11 Reasons New York Has the Best Summers in the Country

New York can get hot and muggy in the summer. Some people will want to take advantage of the weather to go outside and bask in the great outdoors. Other people want to stay inside and keep cool. Fortunately, New York has something for everyone, and that is not an overstatement. Find out 11 reasons New York has the best summers in the country and see why few states are as great to visit when it gets hot out.

1. There Are Many Beaches

New York has 2,625 miles of shoreline throughout the state. From Coney Island Beach to East Hampton, people in the southern part of the state have many options for beaches. People can set up an umbrella and chair to read and tan, or they can head into the water to cool off. On a hot weekend, though, you may need to drive farther from the city to find a quiet, less-crowded space.

2. Lakes and Pools Are Everywhere Beaches Are Not

People that can’t make it to the beaches in southern New York have all kinds of options for swimming as well. Aside from public pools in the city or private pools, the state has many different lakes and swimming holes. People can travel to the Finger Lakes and go swimming in them, or head to any number of the smaller lakes throughout the state. People far to the north can also take a dip in Lake Ontario!

3. You’ll Have Time to Go See Museums

There is nothing like a blistering hot day in New York City to make people want to stay inside. That means you’ll finally have time to go see the latest galleries and installations at the numerous museums in the state. Not only can you beat the heat in the air conditioning while looking at beautiful art, but many of the museums in New York City also have low-cost or free entry.  

4. The State Has All Kinds of Summer Music Festivals and Concerts

Another one of the most important reasons New York has the best summers in the country is because of all the concerts and music festivals held throughout the state. New York City attracts all sorts of artists, including modern rockers, rappers, jazz quartets, and old-school greats.

Large music festivals are held throughout the state, like the Finger Lakes Country Music Festival. Whether you like large fields full of like-minded people or small, intimate settings to listen to up-and-coming musicians, New York has something for you.

5. Summer Sports Leagues Are Great Entertainment

Nothing says summer like watching a game and eating some greasy foods. New York is home to both the Yankees and the Mets for baseball. Their ballparks are somewhat new and very nice to watch a game. However, the end of summer sees the return of professional football. New York has the New York Giants, the New York Jets, and the Buffalo Bills. People all over the state can enjoy their preseason matchups and the season start.

Of course, professional soccer is also growing in the area. The New York City Football Club represents New York, and they play throughout the summer.

6. There Are Plenty of Free Performances and Shows in the City

Musical concerts are not the only types of performances that you can see in New York City. Street artists play along the city sidewalks and professional theatre troupes perform famous works of Shakespeare in Central Park. You can even find burgeoning artists such as Marc Rebillet performing pop-up live sets in the city. Keep your ear to the ground, and you can take in a free show just about any weekend.

7. People Can Take in the Sights in Good Weather

Sure, you can go to a state park any time of the year. However, trudging along a beach in the winter to see the tallest lighthouse in New York is not much fun. Summer is the perfect time to explore the wilderness throughout New York. Follow the Hudson River to its source, climb some of the state’s mountains, gaze out at Lake Champlain, find the state’s largest waterfalls, or learn how to fish. There’s so much to do in New York.

Exploring the state parks or striking out into the great outdoors will get you out of the cities during the hottest times of the year. You can see all sorts of wildlife and see how much more there is to the state than skyscrapers and neon lights.

8. New York Has the Best Summer Fishing

New York is a great state for fishing. Not only do you have quick and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and its bounty, but the state is home to huge lakes. Lake Champlain, the Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario, and others are a paradise for anglers. You can find a chartered boat to take you out fishing for marlins, or you can sit outside of a cabin and cast into a lake to find some sunfish. The fishing possibilities are endless here.

9. The State Has a Never-Ending Medley of Foods to Try

New York City has all kinds of great food to try in the summer. You can’t walk more than a few blocks without seeing a spot to get a delicious meal or a quick bite from a vendor on the sidewalk. You can find food from all over the world in the city.

Don’t be afraid to get a fresh bagel with cream cheese for breakfast, get some kati rolls or a slice of pizza for lunch, and wash it all down with some papaya juice. Snag some birria tacos or dosas around dinner time. Finish the day with a couple of scoops of ice cream, and try something new the next day. The city is a cultural melting pot, and that means it has a never-ending smorgasbord of food to try.

10. Rooftop Bars Are a Real Thing in New York City

You can relive your favorite coming-of-age sitcom based in New York City by heading up to the rooftops of some bars in New York City. Not only do you get great views of the city as the heat of the day wears off, but you get to feel classy while having a refreshing drink. Sure, rooftop bars are expensive. Yet, they offer a whole new level of people-watching and they can help you meet new friends.

11. The Great New York State Fair Is a Great Farewell to Summer

For 13 days leading up to Labor Day, the Great New York State Fair runs in Syracuse, New York. People can interact with animals at the petting zoo, learn about Native American cultures from the region, attend concerts, and take part in various competitions including a horse show. This fair packs in a lot of action to help people say goodbye to the summer.

These are just a few of the reasons New York has the best summers in the country. So much is happening in the state during these months that it is impossible to do everything. Still, if you’re looking to try something new or you’re feeling bored, take a look at this list to see what you can do.

Summary of 11 Reasons New York Has the Best Summers in the Country

Here’s a recap of why we believe New York is one of the U.S.’s great summer destinations.

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