//
US National Recreation Area in New York and New Jersey
Photo: Joe Mazzola, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Gateway National Recreation Area is a national recreation area in Metro New York. This 26,607 acre (107.67 km²) park has four separate areas located in three boroughs of New York City and on Sandy Hook in central New Jersey.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Exhibits on the natural history of the area and an explanation of how this bird sanctuary was created in the 1950s. Bookstore, restrooms, visitor information.
An historic airstrip showing early airport architecture. Most guided visitor program start from the Ryan Visitor Center. Special use permits are also available here. Restrooms.
Restrooms, visitor information.
Restrooms, visitor information, first aid.
Ranger-led programs start from the visitor center. Exhibits and 12-minute film on the history of New York's harbor defense system. Bookstore, restrooms, visitor information.
An historic former airfield. Ranger-led programs start from the ranger station. Restrooms.
Some ranger-led programs start at the station. Call for details. Restrooms are not available at the ranger station, but are available throughout Great Kills Park.
Exhibits on the natural history of the area, and exhibits on the history of the U.S. Life Saving Service (which later became the US Coast Guard.) Bookstore, restrooms, visitor information.
In the former post guardhouse.
The oldest continuously operating lighthouse in America (1764).
A clothing optional beach.
(National Park Service) Lodging for Navy veterans and active duty personnel. The Navy Lodge is not open to the general public.
Seasonal.
Reservation basis only. In a wooded area.
By subway or train
Directions from National Park Service website nps.gov/gate/pphtml/planyourvisit.html :
By bus
Directions from National Park Service website nps.gov/gate/pphtml/planyourvisit.html :
By boat
By car
Directions from the National Park Service Site :
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
New York · International · JFK
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Gateway National Recreation Area and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.