Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Attention, bird watchers! This is the place to check out the feathered creatures of your dreams. With more than 325 species of birds on the premises, plus a salt marsh, woods and freshwater ponds, this wildlife refuge, set on 9,155 breathtaking acres, is like an oasis in the middle of New York. Even if bird watching isn't your thing, there's plenty to do, including hiking, exploring turtle nesting and admiring the vast array of wildflowers, moths and butterflies.