Mill Rock Park: Manhattan, NYC

This 2.7-acre outpost near 96th Street is a cramped and difficult to access pile of rocks. Kayakers who land on the shore will find a messy, seagull-populated terrain, but the reward is a vantage point with views of Manhattan, Queens, and Randall's Island that visitors call second to none. For those who prefer to keep their distance, the island is a notable sight during Manhattan boat loops, where you can spot cormorants and other birds from the water.