Gateway National Recreation Area
Overview
Gateway National Recreation Area is a 26,000 acre recreation area located in the heart of the New York metropolitan area. The park extends through three New York City boroughs and into northern New Jersey.
Gateway National Recreation Area invites you to step outside. At Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook and Staten Island you can swim, bike, see historic forts and aircraft or enjoy the tranquility of nature. Park sites offer a variety of recreation opportunities, along with a chance to explore many significant cultural and natural resources.
The three units of Gateway National Recreation Area include the Jamaica Bay Unit, the Sandy Hook Unit, and the Staten Island Unit. Each unit is generally open daily from sunrise to sunset. Specific buildings and areas may be open seasonally or on weekends only. Most sites at Gateway are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
Activities
Boating
At Jamaica Bay Unit: (Park programs for small boat sailing, canoeing and kayaking are offered in Spring, Summer, and Autumn) Hand - launched boating permits for privately owned small, hand launched boats (canoes, kayaks, and rowboats) are sold for at the Floyd Bennett Field Ranger Station, and are valid for the calendar year in which they are purchased.
Bird Watching
*At Jamaica Unit: Birding is great at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, as well as the back fort area of Fort Tilden and the North Forty area of Floyd Bennett Field. Please remember that in order to provide food for wildlife, the removal of any plant materials, including fruits, berries, nuts and seeds is prohibited from Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
*At Sandy Hook: Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock. The New Jersey Audubon Society's Sandy Hook Bird Observatory has the latest birding information.
*At Staten Island: Excellent birding is available along the bluffs and field of Fort Wadsworth, in the Swamp White Oak Forest at Miller Field and at Crooke's Point and along the shoreline at Great Kills Park.
Bicycling
At Jamaica Bay Unit: Enjoy biking year-round along the historic runways of Floyd Bennett Field, or along trails at Fort Tilden. The Rockaway Gateway Greenway, a paved multi-use pathway adjacent to Floyd Bennett Field and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, offers a unique way to see the park.
*At Sandy Hook Unit: For a great way to see Sandy Hook, the seven-mile long Multi-Use Pathway (MUP) starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bring your own bicylce or you can rent a bike during your visit.The MUP is for everyone, so please use it with courtesy. Whether you walk, bike or rollerblade, stay on your side of the yellow line. Keep an ear out for people who wish to pass. Keep animals on a short enough leash to keep your pet on your side of the trail.
*At Staten Island: Biking is allowed at all Staten Island park sites, including the Multi-use Path at Great Kills Park
Auto/Motorcycle
Please contact the main number for more information.
Camping
At Jamaica Bay Unit: Ecology Village, located at Floyd Bennett Field, offers a two day camping experience to students, ages 8-14. The program is available to non-profit and organized groups during the months of July and August. Participants camp on platform tents and receive all the necessary equipment for their overnight visit. Rangers present a variety of programs related to topics of environmental protection, conservation and awareness. New leaders must attend the 30 hour workshop presented by the rangers, prior to their trip. Returning leaders must attend a 2 hour refresher workshop annually before their scheduled trip.
Fishing
At Jamaica Bay Unit: Floyd Bennett Field, Fort Tilden and Canarsie Pier offer great fishing opportunities.
*At Sandy Hook Unit: Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. An annual pass for nighttime fishing can be purchased at the Ranger Station (24 hours daily) or Visitor Center (10-5 daily). As of January 1, 2010, individuals who have potential to take ceratin fish in the waters around Sandy Hook are required by law to first register with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Fisheries Service. The Saltwater Angler Registry is part of an improved data program to help protect the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing. Fish Smart, Eat Smart is a guide for eating fish caught in New Jersey coastal waters from the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife. Please read this before eating what you catch.
*At Staten Island: Surf and shore fishing are available at Great Kills Park, Miller Field , and Fort Wadsworth. An annual Parking Permit for fishing is required.
Hiking
At Jamaica Bay Unit: Take a self guided trail at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Try the Upland, East Pond and West Pond trails. Or hike in the back fort area of Fort Tilden. Pets are not permitted anywhere within the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge District.
