Fort Wadsworth

This is one of the best places in New York City to take your family, your date, an old friend to catch up with, or pretty much anyone. The views of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Jersey City are spectacular. The nature is lush, yet not overgrown. You can make it to the beach, see a tour of the fort, exercise, sled in the winter, or camp. I believe this place to be unparalleled.

We stopped by before leaving Staten Island. This located just before Verazono bridge so very easy to just stop by. during the off season, the park is free of admission so it was nice, too. The view from the top of the hill was great. It was fun to watch goats eating grass on the cliff, and back of them you can see the lower Manhattan.

We stopped here on a whim when driving back to Brooklyn from Staten Island and were in for quite the treat that we did! You may need to show an ID at the base (security seemed pretty lax when we went) and then will be free to do some exploring. We drove towards the area just under the Verrazano bridge on the water and parked. Then we were able to walk along the wall overlooking the water, the bridge, and lower Manhattan. It was pretty spectacular to say the least! The grounds were well taken care of and there was lots of grass (and no cars) for children or pets to enjoy. You can get a great view of exiting cruise ships too which was pretty fantastic! They also bring in goats in the fall to eat back some of the vegetation between the overlook and the old fort itself which is cool to see. They’ll even come up to say hello to you sometimes!
We didn’t check out the actual fort this time but saw that tours are available. You can get a pretty good view of it from up high and there are some signs to learn about the history.
Would highly recommend a trip here for locals and tourists alike. Lots of green space to picnic or play, cool historical fort, spectacular views, and tons of sidewalks to run or walk on.

I am almost sure there aren’t many Islanders who know what beauty Fort Wadsworth has to offer. But that is alright with me, this is one of my favorite spots away for the hussle of the island.
Used as a former military installation, Fort Wadsworth overlooks the harbor and now shadows the Verrazano Bridge. It’s here you could take a tour of the abandoned fort which is now maintained by the National Parks Department. Even if you don’t take the tour, overlooking the fort and being under the bridge is very peaceful, and sometimes windy time. If the visitors center is open, the rangers are very helpful and provide a lot of information about Fort Wadsworth.
Be aware, if you’re taking photos of the Verrazano, don’t be surprised if rangers come by and ask to review your photos for safety precautions.

I was living in Staten Island (10 min away) for 15 years before I found out that civilians are allowed into this base by car or foot!
It’s one of my favorite spots to take my dog. Lots of different paths and the absolutely greatest view of the Verrazano bridge and the old fort from the civil war. Also a magnificent view of Manhattan. I take all my visitors here. There’s even paths that go along the beach.
In the fall, goats are brought in to eat the overgrowth of foliage so that’s an attraction in itself. It’s a must see!

This is a lovely sleepy little park on the north shore of Staten Island that boasts great views of the city, a private non-​paid parking lot for our vehicles and lots of greenery.
It is wonderfully located next to the active military base … yes Staten Island DOES have military bases… and up the street from stores, convenience markets and pizza.
At any given time of the day you will see life in this park. Of course the park is closed at dusk and there are no lights.

This national park part of the Gateway system is a secret jewel of New York City absolutely amazing the views are breathtaking the campgrounds are free a perfect place to spend the day with your family

I came here by myself one day and the view was absolutely amazing. I was standing so close to the Verrazano Bridge. It was amazing. I am a photographer so this was an amazing discovery.

I like to ride the bike path from Miller Field into Fort Wadsworth. There are nice hills to challenge yourself and the views under the bridge are breathtaking. It’s easy to take these sites for granted when you live here. I did the 5 Boro Bike Tour this year and last year and the finish line celebration is at Fort Wadsworth which is the perfect location. There is so much room for the 30,000+ riders, all the food stands and live entertainment. I definitely recommend a day trip to wander around the Fort and be a tourist in your own town!

I visit here just about everyday and I love it. The views are priceless and the serenity is so relaxing. I cannot imagine going any length of time without visiting my great escape. Make this destination a must visit even if you are a Staten Islander!

The kids come here to see the kids. There are goats!
I wondered if anyone really visited Fort Wadsworth since it was a national park. I couldn’t imagine people picnicking here or wandering the grounds. That’s not really this type of place. But some come to ride through with bikes or to visit the goats along the hill (there are feeding times). The ones who are really interested take one of the free tours on the weekend or the paid lantern night tours. Tours last about two hours. Wear comfortable shoes and have a snack beforehand. This is a tour for the most dedicated as it is heavy with history and there is no quitting until the end.
Our tour guide was excellent. He knew everything about battles, military defense, and what it was like back in the day. He was serious but he was also interactive, told a few jokes, and kept it interesting. My only criticism is for the grounds itself. For a center that offers tours, it is a bit dilapidated. We were advised to let the water from the water fountains run for a few seconds to clear the pipe water. Seems like they are not used much. The bathrooms are decent but with no soap. Carry your own hand sanitizer when you take this tour. Also during the walk through the dioramas and photographs you will notice that many of the pictures are missing or are hanging and ready to fall. It is also extremely dusty.
Fort Wadsworth feels old but is such an important place. It is wear tennis was introduced and where New York was protected. The structure of the building was well thought out and almost castle like. A few commercials, movies, photo shoots, and shows like Boardwalk Empire have used Fort Wadsworth as a location.
This definitely a tourist spot off the radar but well worth the visit.

Quite nice location in Staten Island to visit. I enjoy walking around. Closed after sunset.
Visitor Center open Wednesday-​Sunday, 10am-4:30pm

When I visited, the visitors center was closed. I wasn’t sure where to go, but we did make it down to view the fort. You do need a car to get around Staten Island. It was interesting to read the history of the fort, and there’s a beautiful view of Brooklyn and Manhattan and the Verrazano bridge.

Quiet and serene despite being so close to the Verrazano bridge.

It’s known to most New Yorkers as a start point for famous New York Marathon.
But how many actually been to Fort Wadsworth? If you did not make it here yet, you must. If you visiting Staten Island, bus will take you from the ferry terminal straight to this historical site, and if you live on the island, it is easy to find at the end of Bay Street.
Take guided tour around the fortress, or wander alone — but make sure to take in those views! You have not experienced the true grand marvel of Verrazano Narrows until you stand underneath it. Ford Wadsworth also is one of the highest viewpoints in the city, so you can see the whole span of the New York City, and some of New Jersey.
In summer time, fireworks are spectacular here, and during Fleet week, parade of ships memorable as well.

Perched on the Eastern tip of Staten Island, an unexpected serenity awaits. You can actually lay your eyes upon a good portion of the sky unlike a lot of areas in Staten Island or elsewhere for that matter. The modern bridge juxtaposed with obsolete, military ruins is calming. As if war itself is something long gone, left in the past forevermore. It’s a spectacular view and for that you can thank the environmentally friendly warm-​blooded lawnmowers, the goats: Fort Wadsworth has hosted a summer herd of goats since 2007.
It’s currently known as Fort Wadsworth, named after general James S. Wadsworth, a wealthy lawyer who wound up getting himself and his troop lost during the Civil War in the 1864 Battle of the Wilderness which led to the death of many of the men under his leadership as well as himself eventually despite outnumbering the resistance. Considering this, it’s pretty odd that this place bears his name as opposed to less embarrassing leaders.
Fort Wadsworth is an interesting mix of history and nature best enjoyed by bike in my opinion. There are many stops along the bike path to rest and enjoy views. Just be careful if you explore any overgrown tunnels as poison ivy is rampant. I escaped unscathed but my partner did not… I never saw poison ivy do that to skin before. Several of the buildings behind the Fort are now occupied by military personnel including some Army Reserves. That’s a nice enjoyment for them but not to worry, they won’t hassle you at this peaceful place as far as I know.

Stayed at Ford Wadsworth at the Navy Lodge. It is a nice location right under the Verrazano Bridge. The are is really clean and pretty.
On base is a CGX (coast guard exchange). They do not have any fresh fruits or vegetables but they do have basic foods and clothes and such.
MWR: you can get discounted tickets for shows in Manhattan. We were able to see Spider Man for half price and Traces for free. THANKS!!! (they were both great shows)
I saw my first squirrel there! (we dont have squirrels where I am from) they are so cute!
close to the staten island ferry (by bus) which is free btw, so take advantage of that.

This has to be one of the coolest places on Staten Island. Fort Wadsworth is park of Gateway National Recreation Area and maintained by the National Park Service. Its a great park located where the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge meets Staten Island. Beautiful views of New York Harbor, a beach, and old coastal artillery batteries to explore. Great place, to walk, run, bike and just get outside.
Ida, go ahead and throw a party there as drinking is permitted within Gateway!

Great views and an absolute must if you are riding a bike through Staten Island! Would be a fantastic place to catch July 4^th fireworks!!!
We initially felt that we might need to flash military identification at any time, but no one hassled us (or even talked to us now that I think on it). Great place for a picnic as well!!!
PARTING THOUGHT: this would be an amazing place to throw a party!

My favorite thing to do at Fort Wadsworth (besides, of course, practicing inappropriate yoga positions, since the area is usually devoid of tourists) is stand near the memorial on the top level — if you look straight up, you can see from the lighted nuts and bolts at the base of the Verrazano, alll the way to the top crescent. If you thought you knew what «longest suspension bridge in the world» meant before, prepare to be humbled — the Fort Wadsworth angle will make you feel miniscule, for this bridge is a true architectural behemoth, and even more gorgeous when the lights come on.
If you’re from Staten Island, (or not) and you haven’t been here yet, do yourself a favor — the view of New York City is amazing as well.