Part of the Gay New York City Guide — bars, events & things to do.
New York City, New York
NYC's gay beach at the east end of Riis Park in the Rockaways.
The People's Beach at Jacob Riis Park is New York City's gay beach: the eastern end of the Riis beachfront in the Rockaways, Queens, part of Gateway National Recreation Area since 1972. The gay crowd has claimed the far east end — Bays 1 and 2 — for decades. The park was laid out by the city in 1912 and its Art Deco bathhouse dates to 1932; a 2023 Park Service release described a restoration adding a rooftop restaurant, eateries and a beachfront bar. Know before you go: the NPS lists Bay 1 and Bay 4 as closed to swimming and access because of erosion, with lifeguards only at Bays 2 and 5, so check which bays are open before you pick a spot. Lifeguards work 10 am to 6 pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; the park is open 6 am to 10 pm. Food is in Bay 9 and outdoor showers run in summer. Beach parking is $20 a day or $100 a season (8 am to 6 pm, cashless, advance passes on recreation.gov). By transit, take the 2 train to Flatbush Avenue and the Q35 bus, which stops inside the park in season.
Have feedback on this description? Let us knowDrag brunches, circuit nights & every party worth knowing in New York City — in your inbox every week.
No upcoming events
Try checking a later date or browse events in the app
$59
$65
$39
$29
$193
$30
$49
$43
Experiences powered by Viator
Get the full experience — check in, follow this venue, and connect with the community.
From the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement to one of the biggest Pride marches on Earth, here's your insider guide to queer New York City.
Robbie S.
Bottomless mimosas, lip-syncs between courses, and a queen in your face by noon — here's where to do drag brunch in New York, and which day to book.
Robbie S.
From Pieces' game-show drag to Club Cumming's nightly cabaret and Brooklyn's warehouse parties, here's where to see drag in New York — and which night to go.
Robbie S.
Chelsea was the capital of gay New York in the '90s and 2000s. Here's what the neighborhood is now — leather bars, the High Line, and the classic scene that stuck around.
Robbie S.
Halloween is Gay Christmas, and nobody does it bigger than New York — the Village Parade down Sixth Avenue, House of Yes in full costume, and a week of gay parties. Here's the plan.
Robbie S.
New York doesn't have one gayborhood — it has a whole map of them. Here's what Hell's Kitchen, Chelsea, the West Village, Brooklyn and Queens are each known for, and where to stay.
Robbie S.
