Gateway National Recreation Area
Designation: National Recreation Area
Location: New York, New Jersey
📘 Park Overview
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!
🌤 Weather Information
Gateway National Recreation Area includes several separate land areas spread throughout the New York metropolitan area. The New York area experiences four distinct seasons. Temperatures are moderate in the spring and fall, but range from the high 90's during the summer to snow and sleet in winter.
🚗 Directions
Gateway is located in two states; NJ and NY, and has three units: Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook and Staten Island. You can access most of our park by car and public transportation. Please visit our website for specific directions to all of our units
Images
You can camp at all three units of Gateway, in the shadow of NYC.
Credit: NPS Photo
Millions of visitors visit Gateway's beaches every summer.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is the only wildlife refuge in the National Park Service
Credit: NPS Photo
The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the United States.
Credit: NPS Photo
Battery Weeds guards the entrance to the New York harbor.
Credit: NPS Photo
You can camp at all three units of Gateway, in the shadow of NYC.
Credit: NPS Photo
Millions of visitors visit Gateway's beaches every summer.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is the only wildlife refuge in the National Park Service
Credit: NPS Photo
The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the United States.
Credit: NPS Photo
Battery Weeds guards the entrance to the New York harbor.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Monday, Apr 20
Sunny
High: 48.6°F | Low: 36°F
Humidity: 63%
Wind: 18.6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 4.8
Sunrise: 06:09 AM
Sunset: 07:41 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (9%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 34.9°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Apr 21
Sunny
High: 48.3°F | Low: 35.4°F
Humidity: 42%
Wind: 17.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 6
Sunrise: 06:08 AM
Sunset: 07:42 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (17%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 31.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Apr 22
Moderate rain
High: 53.3°F | Low: 45.8°F
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 16.6 mph
Rain Chance: 87%
UV Index: 4.3
Sunrise: 06:07 AM
Sunset: 07:43 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (27%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 44.1°F
Cloud Cover: 87%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (5)
Freeze Warning issued April 20 at 2:14AM EDT until April 21 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Effective: Apr 20, 2026 2:14am
Expires: Apr 20, 2026 10:15am
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 24 expected.
* WHERE...In Connecticut, Northern Fairfield, Northern Middlesex,
Northern New Haven, and Northern New London Counties. In New
Jersey, Eastern Essex, Eastern Union, Western Essex, and Western
Union Counties. In New York, Orange and Putnam Counties.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other
sensitive vegetation.
Frost Advisory issued April 20 at 2:14AM EDT until April 20 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Effective: Apr 20, 2026 2:14am
Expires: Apr 20, 2026 10:15am
* WHAT...For the Frost Advisory, temperatures as low as 33 will
result in frost formation. For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing
temperatures as low as 27 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey,
and southeast New York.
* WHEN...For the Frost Advisory, until 8 AM EDT this morning. For
the Freeze Warning, from midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other
sensitive vegetation. Frost could harm sensitive outdoor
vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left
uncovered.
Freeze Warning issued April 20 at 2:14AM EDT until April 21 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Effective: Apr 20, 2026 2:14am
Expires: Apr 20, 2026 10:15am
* WHAT...For the Frost Advisory, temperatures as low as 33 will
result in frost formation. For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing
temperatures as low as 27 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey,
and southeast New York.
* WHEN...For the Frost Advisory, until 8 AM EDT this morning. For
the Freeze Warning, from midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other
sensitive vegetation. Frost could harm sensitive outdoor
vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left
uncovered.
Freeze Warning issued April 20 at 2:25AM EDT until April 21 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Effective: Apr 20, 2026 2:25am
Expires: Apr 20, 2026 4:00pm
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central, northern, and southern New Jersey and
east central and southeast Pennsylvania.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.
Frost Advisory issued April 20 at 2:25AM EDT until April 20 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Effective: Apr 20, 2026 2:25am
Expires: Apr 20, 2026 4:00pm
* WHAT...For the Frost Advisory, temperatures as low as 33 will
result in frost formation. For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing
temperatures as low as 26 expected.
