Jacob Riis Park Beach

Attractions, Beaches Rockaways Free
4 out of 5 stars
(4user reviews)
Jacob Riis Park Beach
Photograph: Virginia Rollison Jacob Riis Park

If you need to escape the city scene, venture to this sandy spot, which is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. One tip: Bring your own food, since the concession stands aren't always open and there are few restaurants close by.

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Venue name: Jacob Riis Park Beach
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Address: 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd
Queens
11694
Opening hours: Daily 9am–5pm; lifeguards on duty 10am–6pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
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Average User Rating

4.3 / 5

Rating Breakdown

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LiveReviews|4
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1 of 1 found helpful
tastemaker

I took the perfect day trip to Jacob Riis Park beach in the Rockaways!  We took a car from Manhattan, and the drive was about 45 minutes. It was clean, not too crowded and not too far from the city. You have to pay for parking, however there is no fee to get onto the actual beach. You can buy drinks, food, and rent chairs and umbrellas all under one roof. You can also bring your drinks to your seat on the sand, which is awesome! Bathrooms had lines, and were typical public bathrooms, but the line moved pretty quickly. Food stands were all really good, and the Frose drink tasted amazing! Right next to the food and rental stands, bands played music all day.  Lifeguards were on duty, and it seemed like it was more locals than tourists. 


Definitely recommend this beach to anyone for a nice day trip out of the city! If you don't have a car, you can also take the A subway to the Beach 98- Playland stop for another Rockaway beach.

tastemaker

I went with Jenna S below!!!! Out of all the beaches easily accessible from the city, I think this is my favorite. Granted we had a car so getting out there was easy. Lots of food options and you can rent chairs - this is KEY!! 

tastemaker

Awesome place to go to the beach! The food stands are great! I tried a veggie skewer from Sameza and it was delicious. There are also pop up stores along the strip that sell cute beach clothes and jewelry. It was quite the treck to get there though.


The second the weather even approaches warm, I hop over to Jacob Riis for a day at the beach. If you have a car, it's easy-peasy to get there, but even if you don't, you can take the bus. (Or bike it if you're brave.) Not a scene at all, it's the greatest place to spend a low-key day on the sand with lots of other New Yorkers. It also doesn't get nearly as crowded as Rockaway.