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Discover Fort Totten Park in Queens — a hidden dog-friendly NYC gem with historic bunkers, waterfront views, filming locations, and peaceful trails perfect for adventurous pups.
Hidden Dog-Friendly NYC Gem: Fort Totten Park, The Battery & Little Bay Bridge Pier
A few years ago, we stumbled across one of NYC’s best hidden waterfront adventures—and we’ve been coming back ever since. 🐾🌊
Don’t get us wrong, we love Central Park. We spent years exploring nearly every corner of it with Chance. But after more than a decade of adventuring around NYC with our senior rescue pup, we’ve always been drawn to the places that most people overlook.
That’s actually how NYC Dog Adventures began.
What started as weekend explorations with Chance turned into a mission to help other dog parents discover the incredible places hiding right in their own backyard. While some people like to keep their favorite spots a secret, we’ve always believed the best adventures are meant to be shared.
As an AKC Service Animal, Chance thrives on experiencing new environments, sights, sounds, and smells. Every adventure becomes enrichment, training, and memory-making all rolled into one. More importantly, it’s given us countless moments together that we’ll treasure forever.
Over the years, we’ve explored hundreds of dog-friendly destinations throughout NYC and beyond. Yet somehow, Fort Totten Park, the historic Battery, and Little Bay Bridge Pier remain one of those rare places we find ourselves returning to again and again.
Maybe it’s the hidden military history. Maybe it’s the peaceful waterfront views. Or maybe it’s because every time we visit, it feels like we’ve discovered a secret side of New York all over again.
This is one of the coolest (temp wise) waterfront walks in NYC includes hidden bunkers, abandoned-looking military ruins, secret bridge views, and peaceful dog-friendly paths most locals still don’t know about! Being near the water and going into civil war tunnels it’s a great summer escape from NYC heatwaves!
Tucked away in northeastern Queens, Fort Totten Park feels like a completely different version of New York City.
Instead of crowded sidewalks and nonstop noise, you’ll find:
- Historic military structures
- Quiet waterfront trails
- Massive bridge views
- Open grassy fields
- Scenic piers
- Hidden corners perfect for exploring with your dog
And honestly? It feels more like discovering a forgotten coastal town than being inside NYC.
Two summers ago, we barely made it there 20 minutes before closing — but even then, we instantly knew this place was special!!!
Last year, we returned for a deeper adventure that took us through the historic Battery, waterfront paths, and all the way to Little Bay Bridge Pier.
It ended up becoming one of our favorite hidden dog-friendly NYC day trips ever. And yes… it’s every bit as eerie and fascinating as it sounds. We even got to bring Chance along on this private tour!
The Fascinating History Behind Fort Totten Park
What makes Fort Totten Park even more incredible is that this peaceful waterfront park was once a major military fortress designed to help protect New York City.
Located in the Bay Terrace neighborhood of Queens along the Cross Island Parkway, Fort Totten sits on land originally inhabited by the Matinecock people before the area was later settled during the American Revolution.
The fort itself was named after General Joseph Totten, a military engineer known for helping modernize coastal defenses in the United States. Plans for the fort were originally prepared in 1857 by none other than Robert E. Lee — years before the Civil War fully unfolded. Construction officially began in 1862 as part of New York Harbor’s defense system alongside nearby Fort Schuyler.
Ironically, by the time the fort was completed, military technology had already evolved so quickly during the Civil War that Fort Totten became outdated as a defensive stronghold. Instead, the site transitioned into a military support and hospital facility for decades afterward.
Over the years, the fort served many surprising roles, including:
- A military engineering school
- Anti-aircraft defense headquarters
- Submarine defense training center
- Missile defense operations site
- U.S. Army Reserve post
By the late 1900s, local residents pushed to transform the historic military property into public parkland. In 1987, New York City officially received part of the former base from the U.S. Department of Defense, opening the door for what would eventually become today’s waterfront park.
Now, instead of soldiers and military operations, you’ll find:
- Scenic walking paths
- Historic stone structures
- Open grassy fields
- Waterfront views
- Quiet biking and pedestrian greenways
- One of NYC’s most unique dog-friendly hidden gems
And honestly? That mix of history, mystery, and peaceful waterfront energy is exactly what makes Fort Totten feel so different from anywhere else in NYC.
Fort Totten Park in Bayside, Queens, is a prime filming location in NYC, frequently utilized for its historic, abandoned structures, subterranean tunnels, and scenic waterfront views. Productions that have filmed scenes here include hit TV shows like The Blacklist, Gotham, Daredevil, Blue Bloods, Evil, and Goosebumps: The Vanishing.
Television Series
- The Blacklist: * The park and its surrounding structures have been used to shoot various exterior and high-security scenes.
- Gotham: * The show’s production team regularly took advantage of the eerie, abandoned fortifications to stage dramatic sequences.
- Daredevil: * Used the fortress’s shadowy, industrial interior environments for action sequences.
- Evil: * The CBS series filmed specific scenes on location at the park.
