Kings Park, New York

This trail is accessible year round and features water views of the Long Island Sound with beach access. The trail is a popular spot for walking, biking, fishing, and even bird watching. But if you’re not quite in the mood to get your steps in, you can use the small beach to sit and chat with a f...

Parking is at the end of Barnum Road in the Seaside Park.  Though the lighthouse grounds are accessible the tower itself is not open to the public.  To access the island you must walk across the breakwater.  Please use caution as it is uneven footing and at times can be slippery.  From the isla...

If departing from NYC, catch the early LIRR train from Penn Station (or Atlantic Terminal) towards Patchogue. You may have to transfer at both Jamaica & Babylon, but it's an easy hop across the platform. Trip will take approximately an hour and a half and cost around $15, Off Peak, each way. ...

Located along the Long Island Sound, this 147-acre conservancy is home to a plethora of different birds, including marsh wrens, seaside sparrows, and American woodcocks. The conservancy has 3 miles of trails, all easy to navigate. Starting out from the visitor's center, take the trail to the rig...

Starting at about 520 feet, the White path takes you along the Stateline Lookout which is a small stone building overlooking the Hudson River. The initial descent is your average hike through the woods and across a couple of wooden bridges until you reach the Giant Steps. The Giant Steps take you...

The easiest way to access this loop hike is by parking at the Palisades State Park Headquarters.  This is just off exit 2 from the Palisades Interstate Parkway.  Parking here is free and it is a short walk down a road to the Closter Dock Trail.  The Closter Dock Trail is more of a wide fire road ...

Kingsland Wildflowers is a rooftop meadow located atop Broadway Stages in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood, offering 24,000 square feet of native plants like bee balm, purple aster, and wild strawberries. The green space, a collaboration between Alive Structures, New York City Audubon, and the ...

Nestled along the East River waterfront in Long Island City, Queens, Gantry Plaza State Park offers visitors a breathtaking urban park experience with unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline. This 4-acre historic waterfront park transforms former industrial land into a stunning green space ...

There aren't any mountain peaks to summit in New York City, but the view from the top of the Rockefeller Building is the next best thing. You'll have to pay a few bucks ($29 to be exact) and deal with some tourists but you won't regret your decision once you're looking out over one of the most ic...

Brooklyn isn't just for the urban and trendy, its also for the people who love getting outside! Located just past the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, Floyd Bennett Field is a National Recreation Area that features an Aviator Sports & Event Center (this was formerly an important NYC airport), t...

This 5-acre public park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is perfect for soaking up the sun and taking in the city! Picnic on the grass with lunch and your favorite book, or walk along the water and watch the boats pass by with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.

To get in both some sights and a workout, follow the Hudson River Greenway to views of the Statue of Liberty, the Chelsea Piers, and George Washington Bridge, to name a few. This easy-access run is best done in the early morning or early evening, to avoid pedestrian traffic and too much sun. Keep...

Practice bouldering at North America's largest outdoor rock climbing gym after work. Of course you aren't climbing mountains, but at least the view of the East River isn't too shabby! Enter at the corner of Adams St. and John St. and see the Manhattan Bridge above you. To your left is the new ...

Located in DUMBO this is seen as one of of the prime photography spots in NYC for good reason. Off the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street is a perfect view of the Manhattan Bridge sandwiched between two buildings. If you want to take it one step further you are able to get a close...

The Big Apple. NYC has arguably the best skyline in the world. So, if you are one of the millions of people visiting wouldn't you want to get some photos of the entire skyline to post on social media and show friend & family? Skip the boat and helicopter tour lines (although a cool experience...

Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city doesn't always require actually leaving the city. Hanging out next to the East River and focusing on photographing the Brooklyn Bridge can be just what you need to clear your head and get your fix for some outdoors time. This is a great spot to practice ...