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Some of these gems are hidden in plain sight--The Museum of the City of New York, for example, or the fascinating Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, which looms over the Hudson River just west of the West Side Highway. A ferry ride will take you to Governor's Island during the spring and summer months, when you can enjoy great views of the city skyline and picnic on the island's main green. Hop on the subway for the rest of these destinations, including the majestic Cloisters in the Bronx; City Island, with its old-fashioned fishing-village feel; Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park in DUMBO (featuring equally spectacular views, but from a different angle); or the funky P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center in Queens. Queens is also home to one of the city's only remaining beer gardens, Astoria's Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden. It's one of the three featured eating/drinking gems on our list, alongside the spare, charming Soho eatery Salt and Applewood, a temple to local/seasonal dining located on a quiet street in Park Slope.

Photo: The bow of the USS Intrepid. By Rob Young.