There’s something special about summers in Manhattan. From dining al fresco and rooftop bars to seasonal menus and all sorts of cool treats, there’s a special energy in the air that can be felt by everyone from first-time visitors to lifelong New Yorkers. But everyone shares one thing in common: that need to escape the steamy temperatures.

There may be an instinct to trek all the way out to the shore, but there’s actually a much simpler place to go right in midtown: Rockefeller Center. With special programs, sprawling aerial views, and oh-so-many eats and treats, the neighborhood is the place to be this summer—and we’ve curated the hottest ways to cool down in Rockefeller Center this summer.

Hand holding a frozen treat from the Glace truck at Rockefeller Center

1. Treat yourself to Glace’s viral desserts.

A hot summer day almost always calls for ice cream. Glace founder Sasha Zabar offers a selection of delectable summer treats served from a yellow ice cream truck on Center Plaza, visited by the likes of Tyra Banks and Jenna Bush Hager. This summer, it’s all about the collaborations with its Rockefeller Center neighbors.

Teaming up with Smith & Mills, the team is offering up a Cosmo Royle Fifty/Fifty, with half ice cream and half slushy from July 3 to 6, while the NARO partnership will spotlight a sweet corn and honey butter parfait or sundae from July 10 to 13. Finally, a bacon butterscotch s’mores sundae will be served with Lobel’s Original from July 17 to 20. And throughout the whole summer, Glace is scooping out sundaes, ice cream, and housemade macaroon ice cream sandwiches called Mac’wiches.

The Glace truck is located on Center Plaza in front of FAO Schwarz between 5th and 6th Avenues.

Two people enjoying the view from Top of the Rock while sitting on The Beam

2. Feel the breeze at Top of the Rock.

Too hot on the ground level? Head 70 stories up to Top of the Rock. No matter when you visit throughout the day, you’re guaranteed breathtaking vistas from the indoor and outdoor observation decks. Sail even higher by riding Skylift or The Beam, both of which rise and rotate; you might catch a bit of a summer breeze, too.

Plus, this summer, The Weather Room at Top of the Rock is offering a too-hot-to-miss On the Rocks happy hour deal for New York City area residents: $20 entry including a buy-one-get-one-free drinks between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. through September 1. Pro tip: Buy your tickets ahead of time to make your visit as seamless as possible.

Top of the Rock is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, with the entrance on 50th Street.

Various dishes and drinks on a table on Le Rock's outdoor terrace

3. Indulge in a midday meal at Le Rock.

This year’s James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurateurs, Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, are behind one of Rockefeller Center’s trendiest fine dining destinations, Le Rock, a favorite of Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” co-anchor Michael Che and his castmates. Highlights of its lunchtime menu include a baguette service, pâté maison, and niçoise salad. While its framboise colada is a fresh and fruity way to cool down, those in the know go for the fries and cold martini combo—best enjoyed on the outdoor terrace in the evening.

Le Rock is located at 45 Rockefeller Plaza.

Large groups of people sitting under umbrellas at Summer at The Rink

4. Kick back at Summer at The Rink.

One of the city’s best new outdoor activities is hanging out at Summer at The Rink. This season, Pebble Bar at The Rink, open from 4 pm, has turned the heart of Rockefeller Center into a European-inspired courtyard serving seasonal spritzes and frozen cocktails. Or go for a bite from an Under 30 Rock eatery: Italian sandwiches from Alidoro, classic dosas at Madras Dosa Co, or wraps from Naya. For the younger set, there are kid-friendly sodas from Cool Sips. Or perhaps enjoy a full-service meal on the terrace at Jupiter featuring entrees like risotto with spring peas or grilled half lobster with zucchini fritti.

The Rink is located at Rockefeller Plaza between 49th and 50th Streets.

Two frozen treats from Matcha Cafe Maiko at Rockefeller Center

5. Savor a sweet summer treat from Matcha Cafe Maiko.

Ever since Matcha Cafe Maiko opened its first location in Hawaii, it’s been trending for its authentic green tea ingredients from Uji, Japan. Whether it’s shaved ice topped with matcha syrup, a matcha latte float, or parfait with matcha ice and chiffon, the entire menu is chock-full of photogenic sweet treats that dial down the summer heat.

Matcha Cafe Maiko is located on the Rink Level.