Spring is here and you know what that means! The birds are out and the bees are abuzz in the big apple. Warmer weather and longer days mean love is in the air, so it’s time to say goodbye to those indoor cuffing season haunts, break out the short sleeves, and hit the streets with your better half. Here are our top five date ideas for spring in New York.
Explore New York’s Rooftops
When the weather elevates, take the elevator! Rooftops are an excellent place to cozy up with that special someone. Whether you’re on vacation or a lifelong resident, the New York skyline never ceases to inspire. With 317 mesmerizing skyscrapers amid an interconnected family of sparkling waterways, no movie can hold a candle to the living, breathing modern day wonder that is Manhattan.
230 Fifth and Skylark serve up delectable drinks with unbeatable views. Gansevoort Rooftop and The William Vale are two of the city’s chicest elevated swimming pools. Le Bain and Mister Purple are top picks for the clubbier side of things. Top of the Rock and The Edge are among the holy grail of New York observation decks.
Get Your Park On
Sometimes a small dose of Mother Nature is all the doctor ordered. For New Yorkers seeking an escape from the chaos of the big city, green space is a healthy remedy. With 29,000 acres of parkland across the five boroughs, there’s no shortage of pastoral settings for lovebirds to explore.
Rent a kayak or pedal boat from the LeFrak Center at Lakeside to explore Prospect Park’s stunningly serene lake. Break out the popcorn and a blanket at Fort Tryon Park’s movie nights. Flushing Meadows’ Pitch and Putt is the finest mini golf in Queens. Of course, Central Park is unquestionably New York’s most popular date spot. With its winding trails, old-world arches, and enchanting tapestry of colors, it feels like a rom-com as soon as you enter.
Join a Meetup Group
Who says you have to be alone on a date?
Meetup launched in 2002 and continues to grow in popularity every year. While the game-changing social gathering app is ubiquitous across the globe, its New York offerings are a treasure trove of events and activities based around any interest known to mankind.
Dashing Whippets Running Team hosts exhilarating outdoor jogs throughout the city. NYC International Meetup is a festive place to practice foreign languages together. SoHo Galleries and Street Photography Hop is a great option for artsy socialites. Bushwick Writers Group is ideal for couples looking to explore their literary side. NYC Nonprofit is where it’s at for charitable types hoping to make a difference in low-income communities in The Bronx. Fancy a little friendly competition? NYC Board Game meetup offers over 600 games.
The best part? Most meetup groups are free!
Outdoor dining
Did you know 800 languages are spoken on any given day in New York? That equates to around 800 types of food to try. There’s no doubt some of the city’s most famous eateries are found indoors, but when Spring hits, the streets are truly the place to be.
Every year on the first weekend after Mother’s Day, the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival comes to town. The oldest and largest continuing food fest in the city, you’ll be able to sample snacks from virtually anywhere in the world.
Meanwhile, nothing is more quintessentially New York than a table for two under the stars. Palma on Cornelia Street serves up devine Italian masterpieces in a sun-washed garden. Riverpark is a New American coastal oasis in Kips Bay, perfect for watching boats and barges go by. Dr. Clark in Chinatown is New York’s first Hokkaido restaurant, and its jingisukan and elegant outdoor terrace is enough for anyone to fall in love.
Bike Tour / rental
Spring is the perfect time of year to explore the city on two wheels. When the sun’s out and the tulips sprout, the city is truly at its peak. Unlimited Biking is the city’s premier provider of everything bike-related, whether it’s a high grade hybrid for couples seeking some urban exploration, a high end road bike for duos who want to reach peak speeds together, or a classic tandem for ultimate cuteness.
For those who wish to get some camaraderie and fun facts to accompany their ride, a guided tour creates memories like nothing else. Highlights of Central Park Tour is sure to get hearts racing, as you’ll cruise through the heart of the most popular movie backdrop on the planet. New York Highlights Bike Tour encompasses nine miles of enthralling urban splendor as you experience a greatest hits list of Big Apple neighborhoods and attractions. Highlights of Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour is way more than the bridge itself. With views of world-famous landmarks like The Freedom Tower, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, and South Street Seaport, two riveting hours will surely take your breath away.