- Goosebumps: The Vanishing: * The production utilized Fort Totten’s long, dark tunnels to film authentic, spooky underground sequences.
- Blue Bloods: * Featured on the show, specifically in Season 4, Episode 13 (“Unfinished Business”).
Additional Notable Features
- Game of Thrones: *While not a movie or show set, Fort Totten was chosen as one of six global scavenger hunt locations to hide a replica Iron Throne for the show’s final season promotion.
- Run This Town: *The famous music video by Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Rihanna was filmed on-site at Fort Totten.
The production utilized the park’s historic, centuries-old cement structures, winding hallways, and underground tunnels to shoot the show’s dark, mysterious, and eerie sequences.
Specific details about the Fort Totten shoots and the surrounding area include:
- The Tunnels: The cast filmed authentic tunnel and sewer sequences at Fort Totten, sometimes having to navigate the extremely long, dark corridors using only flashlights.
- Battery Baker: The show used the historic Battery Baker (an old military installation built in the 19th century to protect New York Harbor) to stage a lot of the show’s mysterious, subterranean horrors.
Why Fort Totten Park Is One of NYC’s Best Hidden Dog-Friendly Spots
Located along the Cross Island Parkway in Bay Terrace, Queens, Fort Totten is built around a historic Civil War-era military fort originally designed to help defend New York Harbor.
Today, those same grounds have transformed into one of NYC’s most underrated waterfront parks.
And somehow… most people still have no idea it exists. Unlike the packed sidewalks of Manhattan or crowded weekend parks in Brooklyn, Fort Totten feels calm, quiet, and unexpectedly peaceful.
Your dog gets:
- Huge open spaces to sniff and explore
- Waterfront walking paths
- Breezy views of the Long Island Sound
- Less overwhelming crowds
- A unique sensory adventure away from the city chaos
For dog parents, it’s the perfect mix of:
- Urban exploration
- NYC history
- Scenic photography
- Hidden gem energy
- Movie-location vibes
And if your dog loves exploring new textures, smells, and environments like Chance does, this place feels like a giant adventure movie set.
Exploring The Historic Battery
One of the coolest areas inside the park is the historic Battery section near the waterfront.
Massive stone walls, old artillery structures, grassy paths, and waterfront overlooks create this surreal mix of history and nature that honestly feels cinematic.
The Battery area is especially beautiful for:
- Dog walks
- Photography
- Quiet picnics
- Golden hour views
- Urban exploration vibes
You can still feel pieces of the fort’s military past while walking through the old structures — which makes the entire park feel incredibly unique compared to typical NYC green spaces.
The Secret Underground Bunker 👀
One of the wildest experiences we’ve ever had at Fort Totten happened during our third visit.
We were invited on a small behind-the-scenes tour of the underground tunnels and bunkers hidden beneath the historic fort—spaces that are typically closed to the public. Even better? Chance was allowed to join us, making him one of the very few dogs to ever explore these fascinating underground chambers.
Originally built during the Civil War era to store gunpowder and military supplies, the bunker remained largely inaccessible for decades. Walking through the dimly lit tunnels and massive stone chambers felt like stepping into another world. It was easy to see why the location was recently chosen as a filming site for Goosebumps: The Vanishing.
The experience felt even more special because the tunnels had not yet reopened following filming. With only a handful of people on the tour, we found ourselves exploring dark passageways, learning about the fort’s military history, and keeping an eye out for the bats that occasionally call the bunkers home.
Between the hidden history, movie-set atmosphere, and the rare opportunity to explore an area that most visitors never get to see, it was easily one of the most memorable adventures we’ve shared with Chance in NYC.
While the bunkers are generally not open to the public, Fort Totten occasionally offers special tours and events, making it worth checking local listings before your visit.
Is Fort Totten Park Dog-Friendly?
Yes — and surprisingly dog-friendly for such a historic site.
Dogs are welcome throughout most outdoor areas of the park as long as they’re leashed. The waterfront paths and grassy sections make it ideal for:
- Small dog adventures
- Senior dog strolls
- Quiet decompression walks
- Scenic picnic days
- Casual photo sessions
If your dog gets overstimulated easily, this is one of those rare NYC spots that still feels relaxing.
How to Get to Fort Totten Park
📍 Location
Fort Totten Park
🚗 Driving
Set your GPS to:
“Fort Totten Park Visitor Center”
Free parking is available inside the park near the waterfront battery area.
🚇 Subway + Bus Directions
Getting here without a car is doable — just takes a little planning. This is actually one of the easiest hidden gems in Queens to reach without a car.
- Take the 6 train to New York City Subway at Pelham Bay Park
- Transfer to the Q50 bus toward Co-Op City/Bay Plaza
- Exit at Totten Ave & 15th Rd
- Walk about 10 minutes to the park entrance
🚇 Public Transit: Take the 6 train to Pelham Bay Park, transfer to the Q50 bus, exit at Totten Ave & 15th Rd, then walk about 10 minutes to Fort Totten Park. Continue along the waterfront to explore Little Bay Bridge Pier.
