Pelham Bay Park

Profile

This 2,765-acre expanse, which occupies a large section of the Bronx, is New York City’s largest park. Its birth can be traced back to 1654, when Englishman Thomas Pell signed a peace treaty with the Siwanoy leader, Chief Wampage. The space was later deemed Pelham Bay Park in his honor. Nearby lie restored, 19th century Bartow-Pell Mansion & Museum and its Carriage House, while an elm tree, the mansion’s northwest neighbor, memorializes the site at which Pell’s pact was signed. These days, the park is best known for hosting the Bronx’s only public beach along with tennis courts, ball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, a golf course, a track-and-field facility, and a visitor’s center located at the southernmost section (the area closest to the 6 train). The Pelham Bit Stables/Bronx Equestrian Center at 9 Shore Rd. offers trail rides, pony rides and riding lessons for equestrians. In addition to the various activities offered by the park, Pelham Bay’s trails and habitats are also diverse, ranging from wetlands to salt marshes to meadow grasses. — Lindsay Damast

The Thomas Pell Wildlife Refuge & Sanctuary, comprised mostly of salt marshes such as the Hutchinson River Marsh, was established in 1967, and is one of the most species-diverse natural habitats in New York City. Egrets stalk the grounds encircled by the large boulders of the Split Rock Trail, while marine fish breed in quiet inlets of water. Look up to admire hawks and red-winged blackbirds. Deer, red foxes, quails, wild turkeys and pheasants roam freely, spicing up the already exotic scenery.

Orchard Beach
This �New York Riviera� overlooks Hart Island across the Long Island Sound, and at 1.1 miles and 115 acres, offers more local sands than any other suburban beachfront. Its 13 sections include a hexagonal-block promenade, a central pavilion with food stores and specialty shops, two playgrounds, two picnic areas, a large parking lot, and 26 courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball. As at many area beaches, dogs are not allowed, and visitors should arrive early or risk losing a prime spot to the countless sunbathers who frequent this area in summer.

Skip It
Though it pays respect to a significant battle of the Revolutionary War, the Glover's Rock monument itself is pretty unremarkable.

Tours
For Bartow-Pell Mansion & Museum’s hours, directions, and information on group tours, lectures, events and school programs, call (718)-885-1461 or 311.

Special Events
Celebrate national holidays like Earth Day by making crafts, enjoy kite-making and flying competitions, join the annual August 888 walk/jog/run or the Citywide Bocce Championships, and catch the Metropolitan Opera in the park. Check the park’s