Canarsie Pier entrance at Gateway National Recreation Area
Canarsie Pier, which is part of Gateway National Recreation Area, is located in Brooklyn off of Belt Parkway on the north side of Jamaica Bay. It’s not a pier as you might imagine—a long, wooden dock that juts out into the ocean—but a massive concrete peninsula with a parking lot in the center that is ringed by a shaded inner promenade and a shadeless concrete fishing walkway along the outer edge. It is open to pedestrians from 6 AM to 10 PM daily, and from 8 AM to 10 PM for vehicles. Keep in mind that times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the current schedule on the National Park Service’s Canarsie Pier web page.
Satellite view of Canarsie Pier
Shaded promenade at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Canarsie Pier
There are plenty of bench seats to sit and relax on Canarsie Pier at Gateway National Recreation Area
Canarsie Pier was built in 1926 by the New York City Department of Docks and was originally a commercial dock. You can still see the cleats used for tying up large boats. Today its primary use is for recreation, and it is one of the more popular fishing spots in New York City. It also has a large picnic area and a hand-paddled watercraft launch. A large building located near the entrance houses restrooms and an information station where you can pick up brochures on Gateway National Recreation Area.
Information station and restroom building at Canarsie Pier in Brooklyn, Gateway National Recreation Area
Cleat once used to dock large boats at Canarsie Pier in Brooklyn, Gateway National Recreation Area
Canarsie Pier is one of the few locations within the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area where you do not need a parking permit to fish. In fact, no special permit or fishing license is required from the National Park Service. However, those 16 and older must enroll in the free New York Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, and all New York State fishing regulations apply.
Fishing at Canarsie Pier in Brooklyn, Gateway National Recreation Area
The picnic area at Canarsie Pier is one of the largest within the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. There are roughly two dozen tables and a dozen grills. All spots are taken on a first come, first served basis. If you wish to host a large outing and want to reserve a picnic area, the only picnic area in the Jamaica Bay Unit of the park that can be reserved is at Fort Tilden.
Canarsie Pier Picnic Area at Gateway National Recreation Area
You can launch your canoe, kayak, or other hand-paddled watercraft into Jamaica Bay from the beach next to the Canarsie Pier. The beach area is also a popular spot for wading into the bay or just sitting on the shore and relaxing.
Path down to the canoe launch at Canarsie Pier at Gateway National Recreation Area
Beach area near the Canarsie Pier in Brooklyn, Gateway National Recreation Area
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Last updated on December 9, 2024
