A little known gem in New York are the salt marshes in the area known as the Flat Lands (Avenue U subway station, then walk or get a bus). The area is a nature reserve featuring nesting Osprey, herons and other birds. Very quiet, very few tourists (any?) just the odd photographer or dog walker. And its free!

Awesome time, the trail isn't too long but gives you a sense you are outside of the city. Has many birds and wild flowers to observe and enjoy. Definitely wirth a couple of hours of your time to visit.

It’s a nice trail, but needs a sign at the entrance, to the left of the nature center, with a simple trail map so you know it curves back around to the beginning. (There’s a sign for a trail on the other shore, but it’s marshy and crab-infested, you don’t want to walk there- so it was confusing to find the right one). But I saw a beautiful bird I’d never seen before, and a gorgeous butterfly that matched the foliage! And there’s a nice lookout point with a bench, in the middle of the trail, and a nice breeze for most of it.

The centre is closed but the trail open. I was here on Boxing Day, there were a few dog walkers, photographers and families making the most of the sunshine and solitude.

I visit this place at least every week, sometimes daily. Perfect for medication, inspiration, or just for exercises and daily walks. A must - for nature lovers