Two Three Island and Orchard Beach, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, New York

The largest park of the five boroughs, Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park, is a favorite destination for thousands of sun seekers during the summer months. However, I visited on a stunningly beautiful, densely foggy day during January. The scenery was eery and enchanting with only a few joggers and lots of ducks, seagulls and Canadian geese. During low tide, the walk to Two Three Island was accessible and worth the trek.

The dense fog made it seem like a dream

One of a handful of people seen during the morning

Orchard Beach sits empty in January

The trek to Two Three Island

Through the trees and down the path to Two Three Island

The seagull sits on a seemingly floating rock

Two Three Island falls into the fog filled bay

Manhattan Bridge

To see great views of lower Manhattan without the crowded chaos of Brooklyn Bridge, I recommend walking across Manhattan Bridge. Cyclists have a dedicated lane on the north side while the walkway on the south side is for pedestrians only. And there are few, if any, tourists. If you don't mind the roar of the subway trains every few minutes, it is worth the spectacular view of Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO and Manhattan. It's worth the 1.3 mile walk across.

View of Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan over East River

Graffiti written over bridge plaque

Plenty of room

Bridge details

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View from bridge on Manhattan side

Rooftops below the bridge, near Chinatown

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