* WHERE...In New Jersey, Morris, Somerset, Warren, and Hunterdon
Counties. In Pennsylvania, Northampton County.
* WHEN...For the Frost Advisory, until 8 AM EDT this morning. For
the Freeze Warning, from midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing. Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive
outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Fort Tilden New Year's Day Walk with American Littoral Society
Celebrate the new year with a brisk walk along the beach. Meet at the little church just inside the 169th street entrance to Fort Tilden (note the Main gate may be closed).
We'll hike along the beach and visit the hawk watch platform on top of Battery Harris east.
At noon we'll try to communicate with the Littoral Society group hiking across the bight at Sandy Hook.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water!
Location: Fort Tilden Chapel
Date: Jan 1, 2026 12:00am to Jan 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Sandy Hook New Year's Day Walk with American Littoral Society
Help us ring in the new year with a brisk walk to the tip of Sandy Hook.
When we get there, we will attempt to signal the group hiking with the Northeast Chapter to the end of Breezy Point.
Expect to walk about five miles. Dress for the weather.
Please RSVP: https://www.littoralsociety.org/new-years-walk-sandy-hook.html
Location: Building 18, Officers Row, Sandy Hook
Date: Jan 1, 2026 12:00am to Jan 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Birding for Beginners at Jamaica Bay
Is one of your New Year's resolutions to become a birder? Look no further and come with a ranger on this birding for beginners walk around West Pond. All skill levels welcomed; binoculars provided. Dress for the weather.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Mont Sec Open House
Join us for an open house at the historic Mont Sec House. You'll be able to explore this 19th century officer's house at your own pace with a self-guided tour. A ranger will be present to answer your questions. Contact 718-354-4500 with questions.
Location: 112 A Mont Sec Avenue, Fort Wadsworth
Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Sunday Nap with the Seals at Sandy Hook
This program won’t put you to sleep! Join a park ranger to learn more about the seals that visit Sandy Hook. Visitors will walk away knowing about seal identification, habitat, diet, and sleep habits of seals. After the indoor program, we will venture to the bayside to see if the seals are out for
their afternoon nap. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. Please come dressed for winter weather. Free.
Location: Fort Hancock Museum, Building 28
Date: Jan 4, 2026 12:00am to Jan 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Gather and Stitch at Fort Wadsworth
Opportunity for Quilters of all skill levels to sew socially, learn new skills or get advice on projects you are currently working on. Contact 718-354-4500 for questions.
Location: Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center
Date: Jan 5, 2026 12:00am to Jan 12, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Winter Wander Nature Walk at Jamaica Bay
Wander with a park ranger at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge while it’s a winter wonderland! Explore how plants and animals at the park survive and adapt to the winter. Open to all ages. Please dress for the conditions.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Date: Jan 11, 2026 12:00am to Jan 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Crazy Quilt Stocking Workshop at Fort Wadsworth
Create a beautiful textile project in the Victorian crazy quilt style. Supplies will be provided, though participants can bring their own fabric scraps, ribbons or lace to add a personal touch. For questions and reservations, please call 718-354-4500 .
Location: Mont Sec House, 112 A Mont Sec Avenue
Date: Jan 11, 2026 12:00am to Jan 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Restoring Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck
The Army Ground Forces Association is a volunteer membership Park Philanthropic Partner performing restoration projects and interpreting Battery Gunnison/ New Battery Peck in WWII-era uniform. Visitors are invited to see projects in progress and learn about Fort Hancock’s military history. As restoration work is being performed, formal tours are not being conducted, but
visitors are welcome to chat with members as they work.
Location: Battery Gunnison, Sandy Hook
Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Mont Sec Open House
Join us for an open house at the historic Mont Sec House. You'll be able to explore this 19th century officer's house at your own pace with a self-guided tour. A ranger will be present to answer your questions. Contact 718-354-4500 with questions.
Location: 112 A Mont Sec Avenue, Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island
Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305
🏤 Mailing Address:
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305
📞 Voice Phone: 7183544606
✉️ Email: daphne_yun@nps.gov