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
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursCastle Clinton is open daily except Thanksgiving day and Christmas Day.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 212-329-9979 · cacl_info@nps.gov
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.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Castle Clinton National Monument — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Castle Clinton National Monument?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
Castle Clinton is open daily except Thanksgiving day and Christmas Day.
Nearby sites
NPS National Park Service Federal Hall National Memorial
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
NPS photo / Michael B. Shaver National Park Service Governors Island National Monument
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
