Todd S Baratz

Get an up-close look at the Brooklyn Bridge while you hang out at the 85-acre, waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. The park stretches across the waterfront in the vicinity of the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges on land that was overlooked and inaccessible for decades. Although the park is still under construction, the Pier 1 and Pier 6 sections are open to the public – meaning you can enjoy beautiful views of the city right next to the bridge. The park is set to be 66% completed by 2013.

Visit the Ellis Island Museum to see if any of your ancestors can be found on the "Wall of Honor," a partial list of the immigrants who entered the country through the island. Other exhibits include: Hearing Room, Peak Immigration Years, the Peopling of America, Restoring a Landmark, Silent Voices, Treasures from Home and Ellis Island Chronicles.

Head to the Manhattan Kayak Company and set out on a water sports adventure on the Hudson River. Don't know how to kayak? No problem! The pros here have got you covered, and are ready to teach you everything you need to know about the sport. Seize the opportunity to experience the city in a whole new way.

If you've already seen the main attractions of New York City, check out the destinations on a tour with Inside Out Tours. The company invites you to explore the places that locals go for food, music, art and more. You'll learn a lot about the culture and history of the city on tours like the Treasure Hunt Tour and the Brooklyn After Dark Tour.