Nice! I really like The Cloisters as an escape. Not only can one see sublime medieval art but there is also a stunning view of Jersey from Fort Tyron Park. In the Met itself, some of the less popular sections can be peaceful.

Within Central Park, I favor the The Ramble and The Ravine, both of which are less frequented. The North Wood also tends to be sparse of people, particularly on week days — frequently so sparse that pot smokers seem to hide out there.

Last weekend, we went to Jamaica Nature Reserve. It’s a bit far from Manhattan but worth the trip. I’ve never seen so many egrets. The view, on a good day, is stunning — the sky will reveal its vastness here in a way that is obscured in skyscraper-heavy Manhattan. Even in Central Park, one’s view of the heavens is impeded by all the buildings.

I’ve heard that Coney Island during the off season can be quiet. I keep meaning to go in late fall.