Relaxing on Gateway National Recreation Area’s Plumb Beach
Plumb Beach in Brooklyn is one of the few sections of the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area that serves but one purpose—a beach. It is open from 6 AM to 9 PM and is accessed from the east-bound lane of the Belt Parkway. It is not uncommon for people stuck in traffic after work to pull in and wait things out by resting on the beach. In fact, the road signs refers to it as a REST AREA. There is a parking lot that holds about a hundred cars and a portable toilet next to what looks like an old bathhouse and / or concession stand. Its appearance constantly changes depending on the last graffiti artist who stopped by for a day at the beach.
Former bath house at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Plumb Beach
When I visited, I didn’t see anyone swimming, but there were a few people sitting in the sun reading a book, some fishermen, and a kite surfer preparing to head out into Jamaica Bay. You can launch your canoe, kayak, or other hand-paddled watercraft into the bay from here.
Kite surfer preparing his equipment at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Plumb Beach
Visitors to Gateway National Recreation Area’s Plumb Beach
As with any beach in the New York City area, trash is a problem. It’s not trash left by low-class beachgoers but filth that ends up in the bay and rivers around New York City that washes up on the beach. However, I do have to say that Plumb Beach was not the worst looking beach I saw at Gateway National Recreation Area.
Trash along Plumb Beach, part of Gateway National Recreation Area
Plumb Beach is one of the few locations within the Jamaica Bay Unit where you do not need a parking permit to fish. In fact, no special fishing permit or license is required from the National Park Service, but those 16 and older must enroll in the free New York Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, and all New York State fishing regulations apply.
Fishing at Plumb Beach, part of Gateway National Recreation Area
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Last updated on December 31, 2024
