The natural waterfall at the Ravine is a beauty (especially with fall foliage)! Sit on a rock and forget that you're in the middle of Manhattan
A real hidden gem in the Upper West Side and it gets our vote for the best place to watch the sunset. Right on the Hudson River with sailboats passing by, relax, have a drink, and enjoy the view.
Free kayaking weekends and holidays mid-May to mid-October, and on many weekday evenings, weather permitting. No experience necessary. Bring a bathing suit or shorts/T-shirt, & a lock if you have one.
