In the deep south of Staten Island, this lush, more-than-300-acre green space is teeming with plant and animal life. Come and enjoy the narrow woodland trails, which can be hiked or biked. Read more.
In the deep south of Staten Island, this lush, more-than-300-acre green space is teeming with plant and animal life. Come and enjoy the narrow woodland trails, which can be hiked or biked. Read more.
Wander and take in the wilderness. When you’ve tired yourself out, plop down alongside the picturesque Loch (midpark between 102nd and 103rd Sts), a narrow stream dotted with five waterfalls. Read more.
A guide will set you up with a mount based on your skill level (no experience necessary). Climb into the saddle and ride along the hour-long amble that follows the Pelham Bay Park Bridle Path. Read more.
Pelham Bay Park’s oceanfront is an ideal setting for any group that can’t decide between lazing and exploring. Relax on the beach or get a little more active: canoe, take a tour or go seal watching. Read more.
Check out the restored architectural details, from the wooden front door to ornamental moldings, as well as the café, serving food, wine and beer on an adjacent terrace with a view of the Palisades. Read more.
Thain Family Forest boasts a magnificent waterfall: Take Bridge Trail for an up-close look, peering underneath the bridge to see trees gnawed by beavers, or get an aerial view from Mill View Trail. Read more.
Thanks to massive restoration efforts, this 23-mile-long pastoral artery can stop onlookers in their tracks or inspire them to travel its length. There are 6 public launch spots for canoes and kayaks. Read more.
Spanning 65 acres and teeming with gardens, grassy alcoves and trails perfect for mini hikes, this park feels a world away from Manhattan’s hustle. Save an afternoon or an entire day for your visit. Read more.
The dense foliage and beautiful sky-high trees—which rise to a height of more than 100 feet and create a full canopy—make it easy to forget you’re still in the 212 area code. Read more.
Head to this exceptional spot for mountain biking and BMXing. The bikeless or fixie riders can rent appropriate wheels from Tread Bike Shop, three blocks from the park. Read more.
This beautiful 18-hole waterfront is great for beginners (there’s an irons-only driving range, and chipping and putting greens to practice on) and for nature lovers. Read more.
Munch on seafood and burgers in the on-site restaurant, sip piña coladas at the outdoor tiki bar next to one of the four pools, or play basketball, tennis or bocce on one of the 10 sports courts. Read more.
This 2,800-acre nature preserve offers approximately 35 miles of hiking trails. There are stretches where the sounds of passing cars are replaced by birdcalls and all you can see is green. Read more.
Skip the lengthy jaunts upstate and camp at this former airport field. The wooded grounds offer around 40 six-person sites, each with a picnic table and a fire pit for roasting s’mores. Read more.
Spread your blankets between the two rock jetties on the opposite end and pick teams: The hinterland offers ample space for any ball game, without the risk of invading other beachgoers’ space. Read more.
The 1,000-acre space is the fourth largest park in the city and offers live concerts, horseback riding, an outdoor pool, hiking and cross-country trails, a historic house museum and two golf courses. Read more.
Find respite from modern distractions at this quaint, sleepy village. The time capsule of 30 restored structures from the 17th to early 20th centuries was initiated by Depression-era preservationists. Read more.
