Rockaway Boardwalk
turtles lay eggs and horseshoe crabs mate in the sand dunes of the
Wildlife Refuge at certain times.
Fort Tilden, which once housed anti-aircraft missiles, is nearby. It
lies by a freshwater pond and a maritime forest and is often used
for art exhibitions. An observatory deck provides breath-taking
views of Jamaica Bay, all the way to the Manhattan skyline.
Floyd Bennett Field, which straddles the Brooklyn-Queens
border, is a former airfield that is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places. Hangar A and Hangar B are often open to the
public and display historic aircraft and other exhibits. Some of the
hangars have been converted into a sport arena and ice-skating
rinks.
Inside scoop: Hurricane Sandy caused a lot of destruction in the
Rockaways, but the area has bounced back and has various healthy
shopping strips. Beach 116th Street has some fun restaurants,
such as Cuisine by Claudette, and some great stores, such as Blue
Bungalow.
Address: www.nps.gov/gate.
JACOB RIIS PARK
Known as “The People’s Beach,” Jacob Riis Park is the most
popular attraction inside the Gateway National Recreation Area.
It offers boardwalks, landscaped walkways, pitch-and-putt golf,
sand, seaside, and surf. Its famous Art Deco bathhouse is part of
a district that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s also a great place to ride bicycles.
The public beach is about one mile long, and it is maintained by
the National Park Service. It’s open from Memorial Day to Labor
Day.
Address: www.nyharborparks.org
110 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.itsinqueens.com