Jacob Riis Beach

I’m planning on going to this beach. Trip Advisor says they have 2026 reviews. They have 1. I hate websites doing this. I don’t care what it was like in 2024. I will update my review after my trip.

Just a beautiful place to spend a sunny day. There are not enough benches along the boardwalk and you have to pay for parking.

There is no fee to enter the beach area. Daily parking is available for $20 per car - don’t mess up parking because the National Park Police have the towing company on speed dial and it costs $300 to get your car back - they live for this (not joking). In the early hours each day, the park is pretty clean. After a while, the bathrooms run out of toilet paper which never gets replaced and the beach goers dump loads and loads of trash on the sidewalks, partially because the bins don’t get emptied all day and partially because people don’t care about cleaning up after themselves. I’ve been coming for years and this never seems to change. A large section of the beach remains closed due to beach erosion. Not sure when that is going to be completed, it’s been a couple of years now. They are doing a lot of construction to the main bathhouse on the beach which won’t be done for at least two more years but once it’s done it should offer some nice things. Right now there are a few places to grab food - they serve alcohol at one of them. I’m not sure if they allow alcohol on the beach, I feel like they do, but I do know that you cannot have any glass bottles. You are not allowed to bring dogs or fly kites from May 15 through September 15. A large section of the beach is strictly LGBTQ and definitely not a child-friendly environment so keep that in mind. It is not a dangerous place, but the parties often get a little bit crazy and inappropriate there. As for the beach overall, it draws a very diverse crowd and is a great place to keep to yourselves or to meet new people - your preference. As far as swimming goes, be aware that the lifeguards leave at 6 PM. Also be aware that there are a lot of old wooden jetties that are hidden beneath the water when the tide starts to come in which can be, and have been, very dangerous. You should also be aware of riptides which have become a very serious problem, especially since the rock jetties have begun being installed. This has been by far the most serious problem of late so educate yourself and be prepared so everyone can make it home each day. So basically be safe, come prepared and have a great beach day!

I recently visited Jacob Riis Park Beach and had an absolutely delightful experience. Safety is a priority here, lifeguards on duty and clear warning signs. Thanks

So this is based on both my old experiences and my recent ones. Of course the views are the same! I went with my friends just last week, and thus, finally decided to write this review. Jacob Riis Park is a place to hang out and relax in a calm, breezy, judgment-free setting. It doesn't feel like New York given its distance from buildings and the fresh, open air, but it very much resembles NYC in the diversity of it its crowd. For some it's an LGBTQIA haven, while for others, it's just some paradise away from the hustle and bustle. Either way, I highly recommend it.

There is a lot of garbage everywhere, syringes, Lighters, millions of Flies! where is the money that they collect just for entrance! It just to be a beautiful an very enjoyable beach, now is a waste land! they don't invest a penny to conserve beach.IT'S SHAME!

I went to Riis Beach today, it's my favorite place to go to since the early 80"s and I couldn't believe that the entry fee is now $20.00 from $10.00. Are you kidding me!! The place is run down, the facilities are nasty and dirty, food over priced. One thing that is disturbing is that they don't have a handicap walkways after so many years like other beaches. You have people with their dogs, loud music blasting and people smoking those nasty chemicals around kids. I'm really disappointed and sad on how these place has gone down. I use to recommend this place to friends and families, but no more will I recommend this place at all. The only thing nice is the water.

The summer of 2021 has seen a doubling of the parking fee from $10 to $20. The park is hardly worth the price; the facilities are run down. Last season the Port-a-sans were left to overflowing. They have also increased the season pass price to $100. Seniors are charged $50, but today, I was told I also had to purchase a National Parks Service pass for $20 in order to get the reduced price. Funny, my friend purchase his senior pass for only $50 a few days ago. Whose pocket is the$20 going in. I said no thanks to the $70 price tag and left. I'll try another day.

I was not impressed with Riis Park one bit. The park is very run down. Yes, it is an older park with a beach but I will say it - Coney Island is nicer. I've never seen so much graffiti in a park. I walked the perimeter and played pitch & putt golf. Parking was plentiful and plenty of dining options. The pitch & putt course was hideous. There was very little grass, mostly weeds and crabgrass. Mats were very old and worn. The greens were fast. Definitely not worth the $20 green fee. The manager was very friendly and helpful. I would return to see say hello to him. I cannot see returning to this park or course.

The course is awful. We lost about 8 balls each in the fairway. 10-12 inch grass/weeds in the middle of the fairway. Ended up walking off the course. It used to be a great little course but right now it's a disgrace. The greens are better than the last few years but if you don't hit the green, best of luck finding your ball. Can't even pop the ball up onto the green from a few feet away. You hit the grass well before the ball and the grass in front of the ball blocks your shot anyway. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt because of the COVID-19 shutdown but they shouldn't have opened if they couldn't mow it. I'd wait until at least the third week in July before going because it's going to be a disaster when they do mow it. That's if you don't have any other choices for an executive course but we probably won't ever go back. For the family that ran it before Aviator, thank you for the find memories and allowing soldiers to play free. I really appreciate it. Aviator... Step it up or sell it to someone that gives a damn.

Another amazing National Park Site!

Played pitch and putt golf. Course is getting better every week

I love that beach

Love love love this beach

Gay area with a lot of fun. Lifeguard and a few food trucks during the high season. Restrooms around.

I just love it here.

Such an incredible oasis in NYC.

Many stones in the sand

No kite flying between March - September

Best beach

I really wanted to enjoy my time here, but it was just a disappointing experience overall. The facilities were in pretty rough shape and it honestly felt like it hasn't been taken care of in a long time. It was super crowded and noisy, which made it impossible to actually relax or enjoy the beach. I definitely wouldn't rush back here anytime soon.

Nice place to ride and relax.