Spring is right around the corner in NYC, and the prospect of shedding winter layers and easing into sunny days is something akin to Christmas morning excitement.
Although we still have a couple of months to go before we officially hit warm weather territory, we’re starting to see the first signs of spring and with that, the return of social activities and outings that we couldn’t be bothered to participate in during the cold winter.
From flower shows to sports events to parades, there’s a lot happening.
Here are 11 ways to spend spring in NYC.
1. Cherry Blossoms
You don’t need to take a trip to Japan to see the beauty of a spring cherry blossom festival because you can find it right here in New York City!
The story goes that in 1912, Japan sent New York City a gift of 2,500 cherry blossom trees to celebrate the friendship between the two countries. The trees were dispersed among parks in the city, and more have been sent over the past century. According to the Parks Department, there are nearly 7,000 cherry blossom trees across our parks today.
The best place to see cherry blossoms in New York City is at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival, where you can see rows and rows of cherry blossom trees and learn about Japanese culture and tradition. They have a convenient tracker to see the status of the blooms.
You can also find cherry blossom trees in Central Park, Roosevelt Island, Sakura Park, and New York Botanical Garden.
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2. Sunset Sail
As the weather warms up again, you’ll start to see sailboats cruising through the Hudson River again. There’s something really special about seeing New York City by boat, it’s something everybody should experience. You can choose a daytime or evening sail, but I’d highly recommend the sunset sail. It’s a great romantic date idea to keep up your sleeve.
3. Orchid Show
Each year, the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx puts on a spectacular orchid show. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is transformed as thousands of orchids are placed throughout the greenhouse among other plants. It’s a gorgeous installation and certainly worth the trip.
4. Have a Picnic
Outdoor picnics are such a special part of life in New York. After a winter spent inside, I’m always itching to round up my friends and watch a sunset while playing board games and sipping wine.
The best places for picnics in NYC are the Hudson River Greenway (especially at sunset), Central Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park. I also love Battery Park because there are picnic tables.
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5. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
You can’t miss this one! The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the country’s oldest Irish tradition starting in 1762 (yep, before the Declaration of Independence was even signed). It’s a time-honored tradition and one of the most attended events every spring in NYC, drawing in 150,000 marchers and an additional 2 million spectators.
The parade kicks off at 11am on March 17th (or Saturday if the 17th falls on a Sunday). The start of the route is at 5th Avenue and 44th Street and the parade moves up to 79th Street to the final destination, St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
6. Macy’s Flower Show
Celebrate spring in NYC at Macy’s Flower Show. Each year, the iconic department store participates in the celebration of spring by decorating the storefront and displays with thousands of flowers, plants, and trees, all in a specific theme. Previous year’s themes have revolved around space, fairytales, and carnivals – it’s as inventive as you can imagine. But hurry, the display only lasts for two weeks!
7. Go for a Bike Ride
What better way to spend a spring day in NYC than with a long bike ride? The easiest and most accessible way to rent a bike is through Citi Bike, which has 1,700+ docks throughout the city, making it easy to pick up and drop a bike from wherever you are.
And for a scenic ride, head to Central Park, East River Waterfront Esplanade, Prospect Park, the Hudson River Greenway, or Brooklyn Bridge Park.
8. Fleet Week
Fleet Week started in NYC in 1982 and takes place for a week each year to honor the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. During the event, visitors can tour ships, meet members, and learn more about their service. It’s a family-friendly event and great for all ages.
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9. Watch the Brooklyn Marathon
Nothing beats the energy in New York City on a marathon day. The “togetherness” that New Yorkers feel is incredible. Although the New York Marathon in the fall is the most popular race to see, the Brooklyn Marathon has much of the same energy. The 26.2 mile race starts in Williamsburg and ends in Prospect Park, covering much of Brooklyn in between. Head out and cheer on your fellow New Yorkers.
10. Catch Manhattenhenge
Manahttenhenge is a personal favorite activity every spring in NYC. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s four days of the year when the sun sets perfectly in line between Manhattan’s gridded streets, creating an incredible view of the sun in between the skyscrapers. The first two days are in the end of May and the second two take place in summer.
Here are the best spots to get a view of this phenomenon:
- 14th Street and Broadway (near Union Square)
- 23rd Street and Broadway (near the Flatiron Building)
- 34th Street and Fifth Avenue (near the Empire State Building)
- 42nd Street and Third Avenue
11. Go To a Baseball Game
Baseball season is back, baby! Spring marks the return of baseball and New Yorkers will be happy to see the Yankees and New York Mets batting in their home fields. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, it’s simply one of those must-do New York experiences (although it is pretty fun and the food is top-notch).
Does this post make you excited for spring in NYC? What are your favorite things to do?