Surfing
It's not exactly Hawaii, but you can catch some decent waves at one of two beaches where surfing is allowed. Rockaway Beach has two spots for surfing: between Beach 67th and Beach 69th and also between Beach 87th and Beach 92nd. You might not think that Queens is a hot spot for surfing, but these spots actually see some decent-sized waves.
Golf
The city has spent millions of dollars to renovate some of its oldest public golf courses. Get off the concrete and onto the green (see Resources section).
Free Bike Fridays
Every Friday between June and October, you can pop over to Governors Island and enjoy a free bike rental for one hour. Tour the streets where Victorian homes combine with great waterfront views.<br /><br />Governors Island<br />Battery Maritime Building, Slip 7, 10 South St.<br />Manhattan, NY 10004
Kayaking
The Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking on the Hudson River during weekends. Grab your swimsuit; the business will provide all the equipment and the life vest. <br /><br />Pier 40<br />353 West St. (at West Houston Street)<br />Manhattan, NY 10014
Run Around the Reservoir
The Reservoir, in Central Park, is between 86th Street and 96th Street. The running path goes around the 106-acre lake. Engineer's Gate, located at 90th Street, is also known as Runners' Gate and is the major entrance for the start of the New York City Marathon. In between sprints, take some time to check out the birds--there are more than 20 species including loons, waterfowl and gulls.
Horseback Riding
Perhaps the busy streets of Manhattan do not invoke dreams of saddling up and heading out on horseback. But you can do exactly that at the Bridle Path in Central Park. There are three paths: the reservoir path, northern loop and southern loop. The southern loop begins north of 86th Street, and the northern loop can be found branching off the reservoir loop at 96th Street.
Rockefeller Center Rink
If you are visiting during winter, your trip is not complete without a skate around the rink at Rockefeller Center. It is a big rink, and only 150 skaters are allowed on the ice at once, so there will be plenty of room for you to practice your spins.<br /><br />Enter from Fifth Avenue?<br />(Between 49th and 50th streets)?<br />New York, NY 10020<br />(212) 332-7654
Tour the Harbor
There is no better way to see New York Harbor than from the deck of an 80-foot schooner. Schooner Adirondack and Schooner Imagine have held record finishes from 1994 to 2007 in the Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. The tours run from May to October.<br /><br />Classic Harbor Line?Chelsea Piers<br />Suite 5912<br />New York, NY 10011<br />(212) 627-1825
Roller Rink Magic
When was the last time you went roller skating? Strap on some old-fashioned quad skates and head over to Coney Island to Lola Starr's Dreamland Roller Rink. On Sunday you can wear your disco-era clothing and get a special discount.<br /><br />Boardwalk at West 10th Street<br />Brooklyn, NY 11224<br />(800) 362-5116
Walking Tours
New York City is rich in history and diversity. Get out your walking shoes and check out the five boroughs: Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island. Enjoy the food, music and culture you will find in each neighborhood.
