Park Hours (Today)
6:00AM - 9:00PM
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
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About the Park
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year. Gateway offers green spaces and beaches alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes. Every day, Gateway is open for you to explore, envision, and enjoy!
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What to See & Do
Fishing at Gateway
Visitors are able to fish at many sites throughout Gateway. A fishing/parking permit is required after hours throughout the park. There are also some sites that require permits at all time. Visit our fishing page to learn where you need a parking permit and how to purchase the permit.
Sandy Hook Multi Use Path
See the breathtaking natural scenery and historic military buildings of Sandy Hook's peninsula by bike. Sandy Hook's multi use path is open year-round. The park is open from 5 am to 9 pm from April 1 to October 31 and from 5 am to 8 pm from November 1 to March 31.
Cross Country Skiing at Floyd Bennett Field
After a snow fall visitors can cross country ski in Floyd Bennett Field's North Forty Natural Area. Park rangers will cut a trail through the snow for visitors to follow.
Birdwatching at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is well known as a great place to bird watch, for both the beginner and experienced birdwatchers.
Self-Guided Tours
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Tour
Experience the flora and fauna of this rich and surprising habitat in the heart of New York City.
Old Dune Walking Tour
This tour takes you through the dunes of Sandy Hook. You'll also learn a bit about the historic life saving station. The tour is .7 miles.
Fort Hancock Parade Ground Tour
Walking tour of the main areas in Fort Hancock Historic Post
Visitor Centers
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is the gateway to this 900-acre preserve, home to salt marshes, uplands, open bay and beach areas, and two man-made ponds, all supporting hundreds of species of plant and wildlife. The one story, flat-roofed building contains a ranger desk, colorful exhibits on the eco-system of the surrounding area, a classroom, a bookstore, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, water fountains, and tactile, hands-on nature exhibits. Restrooms are open when the visitor center is
Ryan Visitor Center
The Visitors Center, once New York City's first airport terminal, now houses a ranger desk, a bookstore, bathrooms, and many exhibits on the history of aviation, particularly here at Floyd Bennett Field, as well as exhibits about the ecosystems and flora and fauna of the New York Harbor area.
Sandy Hook Visitors Center- Lighthouse Keepers Quarters
Discover information about the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the U.S. at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse Keepers Quarters
Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center
Learn about one of the oldest military installations in the nation on the northeastern shore of Staten Island.
Where to Stay
Sandy Hook Camp Ground
20 tent campsites are available at Sandy Hook for seasonal camping. 2025 season opens May 9, 2025. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Fort Wadsworth Campsite
The Fort Wadsworth Campground is currently closed.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
Gateway is located in two states; NJ and NY, and has three units: Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook and Staten Island. You can access most of our park by car and public transportation. Please visit our website for specific directions to all of our units
Park Amenities
Operating Hours
Jamaica Bay Unit hours
Includes Bergen Beach, Floyd Bennett Field, Fort Tilden, Frank Charles Park, Hamilton Beach, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Canarsie Pier, Jacob Riis Park, North Channel Bridge, Plumb Beach and Spring Creek.
- Monday6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Tuesday6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Wednesday6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Thursday6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Friday6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Saturday6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Sunday6:00AM - 9:00PM
Live Webcams
Click any camera to open the live feed on the NPS website.
Photos
Trees with multicolored leaves over road with bridge in background
Marsh with walkway and trees in foreground.
The Sandy Hook lighthouse and keepers quarters
Battery Weed is the fort under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in Staten Island.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
1 day
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