Jacob Riis Park

Jacob Riis Park is a public oceanfront park and beach on the Rockaway Peninsula in the New York City borough of Queens, named for reformer and photographer Jacob Riis. It is part of the National Park Service’s Gateway National Recreation Area and is known for its expansive sandy beach and historic bathhouse.

Key features include a long beachfront, a boardwalk, and an Art Deco-era bathhouse complex that serves visitors and houses historic architectural elements. The beach draws large numbers of visitors in summer for swimming, sunbathing and public events.

The park was developed in the early 20th century and later incorporated into the Gateway National Recreation Area; it has undergone multiple restorations and public-investment projects to maintain beach and visitor facilities. The National Park Service manages lifeguard staffing, facilities and park programming.

Jacob Riis Park sits on the Rockaway Peninsula in southern Queens, along the Atlantic Ocean and just west of Far Rockaway; it is part of New York City and is accessible from the rest of the city via public transit and park roadways.

• Management and season: Managed by the U.S. National Park Service as part of Gateway National Recreation Area; the site is busiest in summer when lifeguards are on duty and facilities are open.

What to See #

• Art Deco bathhouse: A large Art Deco bathhouse complex on the oceanfront that houses visitor services and historic architecture dating to the early 20th century.