Great Escape: Sands Point Preserve

Now that the weather has finally gotten warm, a jaunt out of the city might be a welcome respite from everyday life.

And the Sands Point Preserve in Port Washington is the perfect spot to escape Queens and lose yourself in the serenity of nature.

Located just 15 minutes from the city, Sands Point boasts over 216 acres of the most diverse habitat of woods, fields, fresh water ponds, and beaches on the Long Island sound with red maple, sweet birch, American beech, sassafras, and white ash as the dominant forest around the campus.

There are over 6 marked hiking trails, as well as plenty of meadows, a beach, cliffs, gardens and more – all ripe for relaxing.

Other attractions at the preserve include the historic Hempstead House and Gould Castle – two throw backs to the Golden Age of the 1920s and the gold coast of Long Island's north shore.

So why not pack a lunch and head out to one of New York's best kept secrets.

For more information about hours of operation or special events call 516-571-7900 or visit www.sandspointpreserve.org