Wave Hill and other New York City, NY Off The Beaten Path Tips

And now for something completely different, make your way to the extreme northwest part of the Bronx, to the posh Riverdale section of town. Along the Hudson River is a storied estate known as Wave Hill. This place has seen many famous residents, including Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain. The estate has breathtaking views, lovely flowers, pleasant walking paths, and notable architecture to enjoy. If you're hungry, you can get a light snack at the cafeteria, or you can bring a picnic lunch, as long as you enjoy it in the picnic area just outside of Glyndor House. Or just stroll around the grounds and take in the scenery, as more than a few locals do on a regular basis.

Admission to the site costs $6 per person. Annual memberships are available for purchase starting at $40. Parking on the site costs $8.

The main entrance to Wave Hill is at the corner of Independence Avenue and West 249th Street in the Bronx. Buses Bx7 and Bx10 stop nearby. It's also possible to walk from the Metro North Railway's Riverdale station (Hudson Line). Free shuttle buses sometimes provided from the Riverdale Metro North station, as well as 242nd St Subway station (1 Train). Check the website for details.

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Phone: +1 718-549-3200
Website: http://www.wavehill.org

While New York City is obviously known for its skyscrapers, there are some very nice views to be had. Consider most of New York is on islands interconnected with various bridges (think of it as Stockholm with crowds, tall buildings, and litter). A fine way to get some nice views is to walk, jog, or bike along the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, which more or less works its way around the perimeter of Manhattan. Probably the best parts are on the west side overlooking the Hudson, but the views on the East River side are quite nice as well. So take a break from the Empire State Building and take in some scenery.

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Website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/mwg/mwghome.shtml

Not far from the Staten Island Ferry is the ferry to Governor's Island. This island was a military base founded in 1796, finally turned over to the City of New York and the National Park Service in 1996. The island's claim to fame nowadays: it is the closest land to the Statue of Liberty. You can get excellent views of the statue from the west side of the island. You can also explore the architecture of the old military base (the more modern buildings are slowly being demolished), as well as Fort Jay, the original works built to defend New York Harbor.

The Governor's Island Ferry is free, as is entry to the island. Check the website for details on opening times, ferry schedules, and planned events.

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Phone: +1 (212) 825-3045
Website: http://www.nps.gov/gois

About 45 miles from New York City is a very nice outdoor recreation area. Hiking and biking are the primary activities, though there is also a skating rink and small amusement park for children. With a car, you can make a day-trip to this spot if you're getting a bit tired of the urban grind.

To get to Bear Mountain, cross the George Washington Bridge, then take the Palisades Interstate Parkway northbound. Get off at Exit 19, and follow Seven Lakes Drive to the Bear Mountain Inn.

The fee for access is $6 per vehicle. The Empire State annual parks pass ($59) is valid. National Parks pass is not valid.

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Phone: +1 (845) 786-2701
Website: http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkId=55