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue has basically something for everyone.

More or less, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is definitely the giant in the area! Still, it’s an amazing landmark! Actually, you could walk its perimeter, maybe find an outdoor exhibit if the season is right, and, you know, sort of feel cultured without necessarily setting foot inside, actually. That said, there are, basically, about ten museums up there, that is from the Guggenheim all the way down to the Neue Galerie! Anyway, take an hour to just walk the outside of them all. To be honest, many of them are architectural wonders unto themselves! I mean, definitely Instagram-worthy, you know?

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Carl Schurz Park and Gracie Mansion

Oh, are you trying to find a place that’s slightly off the beaten path? I hear you! Now, head eastward to Carl Schurz Park, okay? Then, walk along the East River, seemingly! Carl Schurz has very, very great views of the water, a few interesting monuments, actually, and what might be one of the only dog runs that overlooks the water, in some respects! What’s super cool about Carl Schurz, that is, you can combine your visit with a glimpse of Gracie Mansion, arguably the home of New York City’s mayor. More or less, the home itself is a beautiful building. Too, the surrounding gardens are something of a hidden gem, you know?

Too, it’s almost possible to take a tour of Gracie Mansion’s interior! Arguably, check the website! Is that so you can, maybe, plan ahead? Too it’s almost really a really amazing piece of NYC history! Besides just all of this, first, if you are strolling the park itself, you know, maybe take a brief rest on one of the park benches to really take in the views. Second, visit the lighthouse! That is, apparently, one of the neighborhood’s cool secrets. Third, consider going for a walk during sunset! Still, you’ll see really nice views of the water! Sounds exciting, yeah?

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Explore the Conservatory Garden

Now, for a more manicured outdoor area, you could try the Conservatory Garden in Central Park, if that makes any sense! Could be that it’s actually often overlooked, though. First, it’s an awesome place! Second, it really does offer a serene escape from the city noise, which might be good. First, the Conservatory is divided into three distinct garden styles (Italian, French, and English). Second, they each have their own unique charm! Now, wander through the perfectly arranged flowerbeds, if you would, and actually admire the beautiful fountains! Or, how about taking photographs, you know? That’s a nice idea!

That does tend to be less crowded than other parts of Central Park, at least, that’s what people say. Thus, the Conservatory Garden really is a spot that might let you enjoy some tranquility. Arguably, think about visiting during different seasons, to see the variety of plants that bloom throughout the year! Next, find the Burnett Memorial Fountain. Typically, it’s a particularly enchanting spot that’s absolutely ideal for some moments of contemplation! Next, walk all three sections, if you please! It is, apparently, something to remember!

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Roosevelt Island Tram Ride

Anyway, wanting something, you know, a little different? We know just the place! Oh, the Roosevelt Island Tram, it isn’t entirely on the Upper East Side. Still, the tram’s Manhattan station actually *is* located on 2nd Avenue between 59th and 60th streets. Also, it offers just incredibly sweeping, really wonderful, views of the city. Also, you don’t even need to do anything once you get to Roosevelt Island, actually. So, basically, the main event really is the ride itself.

That is, you could visit some of the parks there. Still, you might choose to do that. Oh, and getting on the tram is, arguably, quite cheap. Now, a ride costs just one MetroCard swipe! Next, definitely try going during sunset for what will be some wonderful photo opportunities! Finally, try going at night. Now, you’ll basically see the city come alive with its lights! What do you think?

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