Jacob Riis Park Beach

Jacob Riis Park Beach makes up the westernmost part of the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. Named after the social journalist who urged the city authorities to purchase the land to create a public park and beach, its long length of sand is dotted with original art deco structures from the 1920s and 30s, including the bathhouse (bath pavilion).

The beach’s northern end is paralleled by a 140 foot wide concrete boardwalk where the historic Wise Clock stands. Its length is subdivided into a series of bays distinguished by breakwaters of wood, stone and concrete. Bay 1 lies closest to Rockaway Beach at Jacob Riis Park Beach’s eastern extent. It has historically been used by New York’s gay community and nudists.

There are a total of 14 bays, with the main beach considered the area from bay 6 to bay 14. This area is also where the beach is at its broadest. There are picnic areas and children’s playgrounds as well as lifeguard patrols daily between 10 am and 6 pm from the Memorial Day Weekend (prior to the last Monday in May) to Labor Day (the first Monday of September). 

Outdoor showers also operate during the summer season. Food and drink can be found at bays 4 and 9. If you decide to drive, parking costs $20.