Gateway National Recreation Area Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, local culture, and travel tips in Gateway National Recreation Area - a stunning outdoor playground in New York City.


Introduction to Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area is a sprawling 26,000-acre park that spans across Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Monmouth County in New Jersey. Established in 1972, the park preserves an incredible diversity of natural and cultural resources, including beaches, dunes, forests, wetlands, historic structures, and military installations.

As a recreational destination, Gateway offers something for everyone - from sunbathing and swimming to hiking and birding. With its proximity to New York City, the park is a popular weekend getaway for urbanites and families alike.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the best places to visit, things to do, local culture, and travel tips in Gateway National Recreation Area. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and information to plan your next adventure. Let’s get started!

List of Places to Visit in Gateway National Recreation Area

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

1. Fort Tilden

Fort Tilden was a coastal defense fort during both World War I and II, and now houses a museum for visitors to learn more about the park’s history. The fort offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Coney Island. The museum is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day from noon to 4 pm.

2. Floyd Bennett Field

Once an airport, Floyd Bennett Field is now part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. The complex houses several historical sites, including the Ryan Visitor Center, which offers an interactive exhibit on the history of aviation, and the Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum, which displays a collection of antique airplanes.

3. Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Built in 1764, Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. It is open to the public for tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April to November.

Natural Attractions of Gateway National Recreation Area: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

1. Jacob Riis Park Beach

Jacob Riis Park Beach is a beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline that offers great swimming and sunbathing opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy nearby ball courts, a playground, and a food concession stand.

2. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a stunningly beautiful wetland area that is home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. Visitors can explore the area through a network of hiking trails or by taking a guided tour.

3. Great Kills Park

Great Kills Park is a scenic coastal area that features a beautiful beach, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities. Visitors can also explore the park’s wildlife and plant life by taking a stroll along one of the park’s nature trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with miles of trails that offer stunning views of the park’s coastline, wetlands, and forests. Here are some of the best routes to try:

  • Shore Parkway Greenway Trail - a 4-mile route that runs along the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway with views of the bay, wildlife and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
  • All Person’s Trail - a 1-mile trail that is wheelchair accessible and great for families with kids.
  • Jamaica Bay Greenway - this 19-mile bike trail offers stunning views of the bay and the city skyline, and is popular among bird-watchers.

Best Things to Do in Gateway National Recreation Area: Activities and Tours

Gateway National Recreation Area offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the best things to do in the park:

  • Beach day - relax and catch some sun on one of the park’s beaches, like Jacob Riis or Sandy Hook.
  • Wildlife watching - visit the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to see a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.
  • Camping - recreate in Gateway’s land and seascapes with campgrounds and cabins available at Floyd Bennett Field and Sandy Hook.
  • Kayaking - explore the Gateway waterways on a rental kayak or guided tour, the park has two launch sites at Floyd Bennett Field and Canarsie Pier.
  • Fishing - the park offers numerous opportunities for fishing for visitors interested in the sport. Check state fishing regulations for information on permits, requirements and seasons.
  • Guided tours - take a tour with a park ranger to learn about the park’s history, fauna, and flora.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gateway National Recreation Area

Day 1: Arrive at the park and check into your cabin or campground at Floyd Bennett Field. Spend the day exploring the park’s historical sites and aircraft museum.

Day 2: Take a guided tour of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to see the park’s birds and wetlands. Spend the afternoon hiking or biking along the Shore Parkway Greenway Trail.

Day 3: Spend the day at the beach at Sandy Hook, with swimming, sunbathing and exploring of the area’s dunes and historic Fort Hancock.

Day 4: Take a kayak tour of the park’s waterways, with an experienced guide to route the miles of marshes and estuaries.

Day 5: Spend the day on the water fishing, with a required permit and knowledge of local NJ or NY fishing regulations for striped bass, fluke, or bluefish.

Day 6: Take the kids to the park’s nature center and discover more about the park’s ecology and enjoy the planned programs for the children.

