Once a bustling New York airport, this National Recreation Area now stands as a testament to history.
Discovering Hidden Gems: Exploring Floyd Bennett Field and Beyond in NYC
Floyd Bennett Field, a historic airfield turned National Recreation Area, is a hidden gem worth adding to your NYC itinerary. Located in Brooklyn, this 1,300-acre property offers a unique blend of aviation history, outdoor recreation, and natural beauty that is often overlooked by visitors.
Established as New York City's first official airport in the 1920s, Floyd Bennett Field was named after Floyd Bennett, a Navy pilot born in Warrensburg, Upstate New York. The field played a significant role in aviation history, with many ambitious flights starting from its runways, including journeys across the Atlantic or around the world. Floyd Bennett co-piloted the first flight over the North Pole with Lieutenant Commander Richard E. Byrd.
Although commercial aircraft haven't landed at Floyd Bennett Field since the Great Depression, the site still retains much of its aviation heritage. The Deco-style control tower, now known as the Ryan Visitor Center, houses exhibits about the early airfield and its impact. Visitors can visit any Saturday or Sunday to learn about this fascinating chapter of NYC's history.
Regular visitors can take advantage of the archery range, kayak launch, and Moonbeam Marina at Floyd Bennett Field. The marina is popular with boaters and fishermen, and saltwater anglers come to Floyd Bennett Park Beach to cast reels on the Sandy Fishing Beach. The beach, a modest strip of sand, is a nice area to walk around, gaze at Jamaica Bay, and search the sky for a plane in flight.
Outside of its aviation heritage, Floyd Bennett Field offers opportunities for walking, bicycling, or skateboarding across the old runways. Visitors can also walk, tramp, and sun themselves on the grassy lawns, modest woods, and a small beach at Floyd Bennett Field.
Floyd Bennett Field's rich history and outdoor recreation offerings make it an excellent addition to an NYC itinerary. To deepen the historical and outdoor dimension of the trip, consider exploring some local Brooklyn historic sites, lesser-known architecture tours, or nature spots like the peripheral salt marshes at Floyd Bennett Field.
Other underrated spots to include in your NYC itinerary are Green-Wood Cemetery, The Cloisters, Roosevelt Island, and the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Terminal. These attractions cater to those interested in history, nature, and quieter cultural experiences, providing a perfect complement to Floyd Bennett Field's aviation heritage and outdoor recreation offerings.
While John F. Kennedy Airport is one of New York's bustling travel hubs and a symbol of modern luxury, Floyd Bennett Field offers a glimpse into the city's past, showcasing the spirit of adventure and innovation that once soared over its skies.
- For a combination of aviation history, outdoor living, and home-and-garden experiences, consider adding Floyd Bennett Field to your itinerary, with its archery range, kayak launch, and Moonbeam Marina.
- To immerse yourself further in the history and natural beauty of the area, explore other hidden gems like Green-Wood Cemetery, The Cloisters, Roosevelt Island, and the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Terminal, which offer peaceful cultural experiences and connect seamlessly with Floyd Bennett Field's outdoor recreation offerings.
