On the waterfront

 
You’ve been dreaming about an out-of-town beach vacation this summer, but your wallet’s forcing you to opt for a hometown staycation instead.Well, you can relax. Sometimes we get so used to New York that we forget that it’s surrounded by water. This summer, take advantage of the city’s various waterfront scenes. Here’s how.

Riverbank State Park Boasting gorgeous promenade views of the Hudson River and Palisade Mountains, this 28-acre recreation facility offers landscaped terraces above the Hudson and a water-level amphitheater with a boat docking area — allowing for an escape from the escape.

Indoors, there’s an Olympic-sized swimming pool ($2 entrance fee for adults, $1 for kids older than 4), covered skating rink for seasonal roller- and ice-skating ($1 admission, $4 skate rental), an athletic complex and a chic glass-enclosed, Zagat rated 150-seat restaurant called The River Room, which has a waterfront patio.

Outdoor amenities include pools, tennis and basketball courts, a softball field and a running track with a football/soccer field. Surrounded by picnic areas and playgrounds, Riverbank State Park is a no-miss No. 1 train-accessible destination. (137th Street to 145th Street, along the Hudson River; 212-694-3600; nysparks.state.ny.us)

Hudson River Park Trade the treadmill or stationary bike for Hudson River Park’s paved trail stretching along Manhattan’s West Side. Doesn’t listening to your iPod while taking in views of the Hudson sound better than taking in views of the morning talk-shows? We think so, too.

Along the trail are several grassy patches, perfect for sunbathing. Our favorite spot is at Christopher Street — there’s plenty of sunning space, clean restrooms, a snack shack and shaded picnic tables if the weather gets too hot.

Hudson River Park also has driving ranges, free tennis courts (be prepared to wait in line on most days, though), recreational piers, soccer fields, fishing and boating. There are also festivals, films and other activities throughout the summer. ( Battery Park to 59th Street along the Hudson River; 212-627-2020; hudsonriverpark.org)

East River State Park With seven acres of waterfront space, East River State Park has an asset unlike any other: Williamsburg’s most stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. Tack on newly landscaped sprawling greens and you have plenty of options for rest and recreation. Visitors can enjoy Frisbee games, softball catches, dog- walking or barbecuing by the wooden picnic tables.

Since the park is located on the site of a 19th-century shipping dock, the area has charming remnants, such as cobblestone streets and historic rail-yard sites. (90 Kent Ave., along the East River, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 347-297-9470; nysparks.state.ny.us)

Governors Island Governors Island is the often-overlooked tree-filled space that’s just a seven-minute, half-mile ferry ride from downtown Manhattan. Admired by many, the island’s visiting potential often ends there for most passersby. Well, it shouldn’t.

A lush historic area with arts and crafts, musical and theatrical performances, the island also offers precious getaway activities including traffic-free biking, jogging on the esplanade, reading on the grass, tram tours and picnicking.

The diminutive island (172 acres) offers big-time views of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey. Through October, the island is one of four locations to host the most talked-about city treat: man-made waterfall exhibits by Danish artist Olafur Eliasoon. (New York Harbor, between Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn; govisland.com; Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 12. Free ferry and admission; ferry leaves from the Battery Maritime Building, at the corner of South and Whitehall streets in Lower Manhattan)

Coney Island Who wants to pay to get to the beach, or even for a ticket? For a getaway that’s as stress-free as the subway ride there, try Brooklyn’s own Coney Island. The beachfront amusement park area has plenty of diversions for the young at heart — the scarily fun Cyclone roller coaster, kiddie Tea Cups, carnival games and boardwalk bars and restaurants. Friday nights boast a duo of American favorite pastimes: fireworks on the beach and baseball ( Brooklyn Cyclones, a Mets minor league division team). (Surf Avenue, along the Atlantic Ocean; 718-372-5159; coneyisland.com

By Janie Ho

amNY