Summer is getting closer! At the very tip of the Rockaway Peninsula lies Fort Tilden, a wild, isolated stretch of sand.
To reach the water, visitors have to hike through coastal brush and past massive, graffiti-covered military ruins.
With no lifeguards, boardwalks, or amenities, it remains the ultimate off-the-grid ocean escape for adventurous New Yorkers.
A deep dive into history
Before it became a natural sanctuary, