Jacob Riis Park

Situated on the Rockaway Peninsula, this section of the Gateway National Recreation Area offers a coastal escape with an unobstructed horizon and clean water for swimming. The park features a long boardwalk and a spacious beachfront that rarely feels cramped, even on busier weekends. Getting to the water requires navigating a huge multi-row parking lot, which translates to a long walk from the car to the sand. Near the shore, there is a kids' playground without shade, alongside public restrooms.