Fodor's Expert Review Narrows Botanical Gardens

This 4.5-acre verdant gem of a park between busy Belt Parkway and sleepy Shore Road is modest but worth a visit for a peek at its colorful rose gardens, flower-covered meadow, and waterfront views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. A walk through the volunteer-staffed sanctuary, amid the butterflies, will leave you thinking you’ve discovered your very own secret garden. Plus, there are chickens wandering around, always a fun sight for urbanites.