Please be advised that due to staffing changes and the ongoing hiring freeze, there is a pause on research requests and donation considerations at all parks in the Manhattan Sites Unit until further notice. Please check this website and social media for updates.
Castle Clinton National Monument
New York
Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, Castle Clinton marks the place where New York City began and reflects the growth of both the city and the nation. Built to defend the harbor during the War of 1812, it has since welcomed theatergoers, immigrants, and sightseers—and today continues to greet millions of visitors to New York Harbor.
About Castle Clinton National Monument
Castle Clinton National Monument is a national monument located in New York. Castle Clinton National Monument has a variety of weather. New York City has hot summers and cold winters. Spring can have heavy rains and Autumn can be cool. http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=New+York&state=NY&site=OKX&lat=40.7198&lon=-73.993#.Vqj8OvkrJlZ
Castle Clinton is located in historic Battery Park. It is only directly accessible by foot, bicycle, or wheelchair. You cannot drive directly to the site. Local parking is nearly impossible to find and expensive. All public transportation options are located outside of Battery Park.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Castle Clinton is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Castle Clinton National Monument offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Guided Tours, Junior Ranger Program, Shopping, and 1 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Castle Clinton
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Castle Clinton
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Castle Clinton before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Castle Clinton. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Castle Clinton. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, Castle Clinton marks the place where New York City began and reflects the growth of both the city and the nation. Built to defend the harbor during the War of 1812, it has since welcomed theatergoers, immigrants, and sightseers—and today continues to greet millions of visitors to New York Harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Castle Clinton
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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