New York City has something for everyone, no matter what time of year you visit. During the spring, the sun starts to make an appearance, taking the chill out of the air. The trees in Central Park start to grow buds, the remnants of the snow start to melt away, and people flock to the outdoors to enjoy the nicer weather.
Whether it is your first or tenth time visiting the Big Apple, there are plenty of spring-specific events you can add to your list when planning your TopView New York City tour. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Visit a Flower Festival
When spring arrives, New York City blooms! There are numerous flower festivals you can visit while in the area. The New York Botanical Garden’s orchid show spans over March and April and showcases thousands of gorgeous orchids. The Macy’s Flower Show is quite famous and is frequented by locals and tourists alike. In this display, stunning arrangements fit a predetermined theme and are left on display for two weeks.
Finally, for an exotic touch, attend the incredible Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in April. Aside from the breathtaking beautiful cherry blossoms, the festival features entertainment, a market, and a traditional Japanese tea room. The cherry blossoms only bloom for a couple of days, so don’t miss out!
Find the Secrets of Central Park
Like the rest of New York City, Central Park is a treasure trove of hidden wonders and historical gems. Spend a day outside on the ultimate scavenger hunt to visit as many as possible. Some must-see secrets include the Whispering Bench in Shakespeare’s Garden, in which you’ll be able to whisper a secret to someone at the other end of the bench and be heard clearly. The stairs to the now blocked off Ramble Cave, where numerous crimes were committed before it was closed.
There are also waterfalls, ruins of old villages and schools, one of the original surveyor’s bolts still stuck in the ground, stunning lakes, arches, and statues. At one point, it was discovered that one of the Revolutionary War cannons had been loaded for over a hundred years and was just sitting in Central Park where children would climb on it. The bomb squad has since dismantled the device, but it remains on display.
Celebrate National Bike Month
Celebrate National Bike Month in May by touring the city via bicycle. You can arrange a tour through a tour company or rent a bike for a self-led tour. Not only is cycling a great way to get ample physical activity while seeing the city, but it’s also a fantastic method of transportation that will circumvent the wait times and cost of taking the subway or a cab.
If time and fitness levels permit, sign up for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour and see the various neighborhoods of New York City as you travel 40 miles with your fellow cycling enthusiasts. The tour finishes on Staten Island with a Finish Festival, featuring food, beverages, and live entertainment. This isn’t an event for the average tourist, but if you are an avid cyclist and plan on being in the area, why not make the most of it?
Head to Coney Island
While Coney Island is a summer hotspot, the gates officially open near the end of March. Coney Island is home to the world-famous Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, where you can ride the almost 100-year-old wheel for fantastic views of the surrounding area from 150-feet in the air.
Though it may not be warm enough to hit the sand, you can still walk along the boardwalk on the beach and get some fresh air. Coney Island is also home to the New York Aquarium, where you can visit more than 300 water-dwelling friends.
Spring in New York City is a beautiful experience as you get to watch the area come back to life after a long winter. If you’re going to visit, now is the time!
