Planning for a holiday weekend requires a new approach in the time of COVID-19. As New York City continues to reopen, there are several activities to embrace while maintaining the health and safety of yourself and others. This Labor Day NYC, opt into some of the city's latest socially distanced offerings—like drive-in movie theaters and rooftop dining—or revisit the classic scenes of an outdoor park or beloved beach. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites, so whatever your approach, your weekend itinerary won’t miss a beat.
Watch a movie with skyline views
Nestled between the East River and the Manhattan skyline rests Skyline Drive, a photo and film location-turned-drive-in-movie theater in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. With nightly showings at 8:30 PM, you can enjoy classics like Clueless or family-friendly titles like Minions with tickets purchased in advance online. For those without a vehicle, no need to fret. Skyline Drive offers ticketed socially distanced outdoor seating. Bring your own blanket, your favorite chair, mask, and take in the breathtaking city views.
Hit the beach
New York’s beaches are easily reachable by subway or ferry. Grab your face covering and take the Q, F, or D trains to the iconic Coney Island and spend the day walking the boardwalk, sunbathing, or enjoying your favorite eats from a packed picnic. For a somewhat less touristy vibe (fewer souvenir shops, more surfers) purchase tickets ahead of time using the NYC Ferry app (iPhone or Android) and catch the ferry from Pier 11 in Downtown Manhattan to Rockaway Beach.
See some art
Fotografiska, the world-renowned destination for photography, is now open in NYC on Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The museum, operating at 25% capacity, includes a lineup of thought-provoking and visually captivating exhibitions like Death Row Exoneeres by Martin Schoeller, and Cooper & Gorfer’s Between These Folded Walls, Utopia. Purchase your tickets ahead of time online, and take advantage of the special reduced pricing in effect through the end of 2020.
Walk a new park
Prospect Park or Central Park are true NYC staples, but when’s the last time you ventured out and above 125th street? Enter Fort Tryon Park, starting at 192nd Street and stretching from Riverside Drive to Broadway. With lush greenery and pristine views of the Hudson River, Fort Tryon calls for long, uninterrupted strolls. It’s also home to Manhattan's largest dog run, making it an idyllic destination for furry friends and owners alike, with plenty of space to maintain social distancing.
Discover New York wines
Embrace your inner wine enthusiast at Red Hook Winery. Guided wine tastings—beginning at noon, with the last seating at 5:30 p.m—are available for groups of up to four people. In between masked sips, you’ll learn a history of the neighborhood, the winery and its operations, and wine tasting basics. Journey through the state with your glass and take in stunning downtown views at the Brooklyn Waterfront.
Rethink Rooftop
Discover a new way of outdoor dining with your very own mini-lawn at The Greens rooftop at Pier 17. Complete with all the essentials needed for an outdoor oasis—USB charging port, a personal Yeti cooler, umbrella, and summery food and drink menu—the dedicated 14 ft. x 14 ft. spaces are ideal for a small group gathering of up to eight people. Reservations are required and can be made for times between 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
