Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

One of the most vibrant avian sanctuaries in the United States , this 9,155-acre refuge features five miles of trails and is home to more than 300 species of migratory birds. Read more

Known to many as the best place for bird watching in Queens, you can enjoy the sea breeze as you wander the trails with your binoculars . Discover other wildlife hotspots in NYC on MetroFocus. Read more

you should have a permit to enter the refuge trails . they're free at the center between 8:30am and 5pm. trails are open from dawn until dusk

If you're a fan of nature, this wildlife refuge is a great place for you to explore. Birdwatching is also great for this location.

the trail is still breached but the benches are all back, at least on the short arm of the trail

the west pond trail was breached during hurricane sandy about a quarter mile west from the center. currently impassable

#StaffPick Diya (New Media): The best place in NYC for nature. Hands down. While you're here, venture over to the Jamaica Bay Riding Academy and ride horses like you're in the country .

Don't be afraid to talk to the rangers or bird watchers, they can give you very valuable information of high actively spots to hit up.

This refuge wasn't always as beautiful as it is today. Take a look at a photo from our Documerica collection to see how Jamaica Bay looked in the 1970s. What can you do to keep this area clean ? Read more

Nice info place but was expecting it to be near water or overlook and easier to walk. More for young people’

According to JSex, this sanctuary has more species of bird than all the rest of the country west of the Mississippi!

Exercise is great very limited views and many accesses are closed to the waterfront .

More than 330 species of birds call this 9,000-acre preserve home, and convenient subway access makes it an easy visitor destination.

Take you binoculars

You can borrow binoculars at the visitor center!

adorable horseshoe crab plush toys

Awesomeness. Great outdoor activities .

After your stroll—and when we say stroll, we mean a five-mile excursion— fill your stomach at Bayview Restaurant and Lounge .

Great parhs!

The wildlife refuge is closed due to extensive damage from hurricane sandy

Love it here

Time after time_ Love it!!!

Cool place

Wow hawks in ny

Beautiful spot close to the city .

Great birding and relaxing place to take a walk

This place is beautiful, feels like it isn't NYC.

It's so peaceful here.

Incredible!

Bring binoculars and a bird guide

Wildlife watch for Orange-crowned Warbler Read more