When you think of New York City, you probably don’t imagine white-sand beaches and decaying World War II bunkers.
But hidden at the edge of Queens lies Fort Tilden. It is a former US Army installation that has been beautifully reclaimed by nature. Located on the Rockaway Peninsula, this secluded spot is a total escape from the concrete jungle.
A forgotten fortress in the sand
Originally built in 1917, Fort Tilden was New York’s first line of defense during World War I and World War II.
The fort once housed immense cannons capable of firing a 16-inch shell 30 miles out to sea. Later, during the Cold War, the base held Nike nuclear missiles. By the 1970s, the military officially abandoned the site.
Today, nature has completely taken over. Urban explorers can wander down overgrown pathways and stumble across giant concrete monoliths half-buried in the sand. It feels like a quiet, cinematic post-apocalyptic world right inside NYC.
A wild and peaceful beach getaway
Now part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, the fort offers a dramatically different coastal experience.
Instead of crowded boardwalks, you will find a quiet, white sand shore bordered by dunes and a maritime forest. It is a highly peaceful getaway that remains much less crowded than other popular city beaches.
Nature lovers also flock here to spot threatened nesting birds. If you look closely, you might catch a glimpse of the highly camouflaged Piping Plover or Least Tern running along the shoreline.
What to know before you go
Because the area remains beautifully rugged and undeveloped, there are a few important things to keep in mind before you visit.
- No swimming is allowed. There are absolutely no lifeguards on duty here.
- Stay on the marked paths. This protects the fragile, hard-to-see bird nests hidden in the sand.
- Avoid closed military structures. While they look cool from the outside, the old batteries and magazines are very hazardous to enter.
- Bring your fishing gear. Saltwater fishing is popular here, but make sure to register with the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry first.