*At Sandy Hook Unit: Trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season some areas are closed.
*At Staten Island: A paved and wheelchair-accessible Multi-Use Path begins at the entrance to Great Kills Park and extends 1.5 miles to the Beach Center, and is an excellent choice for walking, jogging and rollerblading.
Historic Sites
*At Jamaica Unit: Discover the former military sites, including Fort Tilden, a U.S. Army post and Floyd Bennett Field, a U.S. Navy Airfield.
*At Sandy Hook Unit: Take a stroll around Fort Hancock, a National Historic Landmark. Visit the Fort Hancock Museum, Battery Potter, Battery Gunnison and History House, a restored home on Officer' Row. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Keepers' Quarters and Barn tell the story of the lonely life of a sentinel of the sea. Most sites are open weekends with extended summer hours.
*At Staten Island: At historic Fort Wadsworth, a Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday from 10 AM - 5 PM. Tours of Fort Tompkins are given Wednesday - Sunday at 2:30 PM. Special evening Lantern Tours, Civil War period reenactments and other events are also held. Call 718-354-4500 for details and reservations. Exhibits on the history of Miller Field are on display at Building 26.
Horseback Riding
At Jamaica Bay Unit: Contact the Jamaica Bay Riding Academy at 718-531-8949. Horseback riding and lessons are available to the general public.
Picnicking
At Jamaica Bay Unit: Individuals can picnic at Jacob Riis Park; barbeque grills are available. Group picnic facilities are available by permit at Fort Tilden.
*At Sandy Hook Unit: Enjoy a blanket picnics on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock.
*At Staten Island: A group picnic Area, available by permit, is located at World War Veterans Park at Miller Field. Call 718-351-6970.
Water Sports
At Jamaica Bay Unit: Beach Recreation: During the summer months enjoy swimming at Jacob Riis Park in summer. Build a sand castle and look for endangered Piping Plovers. Dover Gourmet provides food, drinks and beach supplies at Jacob Riis Park, Rockaway, Queens, New York. The concessions are open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Rip currents are powerful currents of water flowing away from shore. Before you go to the beach, learn what you need to do to "Break the Grip of the Rip!"® Breezy Point Surf Club provides sale of seasonal and day-use passes for beach club facilities, rental of day-use beach cabanas, cabanettes, bath cabins and use of swimming pool. They also have family recreational facilities, food and beverage sales and catering services are available in the restaurant and bar. Call 718-634-7200, or click on the link above. Silver Gull Club provides sale of seasonal and day-use facilities, rental of day use beach cabanas, cabanettes, bath cabins and use of swimming pool. Family recreational facilities, food and beverage sales and catering services are available in the restaurant and bar.
*At Sandy Hook: Beach Recreation
Lifeguards are on duty from 10 AM to 6 PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden dropoffs. If you can't swim, don't go in. Rip currents are powerful currents of water flowing away from shore. Before you go to the beach, learn what you need to do to "Break the Grip of the Rip!"®
*Staten Island: Beach Recreation: Great Kills Park offers a seasonal swimming beach, with a Beach Center and Lifeguards on duty from 10 AM to 5:45 PM daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Directions
Driving
Traffic in the New Jersey / New York metropolitan area is frequently heavy, regardless of the time of day or weather. If traveling by car to scheduled events in the park, allow extra travel time, or use public transportation. To Jamaica Bay: From the North, East, and West: Take the Belt Parkway to Exit 11S (Flatbush Avenue) Follow Flatbush Avenue south to the fourth traffic light (and last light before the Marine Parkway Bridge toll plaza.) Turn left at the light, into the park. From the South (and alternate route from other directions): Woodhaven Boulevard to Cross Bay Boulevard. West on Beach Channel Drive to the Marine Parkway Bridge (towards Brooklyn.) Turn right at the first traffic light after the toll plaza into the park.
