National Parks / Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area — NY,NJ
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!
Current Alerts
- Park ClosureHistory House at Sandy Hook Closed to the Public
The History House at Sandy Hook will be closed for maintenance from Monday August 17 through Friday August 21, 2026.
- InformationJamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Phone Out of Order
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center phone line (718-318-4340) is not working at this time. Please monitor social media (Instagram and Facebook) or contact our general park information line at 718-354-4606 or [email protected] for program or other park updates. For emergencies, call U.S. Park Police dispatch at 718-354-4700.
- InformationRyan Visitor Center Phone Line Out of Service
The Floyd Bennett Field Ryan Visitor Center phone line (718-338-3799) is out of service. For information on ranger programs in the Jamaica Bay Unit, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340. For questions about permits, events, or other park information, call the general park information line at 718-354-4606. For emergencies, call U.S. Park Police's 24-hour dispatch at 718-354-4700.
- Park ClosureJacob Riis Park Access Restrictions
Due to extremely hazardous conditions Gateway National Recreation Area has restricted access to sections of Jacob Riis Park. Erosion has created unsafe conditions from Bays 1-5, and portions of the eastern beach are closed.
More info → - Park ClosureNorth Beach Tip at Sandy Hook closed
North Beach Tip at Sandy Hook is closed to access until further notice due to nesting bird activity.
More info → - Park ClosureDead Horse Bay (Brooklyn) Remains Closed to the Public
The entire southern area of Dead Horse Bay, including Glass Bottle Beach, is closed to the public. Dead Horse Bay is located in Brooklyn, NYC.
- Park ClosureSpring Creek (Queens) Closed to the Public
Spring Creek is closed to the public at this time. The NPS is conducting field investigations as part of a Remedial Investigation at the site. Spring Creek is located in Queens, NYC.
More info → - InformationDogs Not allowed on ocean beaches in Jamaica Bay and Sandy Hook March 15- Sept. 15
Dogs are not allowed on ocean beaches at Sandy Hook between March 15 through September 15. Dogs are not allowed on the ocean beaches at Jacob Riis Park, Fort Tilden, Breezy Point Tip and at the bayside of Breezy Point between March 15 through September 15
More info →
Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Sandy Hook History HouseSun Aug 23 2026Sandy Hook History House, Building 1
- Sandy Hook Lighthouse ToursSun Aug 23 2026Sandy Hook Lighthouse
- Battery Weed Open HouseSun Aug 23 2026Battery Weed
- Fort Tompkins TourSun Aug 23 2026Meet at the Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center
- Kayaking for Beginners at Floyd Bennett FieldSun Aug 23 2026Floyd Bennett Field Seaplane Ramp
- Spermaceti Cove No. 2 Life-Saving Service StationSun Aug 23 2026Spermaceti Cove No. 2 Life Saving Service Station
- Fort Hancock MuseumSun Aug 23 2026Building 28, Sandy Hook
- Spermaceti Cove No. 2 Life-Saving Service StationMon Aug 24 2026Spermaceti Cove Life Saving Station
- Gather and Stitch at Fort WadsworthMon Aug 24 2026Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center
- Birding for Beginners at Jamaica Bay Wildlife RefugeMon Aug 24 2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
- Founders Day: Sail Away at Sandy HookTue Aug 25 2026Fort Hancock Museum, Building 28
- Pop-Up Fishing Clinic at Canarsie PierTue Aug 25 2026Canarsie Pier
- Four Sparrow Marsh PaddleWed Aug 26 2026Mill Basin Kayak Launch at Floyd Bennett Field
- Mill Basin Beginner PaddleWed Aug 26 2026Mill Basin Kayak Launch at Floyd Bennett Field
- Idlewild Park PaddleThu Aug 27 2026Craft Avenue and Huxley Street, Queens
- Mill Basin Beginner PaddleThu Aug 27 2026Mill Basin Kayak Launch at Floyd Bennett Field
- Little Egg Marsh ExcursionFri Aug 28 2026North Channel Bridge
- Fort Tompkins Lantern TourFri Aug 28 2026Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center
- Grace by the Ocean Beach Cleanup at Miller FieldFri Aug 28 2026Miller Field Ranger Station
- Mill Basin Beginner PaddleFri Aug 28 2026Mill Basin Kayak Launch at Floyd Bennett Field