15 Gorgeous NYC Parks You Never Knew About

New York City is 25 percent green space, but you probably haven’t seen it all. Grab your Metrocard and let’s go!
















smcgee / Flickr: smcgee / Creative Commons














Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge



What it is: A bird sanctuary and wetland estuary with over 50 species of butterflies and 325 species of birds. It's also the only wildlife refuge in the National Park system and part of both Brooklyn and Queens. What to do: You can go birding, hiking, go on a sunset tour, and even see some turtles nesting. How to get there: Take the A to Broad Channel Station or the Q21 to the refuge stop.


Jeffrey Zeldman / Flickr: zeldman / Creative Commons














Mosignor McGolrick Park



What it is: A small urban park near McCarren Park in Greenpoint. It's home to a beautiful shelter pavilion that was designated as a New York City Landmark in 1966. There's also a dog park and farmer's market on Sundays. What to do: Everything! Have a picnic, take a stroll, bring your dog — it's filled with benches so grab a book and just enjoy the trees and summer breeze. How to get there: Take the G to Nassau Avenue and walk over about eight blocks to the park.


Erin / Flickr: erin_can_spell / Creative Commons














Floyd Bennett Field



What it is: Floyd Bennett Field was once an airport and naval air station and has now existed for 83 years in New York City. Named after Floyd Bennett, a Medal of Honor recipient and aviator, the park is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and is owned by the National Park Service. What to do: You can bring your own kayak or canoe and launch off from here or picnic and hike. Make an early reservation and you can camp here and sleep under New York City's stars. How to get there: Take the Q35 Southbound and get off at the Floyd Bennett Field stop.


lulun & kame / Flickr: kamekame / Creative Commons




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