Jacob Riis Park Beach at Gateway National Recreation Area
Jamaica Bay Unit Home Page | Jacob Riis Park Home Page
The main swimming beach at the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area is at Jacob Riis Park in Queens. This is an extremely popular beach that is serviced by a massive, half-mile-long parking lot that holds thousands of vehicles. Thankfully you can pull up near the beach area to unload your equipment before parking so that you don’t have to lug everything up to a mile, round trip.
While there is technically no fee to use Jacob Riis Beach, there is a fee to park from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM. Daily and seasonal passes (good only at Jacob Riis Park beach) are available. Cash is not accepted—credit or debit card payments only. Keep in mind that National Park America the Beautiful Annual passes are not valid for parking fees unless you are active duty military or a veteran, in which case you get in free (military ID required). Fourth Grade passes also get you in for free. America the Beautiful Access Passes and America the Beautiful Senior Passes are good for 50 percent off. Fees are for parking only, so if you walk, bike, or get dropped off, the beach is free. See the National Park Service’s official Gateway National Recreation Area Beach Parking at Gateway web page for the latest prices.
Jacob Riis Park Beach at Gateway National Recreation Area
The beaches at Gateway National Recreation Area are some of the worst that I have seen as far as trash and rock-filled sand goes, but the beach at Jacob Riis Park is actually very nice. The sand is soft and largely rock and shell free, and it had the least amount of trash of any beach in the park. It also has lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10 AM to 6 PM. This is the only lifeguarded beach within the Jamaica Bay Unit of the park. Furthermore, there are plenty of food and beverage vendors, rinse-off showers, outdoor sports facilities such as basketball courts and playgrounds, and even live entertainment.
Lifeguard on duty at Jacob Riis Park Beach in Gateway National Recreation Area
Outdoor rinse-off showers are available at Jacob Riis Park Beach, Gateway National Recreation Area
Concession area at Jacob Riis Park in Queens, Gateway National Recreation Area
Jacob Riis Park is also home to two distinctive historical structures. The most prominent is the Bathing Pavilion, the art deco centerpiece of the park. Built in 1932 and once home to a Howard Johnsons restaurant and rooftop seating, today it houses food vendors, park offices, and restroom facilities.
Historic Bathing Pavilion at Jacob Riis Park, Gateway National Recreation Area
The other historical structure is the Riis Park Memorial Clock, better known as the Wise Clock. It was built in 1891 by the E. Howard Watch Company in Boston, though it was not installed at Riis Park until 1941.
Wise Clock overlooks the beach at Jacob Riis Park in Queens, Gateway National Recreation Area
Jacob Riis Park borders one mile of beach along the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, you’ll find most people swimming nearest to the parking lot. If you want to get away from the crowds, yet remain within Gateway National Recreation Area, head west towards Fort Tilden Beach (right if you are looking at the ocean). From the Jacob Riis Bathing Pavilion it is a half mile to Fort Tilden, and the farther you walk, the less people you will see. The Fort Tilden beach is certainly not as well groomed and has no lifeguards or other amenities, but the crowds are a fraction of what you’ll find at Jacob Riis Beach. Remember, swimming is only allowed on the lifeguarded beach, but from what I saw, very few people follow the rules.
Beach at Fort Tilden in Gateway National Recreation Area
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Last updated on December 4, 2024
