A Rockaway Beach Anchored By An Art-Deco Bathhouse

Jacob Riis Park is a wide public beach on the Rockaway peninsula in Queens, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and named for the reformer photographer. A brick art-deco bathhouse still towers over the eastern end, its twin corner pavilions visible from far down the sand. A landmark clock marks the entrance to the boardwalk, a favorite meeting point before the walk to the water. Old wooden jetty pilings break the surf, families spread out across the open shore, and the bathhouse facade draws photographers at low light. Lifeguards patrol marked swimming zones through the summer season.