Park Hours
🕰️ Daily: 6 AM – 9 PM
The underground bunker is usually closed to the public but occasionally opens for:
- Guided tours
- Historical events
- Community programming
- Special seasonal openings
Fort Totten Water Battery and Visitor Center (differs from park hours!)
The Fort Totten Water Battery and Visitor Center are open to the public year-round only on the weekends. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.).
Check official NYC Parks announcements before visiting.
🐾 To Reach Little Bay Bridge Pier
After exploring Fort Totten, continue south along the waterfront paths toward Little Bay Park and Little Bay Bridge Pier. It’s roughly a 15–20 minute scenic walk depending on how many sniff breaks your dog takes. 🌊🐾
💳 Fare Information
You can use:
- OMNY (tap your phone, smartwatch, or contactless card)
- MetroCard (still accepted on buses and subways)
The subway-to-bus transfer is included within the MTA transfer window, so you won’t pay a second fare for the Q50 when transferring from the subway.
Why This Spot Feels So Different From Most NYC Dog Locations
Can we talk about how hard it is to find peaceful dog-friendly places in NYC that don’t feel overdone on social media?
Fort Totten still feels undiscovered.
No massive influencer crowds.
No long café lines.
No chaotic sidewalks.
Just waterfront air, old stone ruins, quiet paths, and a feeling like you accidentally found a secret side of New York most people skip.
And honestly? Those are usually the best adventures!
Things to Bring for Your Dog
Before visiting, pack:
- Portable water bowl
- Extra water
- Picnic Blanket to sit on the lawn
- Tick prevention during warmer months
- Cooling gear during summer
- Layers for small dogs if it gets windy near the water
- Long leash for open grassy areas (where permitted)
Small dogs like Chance especially benefit from layering once temperatures dip below 60°F because the waterfront breeze can feel much colder.
Best Time to Visit
🍂 Fall
Perfect temperatures, colorful leaves, and dramatic bunker vibes.
🌸 Spring
Beautiful waterfront walks and fewer crowds.
☀️ Summer
Best for sunset walks and ocean breezes — but bring water and avoid peak heat.
❄️ Winter
Quiet and cinematic, but windy near the water. Small dogs will definitely need layers.
Little Bay Bridge Pier: One of Queens’ Most Underrated Waterfront Hidden Gems
After exploring Fort Totten, continue your waterfront adventure toward Little Bay Bridge Pier near Little Bay Park.
This hidden waterfront stretch gives you incredible views beneath the massive Throgs Neck Bridge and feels unbelievably peaceful compared to most NYC waterfront areas.
Here you’ll find:
- Massive bridge views
- Sunset photography
- Open waterfront air
- Quiet walking paths
- Fishing spots
- Scenic shoreline seating
- Hardly any crowds during weekdays
- Calm decompression walks for dogs
Tucked along the shoreline near the Throgs Neck Bridge in northeastern Queens, this scenic waterfront spot feels completely disconnected from the chaos of the city. And honestly? It’s one of those places that makes you forget you’re still in NYC.
Just remember:
- Keep dogs leashed
- Bring water
- Pack layers during cooler months
- Watch rocky shoreline areas carefully
The waterfront wind can feel much colder than the rest of the city — especially near Little Bay.
Why People Love It
According to local visitors, the pier is known for its:
- Quiet atmosphere
- Relaxing waterfront vibe
- Fishing access
- Scenic bridge photography
- Sunset views
- Walking and biking paths
- Open space without heavy crowds
It’s especially popular with:
- Dog parents
- Cyclists
- Fishermen
- Photographers
- People looking for peaceful NYC views
- Locals wanting a low-key nature break
Is Little Bay Bridge Pier Dog-Friendly? 🐾
Honestly this is one of the better hidden dog walking areas in Queens!!
The surrounding waterfront paths and nearby green space make it ideal for:
- Leashed dog walks
- Small dog adventures
- Sunset strolls
- Decompression walks
- Scenic pet photography
Because the area tends to stay quieter than most waterfront parks in NYC, it’s especially nice for dogs that get overwhelmed by crowds.
Final Thoughts
Can we talk about how rare it is to find a place in NYC that still feels undiscovered?
No giant influencer crowds.
No packed tourist lines.
No overwhelming noise.
Just hidden military ruins, waterfront trails, massive bridge views, and peaceful dog-friendly adventure energy.
If you’re looking for an offbeat NYC experience that feels completely different from the usual city routine, combining Fort Totten Park, the historic Battery, and Little Bay Bridge Pier makes for one of the best hidden day trips in Queens.
And honestly? It’s the kind of NYC adventure you remember long after you leave.
FAQ
Is Fort Totten Park free?
Yes! The park is completely free to visit.
Are dogs allowed at Fort Totten Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in outdoor areas while leashed.
Can you visit the underground bunker?
Usually no — but special tours and events occasionally open it to the public.
Is Fort Totten Park good for small dogs?
Absolutely. The calm atmosphere and open space make it especially great for small or senior dogs.
Is Fort Totten crowded?
Compared to most NYC parks, Fort Totten is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded.
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