As an ode to the end of summer and a welcome to the wonderful fall season, here’s a great way to spend the day roaming the concrete jungle and soak up those last sun rays before it gets too cold to even leave your house!

A. Circle Line Cruises at Pier 83
They say one of, if not the best vantage points to see the city of New York from is by water. The piers that dot the west side of Manhattan offer dozens of options for all different travelers, from booze cruisers to dinner and dancing cruises, to themed cruises and more! Operating under the Circle Line Cruises at Pier 83 is something called The BEAST. Open between May and September this high thrills, high speed, speedboat ride takes visitors on a trip unlike any other. Head out to the Statue of Liberty for gorgeous panoramic views of the city and enjoy the fun, interactive staff on this one of a kind journey. If you happen to be visiting the city when The Beast is closed on the other hand, Circle Line offers calmer and easy going cruises with equally great views.

© Celso FLORES

B. The High Line
Once you are thoroughly wet and full of adrenaline. Yeah, you’ll get wet! Head south for a bit and along 34th street you see the entrance to something just a bit innocuous. Reinventing itself from long abandoned train tracks, the High Line is one of New York’s most popular parks and city destinations. Opening in 2009, the park runs from the Javits Center all the way through Chelsea to the Whitney Museum. Stroll along the walkways and enjoy the city views, or find a lounge chair, or patch of open grass, and do some sunbathing. The High Line has so much going on, from souvenir and food vendors, to water installments for those super hot days when you need the motivation to go on.

© David Berkowitz

C. Chelsea Market
If you’re feeling adventurous walk the full 1.45-mile park to Gansevoort Street and get the full High Line experience. If not? Find the stairs or elevator exit around Chelsea Market Passage. Now it’s time for some food, if you haven’t already been snacking on your stroll along the west side. A mix of a food hall, shopping mall and office space, Chelsea Market has the modern urban ambiance that has been missing from your life. Enjoy any food you can imagine, from fresh seafood at The Lobster Place to burgers and milkshakes at Creamline.

© Anne Helmond

D. The Strand Bookstore
After a hearty lunch it’s time to venture into the underground of Manhattan and take the L train cross-town for a bit. The Strand Bookstore is a New York institution. With its main hub in the East Village at the corner of Broadway and East 12th Street, the bookstore mecca also has carts around Central Park. Wander aimlessly through floor to ceiling cases of books, find one-of-a-kind literary souvenirs and take a pit stop into the rare book room.

E. 9/11 Memorial
Once you’ve emerged from heaven, take the subway downtown from Union Square to One World Trade Center. Fifteen years post-9/11, the Trade Center grounds have bounced back better than ever. Check out the 9/11 Museum, which opened its doors in 2011. Wander the memorial park, read the names engraved along the tower pools, and take a moment to take in all that this complex has become. The newly opened Westfield Mall located in the transportation hub has over half a million square feet of shopping and jaw dropping architecture. Finally in the waning hours of your day take the elevator up to the One World Trade Center observatory. You’ve already seen the city by boat; now take in this one of a kind city from the air!

© Steve Gardner