To Sandy Hook Unit: Update: A new traffic pattern exists both entering and exiting Sandy Hook. Please drive with caution through the area.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation is replacing the Highlands Bridge located near the entrance to Sandy Hook. Traffic delays in both the summer season and off-season can occur. Visitors can call 511 or 1-866-511-6538 and say "Route 36" to learn about the latest traffic information.From North Jersey and New York: - South on the New Jersey Turnpike - Exit 11 onto the Garden State Parkway (South) - Exit 117 (Keyport/Hazlet) - After toll, bear left and follow Route 36 East - 12 miles to park entrance (after crossing the Highlands Bridge)-Stay right to enter the park.
From South Jersey: - North on Garden State Parkway - Exit 105 (Eatontown), bear left for Route 36 East - Continue on Route 36 East, pass Monmouth Mall and across Route 35 through Eatontown and Long Branch (Route 36 is called Joline Avenue here). - Continue on Route 36, which turns left and follows north along ocean. (Route 36 is called Ocean Blvd. here) - North for six miles through the towns of Long Branch, Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright to park.
From Philadelphia & Camden, New Jersey: - New Jersey Turnpike north to Exit 7A (Shore Points) onto I-195 - East on I-195, to Garden State Parkway north. - GSP north to Exit 105 (Eatontown). - Then follow "From South Jersey" directions above.
Staten Island Unit: From the east: Take Verrazano - Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn. After toll, take the Bay Street exit to the park entrance. From the west: Take either the Goethals or Bayonne Bridge from New Jersey to the Staten Island Expressway (Interstate 278) Staten Island Expressway (Interstate 278) east to the Lily Pond Ave. exit. Turn left at the light and follow this road to Bay Street and the park entrance.
Miller Field, World War Veterans Park: (718) 351-6970 Verrrazano Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn or the Goethals or Bayonne Bridges from New Jersey to the Staten Island Expressway (Interstate 278). Take the Hylan Boulevard exit. Proceed south on Hylan Boulevard. Turn left on New Dorp Lane for Miller Field.
Great Kills Park (718) 987-6790 Verrrazano Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn or the Goethals or Bayonne Bridges from New Jersey to the Staten Island Expressway (Interstate 278). Take the Hylan Boulevard exit. Proceed south on Hylan Boulevard. Turn left at the entrance to Great Kills Park.
Public Transportation
Jamaica Bay by Public Transporation: Floyd Bennett Field: Call 718-338-3799 for information and reservations for special events. Subway: Take the #2 (also #5 at rush hours) to Flatbush Avenue. Alternate: Take the A or S to Rockaway Park / Beach 116th St.
Bus: Take Q35 bus from either subway stop to park.
Jacob Riis Park/Fort Tilden: Call 718-318-4300 for information and reservations for special events.
Subway: Take the #2 (also #5 at rush hours) to Flatbush Avenue. Alternate: Take the A or S to Rockaway Park / Beach 116th Street. Bus: Take Q35 bus from either stop to park, or Q22 from Beach 116th Street. Connect with the Q35 bus on Flatbush Avenue. After the bridge, ask driver to let you off at either Ft. Tilden or Riis Park. Alternate: Q21 or Q53 to Beach 116th Street, then Q22 or Q35 to the park.
Ferry: Ferries run between Riis Landing on Rockaway, the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Bay Ridge and Pier 11 on Wall Street.
Summer weekends and holidays: visit New York Beach Ferry for fares and schedules. Ferries will resume Memorial Day weekend 2011. For more information, including fares, call 718-474-0593. * Weekdays throughout the year: visit New York Water Taxi for fares and schedules. For general inquiries, email or call 212-742-1969, extension 0. Canarsie Pier: Call 718-763-2202 for information or reservations for special events.
Subway: Take L subway to Rockaway Parkway, then transfer to the B42 bus to the entrance of the pier.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: Call 718-318-4340 for information or to make reservations for special events.
Subway: Take the Rockaway bound A to Broad Channel Station. Walk along Noel Road to Cross Bay Boulevard. Turn right and walk about three quarters of a mile to the Refuge Visitor Center.
Bus: Take the Q21 from Liberty Avenue (Queens) or 116th Street (Rockaway) to the Refuge. Alternate: take the Q53 bus from 61st Street & Roosevelt Avenue (Queens) to the Refuge.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(718) 354-4606Links
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