Jacob Riis Park

A historic ocean beach and Art Deco bathhouse in the Rockaways

Swimming, sunning, picnicking, barbequing golfing, kite flying, paddle tennis, baseball, basketball and volleyball.

Dubbed "The People's Beach," Jacob Riis Park is a true embodiment of the democratic spirit of public open space in an urban environment. Constructed on the site of one of the first US naval air stations, the park was designed in 1936 by innovative parks commissioner, Robert Moses, as a Jones Beach for the "common" city dweller. Named in honor of Jacob Riis, famed New York City journalist and photographer who documented the plight of the poor and working class, its ocean beach and landscaped walkways, boardwalks and courtyards gave the city's growing immigrant population a place to escape tenement life and reconnect with the natural beauty and recreation of the sea.

In 1972, Jacob Riis Park became part of one of the first urban parks in the National Park system, Gateway National Recreation Area. Today, its sand, surf, seaside recreation areas and famous Art Deco bathhouse still attract all types of New Yorkers. Facilities available in season include the concession-operated Riis Park Pitch and Putt Golf Course and food concessions.

visitor information

Gateway Nat'l Recreation Area
National Park Service
718-318-4300

nearby attractions

Fort Tilden, Breezy Point, Floyd Bennett Field and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

directions

BUS: Connect with the Q35 Green Bus Lines on Flatbush Avenue at the corner of Nostrand, Kings Highway, Fillmore Avenue or Avenue U ( Kings Plaza). After the bridge, ask the driver to let you off at either Fort Tilden or Riis Park. Alternate: Q21 or Q53 to Beach 116th Street , then Q22 or Q35 to the park.

SUBWAY AND BUS: 2 (also 5 at rush hour) to Flatbush Avenue, then take the Q35 bus to the park. Alternate: A or S to Rockaway Park then Q35 or Q22 bus to the park.

CAR: Take the Belt Parkway to Exit 11S, then Flatbush Avenue south across the Marine Parkway Bridge to the park. Alternate: Woodhaven Boulevard to Cross Bay Boulevard, then west on Beach Channel Drive to the park.

See a map.