Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area)

About

Beach & athletic fields on Jamaica Bay, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.

Reviews lean positive — 4.4 out of 5 across 1,297 Google reviews.

It keeps the same hours every day — 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM — which makes planning simple. Parking is the easy part: free street parking. And if it does not suit, 15 more state parks in New York are listed further down this page.

The quick take

Drawn from this listing's ratings, amenities, hours and how it stacks up against other state parks in New York.

What works

Solid local standing
A 4.4 average from 1,297 reviews puts it comfortably above the middle of the pack.
A genuine local landmark
1,297 reviews is the kind of number a place only reaches when the whole city knows it.
Open every day
The same hours all week (6:00 AM – 9:00 PM), so there is no schedule to memorise.
Dogs welcome
Listed as dog-friendly — bring the leash and waste bags anyway.
Works with kids
Flagged as family-friendly, which usually means room to run and somewhere for the adults to sit.

Worth knowing first

Popular enough to be busy
1,297 reviews cuts both ways. Weekend afternoons draw a crowd, so go early or go midweek if you want it quiet.

Planning a visit

General guidance for state parks, adjusted for what this listing records.

What to expect

State-managed land that usually folds trails, picnic areas and some kind of water access into one place.

A good fit for day-trippers who want variety without a long drive.

When to go

Weekdays skip the day-use queue. Check the park website for seasonal closures. The gates are open 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

What to bring

Cash or card for day-use fees
Picnic supplies
Bug spray in warm months
Leash and waste bags

Hours

Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Amenities

Dogs Allowed

Family Friendly

Parking Available

Featured in

Common questions about Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area)

What is Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area)?

Beach & athletic fields on Jamaica Bay, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. It is a state park in New York, NY, at Howard Beach.

What are the opening hours at Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area)?

Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area) is open 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM every day of the week.

Are dogs allowed at Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area)?

Yes — Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area) is listed as dog-friendly. Leash rules still vary from area to area, so watch for posted signs.

Is there parking at Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area)?

Parking options here include free street parking.

Is Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area) good for kids?

Yes — Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area) is flagged as family-friendly.

How is Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area) rated?

Charles Memorial Park (Gateway National Recreation Area) holds 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,297 Google reviews.

What else is nearby?

New York has 15 other state parks listed on AllParx, including Little Island's Glockenspiel, Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center and Gantry Plaza State Park.