Fort Tilden

 

Battery Harris

NPS Photo/Ricky O'Neill

Fort Tilden is a former military site that overlooks the approach to New York Harbor and today includes athletic fields, hiking trails, an arts center, a theater, and an observatory deck on a historic battery offering spectacular views of Jamaica Bay, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline. Dunes, a maritime forest, freshwater ponds, and coastal defense resources including Battery Harris and the Nike Missile Launch Site are also found here.

There are no lifeguards at Fort Tilden, swimming is prohibited.

Fort Tilden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

View the Fort Tilden Historic District Nomination Form.

Operating Hours

Fort Tilden is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm.

Facilities

Port-a-johns are available at Fort Tilden.

Driving Directions

From the North, East, and West:

• Take the Belt Parkway to Exit 11S (Flatbush Avenue)
• Follow Flatbush Avenue south to the Marine Parkway Bridge toll plaza.
• Cross the bridge, and follow signs to park parking lot.

From the South (and alternate route from other directions):

• West on Beach Channel Drive.
• Follow signs to the park.

Public Transportation

Take the #2 train (#5 during rush hour) to Flatbush/Nostrand Avenue. Transfer to the Q35 bus. Select either the Fort Tilden or Jacob Riis stop after the bridge. Please note that during off season both the Q22 and Q35 both stop at Beach 149th Street. Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day both buses will stop inside Jacob Riis Park.
Alternate: Q21 or Q53 to Beach 116th Street, then Q22 or Q35 to the park.