New York City The Rockaways

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, On Broad Channel, Jamaica Bay (www.nps.gov), The 9155 acres of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge can provide a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle of New York City. The preserve's main trail stretches for about 2 mi. around West Pond, which was created in 1952 at the request of Parks Commissioner Robert Moses. The wildlife refuge is one of the prime birding locations, as some very enthusiastic park rangers will inform you. Over 325 species have been sighted here, and birders from far and wide makes pilgrimages to the park every year to spot a Solitary Sandpiper or a Yellow-bellied Sap. Free. Visitors' center open daily 9am-5pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Park open sunrise-dusk.
Jacob Riis Park, Just west of Rockaway Beach (www.nps.gov), Founded in 1936 by Robert Moses as a public beach for those who lacked the time and the money for the ritzier Jones Beach, this park is a favorite spot for biking, swimming, playing sports, and summer merrymaking in general. An enormous castle of a bathhouse serves as an exhibition and lecture space. Free. Open 6am-midnight. Lifeguard on duty 9am-6pm M-F, 9am-7pm Sa-Su. Swimming permitted only when lifeguard is on duty.
Rockaway Beach, Beach 3rd St. to Beach 149th (www.nycgovparks.org), The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation takes its beaches seriously. Rockaway Beach, for instance, takes up about 170 acres along Jamaica Bay. They don't skimp on the lifeguards either; those Baywatch wannabes are stationed practically every 10 ft., even when only a couple of people can be seen practicing their doggy paddle. In nice weather, on the other hand, the heavy lifeguard action is justified. On these days, New Yorkers from all over the boroughs flock to Rockaway Beach for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and snoozing in the sun. Free. Lifeguard on duty 10am-6pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swimming permitted only when lifeguard is on duty. Promenade open 6am-10pm.