Yesterday (Aug 30, 2026), I visited all nine sites that are open to the public. Advice: the earlier your arrival time the better. These spaces fill up during the day, and some parking lots charge after 8am.
Plumb Beach – small stretch of beach, dunes, and marsh.
Floyd Bennett field – NYC’s first municipal airport, then a WWII naval air station, now 1300 acres of salt marshes and grassland.
Jacob Riis Park – huge swimming beach area, walkways, golf course, and an Art Deco bathhouse from the 1930s. Former site of Rockaway Naval Air Station, where the first transatlantic flight departed in 1919.
Fort Tilden – military site active from 1917-1974. There’s a battery with a viewing platform, but I could not access it when I visited due to “no entry” signs.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge – salt marsh, woods, ponds, and the bay. Important migration spot for over 325 bird species. Walked the trail around West Pond.
North Channel Bridge – popular fishing and paddling spot
Hamilton Beach Park – abandoned-looking small grassy area close to the water
Frank Charles Park – small neighborhood park with ball fields, a playground, fishing areas, and a nice view of JFK airport
Canarsie Pier – popular fishing and picnic area, close to a kayak launch
