Gateway National Recreation Area | JAMAICA BAY UNIT OVERVIEW

Jamaica Bay Map (click to enlarge)

Jamaica Bay Map (click to enlarge)

The Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area is located in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, and includes multiple sub units surrounding Jamaica Bay. However, many of these, including the dozen or so islands in the bay, are undeveloped and offer no attractions for tourists or locals. A few of the properties are actually landfills and industrial sites. The National Park Service lists nine destinations worth visiting, and a 12-mile Multi-Use Path open to hikers, bikers, and skaters connects many of them together.  See the following sub unit web pages for more information.

BERGEN BEACH

  • Horseback Riding

BREEZY POINT

  • Fishing
  • Private beach club

CANARSIE PIER

  • Canoe launch
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

FLOYD BENNETT FIELD

  • Archery range
  • Canoe launches
  • Fishing
  • Full-service marina
  • Golf driving range
  • Hiking trails
  • Military history
  • Playground
  • Remote control aircraft field
  • Ryan Visitor Center
  • Tent and RV camping
  • Various sports fields and facilities

FORT TILDEN

  • Beach
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Military history
  • Picnicking (reserve for group outings)
  • Private beach club

FRANK M. CHARLES MEMORIAL PARK

  • Baseball fields
  • Fishing
  • Half-mile walking path
  • Picnicking
  • Playground
  • Tennis and basketball courts

JACOB RIIS PARK

  • Fishing
  • Food, beverage, and live entertainment
  • Picnicking
  • Pitch-n-Put Golf Course
  • Playground, sports courts and fields
  • Swimming beach with lifeguards

JAMAICA BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE

  • Canoe Launch
  • Fishing
  • Hiking trails
  • Picnicking
  • Visitor Center
  • Wildlife watching and photography

PLUMB BEACH

  • Beach
  • Canoe Launch
  • Fishing

OPERATING HOURS

Operating hours for all sub units vary. See the sub unit web page for more information.

FEES

There is a fee to park at Jacob Riis Park from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM. This is for vehicles only, not for those riding a bike, walking, or getting dropped off. There are also fees for camping at Floyd Bennett Field and to park in certain lots when fishing. See the sub unit web pages for details.

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Last updated on January 26, 2025
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