Best National Parks Near New York

May 10, 2022

New York is a popular destination to visit, and a magical place to live. When you think of New York, it’s typically of the city, Central Park, or the Statue of Liberty. However, New York and nearby areas are also home to some amazing national parks. If you would like to visit a national park near New York, you’re in luck! We have put together a list of the best national parks near New York.

1. Niagara Falls

Price: Parking is $5-$15, admission varies starting at free depending on what you do
When Is It Open? 24 hours every day
Distance/Time From Manhattan: 416 miles/6 hours 40 minutes
Activities: View the falls, Cave of the Winds, aquarium, Hurricane Deck, discovery center, hiking, etc.
Pet Friendly? Pets are allowed in the outdoor areas on a leash
Nearby Attractions: Maid of the Mist, Niagara Botanical Gardens

outside view of Niagara Falls — Niagara Falls is a magical spectacle to see.

Niagara Falls is one of the most iconic natural sites in the U.S. These vast waterfalls straddle the border between Canada and New York. The world’s fastest moving waterfall dumps 700,000 gallons every second. It’s truly something you need to see whether you live in New York or you are just visiting.

2. Saratoga National Historic Park

Price: Free
When Is It Open? Sunrise to sunset, some areas of the park have specific hours which you can find on the website
Distance/Time From Manhattan: 178 miles/3 hours
Activities: Biking, monument climbing, hiking, tours, winter activities, etc.
Pet Friendly? Pets are allowed outside on a leash
Nearby Attractions: National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Cannon outside Saratoga National Monument — Saratoga is an American Revolutionary War site where you can learn rich history.

Saratoga National Historic Park preserves the Battles of Saratoga. Enjoy the history and sites of a significant location of the Revolutionary War. Explore the nature and history yourself or take a guided tour. The Saratoga Battlefield, the Schuyler House, the Saratoga Monument, and the Victory Woods are all must-see attractions.

3. Harriet Tubman National Historic Park

Price: Visit the website for specific details
When Is It Open? Visit the website for specific details (changes often seasonally)
Distance/Time From Manhattan: 259 miles/4 hours 30 minutes
Activities: Historical tours
Pet Friendly? Pets are allowed on leashes outside, inside varies by policy
Nearby Attractions: National Park Service Network to Freedom, Women’s Rights National Historic Park, Fort Stanwix National Monument

Harriet Tubman statue inside museum — Harriet Tubman Historical National Park is full of important educational exhibits.

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park tells the story of Harriet Tubman, while preserving the history. Harriet Tubman is the iconic historical figure who freed herself from slavery and helped others do the same through the Underground Railroad. Tour the Tubman Home for the Aged, and see her home from the outside.

4. Fire Island National Seashore

Price: Free
When Is It Open? All day, every day
Distance/Time From Manhattan: 65 miles/1 hour 50 minutes
Activities: Sightseeing, hiking, camping, canoeing, etc.
Pet Friendly? Pets are OK in designated areas on a leash
Nearby Attractions: William Floyd Estate, Robert Moses State Park

Lighthouse with sunset — Fire Island is a beautiful place to visit and explore.

Fire Island is a 30 mile stretch of beautiful beach land across the Great South Bay from Long Island. Visit between May and October to take the ferry from Long Island. Once there, experience the beach, the forest, and the famous Fire Island Lighthouse.

5. Women’s Rights National Historic Park

Price: Free
When Is It Open? Sunrise to sunset, visit here for specific hours for visitor centers
Distance/Time From Manhattan: 274/4 hours 42 minutes
Activities: museum, house tours, sites
Pet Friendly? Pets are allowed outside with a leash
Nearby Attractions: Seneca Knitting Mill, Seneca Canal

Women's rights statue — See more exhibits like this at Women's Rights National Historic Park.

Women’s Rights National Historic Park is 6.83 acres of historical museums, monuments and buildings dedicated to honoring women’s rights. There you will learn the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, NY. There is so much rich history to take in from site to site. Enjoy the Wesleyan Chapel, Waterwall at Declaration Park, Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, M’Clintock House, and Hunt House.

6. Fort Stanwix National Monument

Price: Free
When Is It Open? 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily
Distance/Time From Manhattan: 250 miles/4 hours
Activities: Historical tours, films, weapons demonstrations, and exhibits, explore architecture
Pet Friendly? Pets are permitted outside on leashes
Nearby Attractions: Women’s Rights National Historic Park, Harriet Tubman National Historic Park

Aerial view of Fort Stanwix — Fort Stanwix is a historical place to explore if you enjoy 1700s architecture and U.S. history.

Fort Stanwix is a colonial fort built in the 1750’s. There is so much appeal in seeing a beautiful fort from the 1750s. On top of that, there are tours and monuments to see.

7. Statue of Liberty National Monument

Price: Free, but you must purchase ferry tickets through Statue Cruises
When Is It Open? 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with holiday exceptions
Distance/Time From Manhattan: Located in Manhattan! Just a ferry ride away.
Activities: Climb to the top of the pedestal with a reservation, explore
Pet Friendly? Pets are generally not allowed, but service animals are OK
Nearby Attractions: Castle Clinton National Monument, Governor’s Island National Monument

Statue of Liberty was a gift from France in 1886. Simply stated, the massive copper monument is worth seeing. It’s worth seeing from Manhattan, the ferry ride, and up close on the island. Experience the statue and learn some history along the way.

8. Governor’s Island National Monument

Price: Ferry charges vary
When Is It Open? Late Spring through summer, hours vary with ferry times
Distance/Time From Manhattan: Located in Manhattan, just a ferry ride away
Activities: Guided tours, exploring, art, performance, history, Castle Williams, Fort Jay
Pet Friendly? Pets are generally not allowed, exception for service animals
Nearby Attractions: New York City

Aerial view of Governor's Island — Governor's Island is a great place to spend the day with family. The park, exhibits and events give a day's worth of fun.

Governor’s Island is an island 400 yards from Brooklyn, across the Buttermilk Channel, and 800 yards from lower Manhattan. The island was used for military purposes dating back to the Revolutionary War in 1776. The Island contains a 43 acre public park, and often hosts great events for the public.

Help Make New York An Even Better Place To Live

The eight national parks above are full of history, education and awe. These beautiful parks, sites and monuments are just a day trip away from Manhattan. These national parks make New York an even more special place to live. You can help make New York a better place too. Here’s how:

Help maintain and preserve our beautiful national parks near New York. Do this by donating to your favorite national park.
Help New York area children with a car donation to Wheels For Wishes Metro New York. Your vehicle donation benefits Make-A-Wish Metro New York, providing life-changing wishes to children facing critical illness. Your car donation helps make New York a better place. Simply call 1-855-278-9474 or fill out an online donation form for your generous donation.

Experience national parks, and benefit New York children today!