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I live near Flushing and have some out-of-town guests visiting in June. I'd like to take them somewhere, within about an hour's drive, on a Sunday afternoon where we can talk a walk and see the ocean or Long Island Sound - but I don't want to "go to the beach", per se (i.e., no swimsuits/beach towels/sunscreen. Well, maybe sunscreen). I want some kind of nature experience on the water, but I don't want to head to the "beach" with 1.8 million other city dwellers on a lovely summer weekend. I Googled "nature preserve" and come up with a billion options, including Jamaica Bay and Sands Point. Would anyone have any suggestions/experiences to share?
If they're good with a few miles of walking, try Caumsett State Park. Might be pushing an hour drive, but it does feel away from everything. Nice view of the sound by the mansion. There's also the boardwalk at Sunken Meadow State Park and a trail that goes up and down the bluffs to the east.
I remember going many years ago to the Long Beach Boardwalk with my aunt and uncle just to walk along it. I believe it was not during the official summer season (meaning not between Memorial Day and Labor Day). So it wasn't overcrowded and we didn't bring along any beachwear (meaning no swimsuits or towels) as we just wanted to walk.
The Queens Botanical Gardens is a good option as well.
Jamaica Bay is good for bikeriding as well.
You can also consider heading north and checking out some of the towns/hikes within an hour on the Hudson River (like Croton on Hudson)
Besides the Queens Botanical Gardens, there are also the Brooklyn and Bronx Botanical Gardens as well.
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