Jacob Riis Park (Gateway National Recreation Area)

Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway Park, NY 11694, USA

Address:	Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway Park, NY 11694, USA
Phone:	+1 718-354-4606
Site:	nyharborparks.org
Rating:	4.4

Location

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Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 14

Bryce C

This beach is easily the best one in NYC. It has a parking lot, which makes it better for those that prefer driving to the beach. Its also very clean by NYC standards and due to its lack of access by public transportation (only able to get there by bus, no train) most people choose to go to other, more easily accessible beaches like Coney Island Beach. There are also lifeguards on duty at the beach unlike some others in the city. While it doesnt offer the attractions of Coney Island Beach, there is an area where there are a few food vendors like Fletchers BBQ, Ample Hills Creamery, Rockaway Clam Bar, etc. They host events in the evenings and there are even places that sell clothes. My one recommendation is to go on a weekday if you can because on weekends during the summer, it can get packed despite its relative remoteness.

Jake Pham

This is one of the few beaches where you can do multiple activities. Theres the beach, there are handball courts, basketball courts and a picnic area where you can BBQ. Also on the weekends, there is live music. The Riis beach bazaar has an electric flavor. You wont find your typical Coney Island fare here. How does lobster rolls sound?! There are restrooms that are kept clean. However, this beach do lack showers. As for getting there, the best way is to drive by car and pay the beach parking fare of $10. It does fill up to capacity rather soon so yet to get to the beach before 12 noon on hot days. What about the beach itself? The waves are rather overcoming which is fun if you can swim. The waves are also pretty strong; so be careful with children.

Kevin A. Virgilio

Having lived in Queens for seven years now, Jacob Riis Park is my preferred beach over all other options available in the five boroughs. In my experience it has never been overcrowded or overpriced, the lifeguards are attentive, and the maintanance department keeps the sand tidy and comfortable for beach-goers of all ages. In addition to what humanity brings to this place, nature provides waves and wind without jellyfish or seaweed. I leave my cell phone at home when I go here, as the experience on the whole allows me to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty that surrounds me with no added distractions.

Roxann Guerra

Cool beach I came here once (last month) with friends. There seems to be a self set (people just seem to know where to go) family section and adult only gay and lesbian sections further down. Women go topless here...if you want to topless tan , this is a place to go as long as you are not in the family section. When I was there all the men were gay (except for the one male in our group...so no topless tan for us ladies lol) in the section we were at so you dont feel ogled down if you would walk around or lay out in the sun topless.

Sookram Ramsaroop

Went to Riis for the Pitch n Putt. The holes range from 40 yards to 150. Great way to kill 2-3 hours. The course isnt the most plush, but its right by the beach/boardwalk. Also hung out on the boardwalk and enjoyed some of the food options. You can get options that range from vegetarian, to a truck serving Sabretts hot dogs. Also had Uncle Luigis ice/ice cream stand. While I didnt step on the beach, it did look clean, like the rest of the area. The beach is also pretty spacious, with lots of area to hang out.

Jeffrey Diamond

Easy to get to and very clean. I usually bike over the Marine Parkway bridge but you can also get there by the Q35 bus. The water is cool and refreshing during the summer months. There is a also a golf course hidden away towards Ft. Tilden. There are plenty of snack stands on the board walk but if biking look out for the snack truck just over the bridge, the best value on the beach. The boardwalk was destroyed by Sandy but I am sure it will be back better than ever.

Wayne John

Decent Beach. Easy, fun and convenient to get to. The 2/5 train to Bklyn College takes you to this Brooklyn nabe where you walk across the street and catch the Q35 bus in front of Target (after you grab some cheap snacks). A short 25 min. express ride takes you directly to the beach. It only stops once along the way and the ride is so scenic! Kids playground and basketball courts greet you at the entrance. Good alternative to the congested Coney Island.

Karen Lichtblau

Beautiful beach, family and adult areas, good for beach walking for shells and barefoot running. Safe to leave your stuff when you go in the water. Never miserably overcrowded. Food and water available to purchase, restrooms, huge parking lot never full and buses back to subway and down to restaurant hub further down beach stop in front of entrance. Much faster way to get back to city via Q35 bus and 2/5 train than taking A train

Brian McDonald

While going to the more accessible beaches in the area can be a bit more convenient, you simply cant match the level of peace that can be had if you take the effort to make it down to Jacob Riis. Ive biked down across the Marine Parkway Bridge, and the beach is a great stop after hitting up the Breezy Dog truck for a milkshake. The park is still undergoing some work to fix hurricane damage but each time I go it looks better.

Hannibal Smith

This is definitely my favorite beach in NYC. Clean beaches isolated not overly crowded but thats slowly changing. Not to mention the Brooklyn golf center pitch and put. You can drop off your family play a few holes and come back and relax on the beach. The vendors here are a little pricey but hey your on an isolated island so you have to pay the piper. My advice bring your own cooler with beverages.

Elliott M.

This beach was great back in the 60s and 70s as it was accessible from city, however it felt into disrepair. There were cabanas and changing rooms, food stand standards, even umbrella rentals. There is a slow renaissance taking place, however I miss the amenities like the small food stand and comfort station by bay 2, that were destroyed during Sandy storm. This is a friendly and chill beach for all.

Ablyvian Zirit

I used to really enjoy this park/beach. This year the tides came in much higher than I ever remember before. The waves were much higher and the undertow stronger and more dangerous. Its still beautiful and relatively clean. And the crowd is calmer and more pleasant than almost any other beach in NYC but having to shift your blanket back several times to avoid the tides is a little inconvenient

Lily M

Favorite NYC beach and reasons why: when facing the ocean if you walk ALL the way right theres a secluded semi nide hippie beach. Straight in the middle is family can get a little crowded. All the way to the left is a really fun gay beach. Basically theres something for everyone, and public transport goes there as well. Plus if you ride a bike in its free! No bridge toll or parking fee!

Jack Levy

The beach is way too crowded on Sunday. I will never go there again, I am talking about walking 20 minutes just to find a decent spot for a towel. There is a huge parking lot, that charge 10$ (Not bad at all), and police in cars and on horses patrolling the beach. It is a nice beach, nothing special, and if i would know, i would have drive 15 more minutes to a quieter beach...