Hamilton Park (Gateway National Recreation Area)

Tucked along the edge of Broad Channel, this pocket of green is part of the vast Gateway National Recreation Area. It offers a surprisingly rural, edge-of-the-city feel, even as it sits directly opposite JFK Airport, where the occasional roar of climbing planes breaks the waterfront quiet. Beyond the scenery, the park serves as a launch point for water sports like jet skiing and fishing in the bay, and features a small playground. Note that the remote atmosphere comes with a lack of amenities—there are no public restrooms on-site.