Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

"Fun with the Family"

This refuge is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and the first national urban park in the country. More than 300 species of birds stop or stay here, despite the proximity of JFK Airport. Pick up a map at the visitor center, then follow the path along the South Marsh and the West Pond toward the Terrapin Trail, a nesting area for diamondback terrapin turtles. Rockaway Peninsula is popular with sunbathers in summer and migrating monarch butterflies in September.