Day 7: Explore Brooklyn and the Big Apple via the Coney Island or Rockaway Beach bus. Return to the park by nightfall to capture the spectacular views of NYC skyline at Floyd Bennett Field.

Food and Drink Scene of Gateway National Recreation Area

Must-Try Dishes

While Gateway National Recreation Area does not have its own dedicated food scene since it constitutes of different areas. Look out for hot dogs, street food, and seafood shacks in and around the park.

Local Beverages

Park visitors can find a beverage at Floyd Bennett Field’s Marina Restaurant & Bar, with stunning views of Jamaica Bay.

Where to Stay in Gateway National Recreation Area: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The park offers several camping options for visitors looking to stay overnight. These include:

  • Floyd Bennett Field - several campsites, RV hookups, and rental cabins located around the former airport.
  • Sandy Hook - overnight cabins are available at the Fort Hancock area.

What to Buy in Gateway National Recreation Area: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Gateway National Recreation Area can find souvenirs at the Ryan Visitor Center or at Sandy Hook Lighthouse, where representative items include t-shirts, books, and postcards.

Local Culture and Customs of Gateway National Recreation Area

The park’s landscape and human history mirror the diverse cultural mix of the New York City metropolitan area. The park’s events, programs, and everyday visitor experience in areas such as Floyd Bennett Field or Jacob Riis Park combine many different cultures, music, and culinary traditions.

Best Time to Visit Gateway National Recreation Area

The park is open throughout the year, and each season offers its own unique experiences. Spring and summer are the best times to visit Gateway National Recreation Area due to warmer weather, longer days - less crowds. Enjoy the New York City skyline in the Fall, when temperatures are cooler, and crowds are thinner than normal.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gateway National Recreation Area

Do:

  • Look after yourself, your belongings, and your environment when you visit the park.
  • Respect the park’s natural resources and wildlife.
  • Take the free guided tours and participate in ranger-lead programs to learn more about the park.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave food scraps behind.
  • Start fires outside provided grills or fire pit.
  • Sustain from harming the park’s landscape, flora, and fauna.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gateway National Recreation Area

The park is a generally safe place for visitors, but it’s important to take basic safety measures, including:

  • Use caution when swimming, with lifeguard services operating seasonally.
  • Stay hydrated when outdoors during the summer months.
  • Follow rules and regulations when biking or driving in the park.

Health in Gateway National Recreation Area

Visitors are advised to carry necessary medications when visiting the park and adhere to safety protocols due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Consult your doctor or local health department for additional guidance.

Getting to Gateway National Recreation Area: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gateway National Recreation Area

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is 15 miles away from the park.
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is 25 miles away from the park.

Bus Stations Near Gateway National Recreation Area

  • Greyhound bus station (Newark, NJ) is 20 miles away from the park.
  • Port Authority Bus terminal (Manhattan, NYC) approx, 12 miles away from the park.

Other Options

  • Water Taxi offers transport to Gateway Beaches from Manhattan.
  • Car hire or bike rental services are available for visitors.

How to Get Around in Gateway National Recreation Area

A vehicle is best for exploring Gateway due to the vastness of the area, but bike, kayak, and foot also offer an equally enjoyable and hands-off opportunity to explore the park’s terrain. Visitors can rent bikes at Floyd Bennett Field and Canarsie Pier or bring their own.

Where to Go Next from Gateway National Recreation Area: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Coney Island: famous amusement park and beach destination, located about 30-minutes from the park.
  • Staten Island Ferry: the free ferry to Staten Island operates about every half-hour and offers views of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan, and Governor’s Island.
  • Jersey Shore: nearby beach resorts such as Wildwood or Cape May offer additional recreation and boardwalk amenities.

Conclusion

Gateway National Recreation Area is one of the best places to visit in the New York City area for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and families. With a range of attractions and activities, there is something for everyone, and the park is easily accessible by car or public transportation. Whether you plan to stay for a day or a week, make sure to explore all that Gateway has to offer and appreciate the diverse and vibrant culture of the region.

Map of Gateway National Recreation Area Map of Gateway National Recreation Area