Gateway National Recreation Area
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Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Gateway National Recreation Area plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
Gateway National Recreation Area at a glance
- Best time
- April–May, September–October
- Trip length
- Half day–1 day
- Don't miss
- Sandy Hook Multi Use Path
- Nearby city
- Staten Island, NY
Explore this park
Alerts(7)
Jamaica 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 Gateway_feedback@nps.gov for program or other park updates. For emergencies, call U.S. Park Police dispatch at 718-354-4700.
Ryan 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.
Jacob Riis Park Access Restrictions
NPS detailsDue 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.
North Beach Tip at Sandy Hook closed
NPS detailsNorth Beach Tip at Sandy Hook is closed to access until further notice due to nesting bird activity.
Dead 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.
Spring Creek (Queens) Closed to the Public
NPS detailsSpring 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.
Dogs Not allowed on ocean beaches in Jamaica Bay and Sandy Hook March 15- Sept. 15
NPS detailsDogs 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
Common questions
Planning Gateway National Recreation Area
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 1 reservation type for Gateway National Recreation Area, including Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise. See the Permits tab for booking links and confirm current rules before you travel.
