We’ve been venturing to NYC in the last few weeks as an attempt to “travel” and explore. We’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a few outdoor spots safely (post coming soon). I did drive in to the city as to avoid using public transportation. Parking is a breeze. But NYC is very different now.

If you find yourself wanting to leave Hudson County for a day and want to head into Manhattan, it’s important to know what is open to the public. Masks are expected to be worn, especially in spaces where maintaining a 6-ft distance is difficult.

New York City is currently in Phase 3 of the New York reopening process while the rest of the state is in Phase 4. Here’s what to expect:

What’s Open?

Personal care

Personal care businesses include:

• Nail salons
• Hair salons and barber shops
• Tattoo shops
• Massage parlors
• Tanning salons
• Spas

Outdoor recreation

This includes outdoor sports like basketball and tennis. Dog runs are also open.

Outdoor dining

Outdoor dining is allowed in New York City through curbside seating spaces, converted parking areas, and closed streets.

Interested in outdoor dining? Here are some helpful lists of spots open with outdoor seating:

• NYC Restaurants Where You Can Eat Outside Today (running list) – Infatuation
• Best Outdoor Dining in NYC After Phase Two Reopening – NY Post
• A map of open restaurants – NYC.gov

Beaches

New York City beaches are open for swimming. This includes:

• Brighton Beach
• Cedar Grove
• Coney Island
• Manhattan Beach
• Orchard Beach
• Rockaway Beach
• Midland Beach
• South Beach
• Wolfe’s Pond

Essential and in-store retail

In-person shopping is now allowed at retail stores with capacity limitations.

For a full list of industries open, check out the NY Forward website and the NY Mag article highlighting what’s opening in each phase.

What’s Not Open?

Subways, from 1AM to 5AM for cleaning

Shopping malls

Indoor restaurant and bar service

Large gathering/event venues

This includes concert venues, halls, and theaters.

Gyms and fitness centers

Indoor movie theaters

Drive-in theaters are still up and running.

Places of public amusement

This includes:

• Amusement/theme parks
• Zoos
• Aquariums
• Carnivals and fairs
• Water parks
• Arcades
• Bowling alleys