Along the Hudson River lies Manhattan's best waterfront alternatives to the concrete jungle: trapeze classes, driving ranges, breweries, soccer fields, fishing, and free kayaking. Or try some ice-skating, catch a free yoga class, or free flick--drive-in style, sans cars. If that's not enough, take a ferry ride to the Jersey Shore, East River, or just around town; ferries stop throughout the strip.
Stretching the up the west side of Manhattan from the Parisian landscaped Battery Park Esplanade, to the boating and sunbathing decks of Midtown's Clinton Clove, Hudson River Park is home to hundreds of unusual park activities like free, laid-back billiards or adventurous boat rowing.
For the best outdoor eats (and incredible sunsets) head straight up the coast from the waterfront Financial Center, to the Chelsea Brewing Company at 20th St., to P.D. O'Hurley's on 44th, to Boat Basin at 79th, and Hudson Beach Cafe at 103rd.
You may not catch a wave in the city, but this park ensures you can do just about anything else.
Pros: Free Activities, Best Dates, Great Views of Jersey Skyline
Cons: Be Careful Early AM and Late Night, Especially Far Uptown
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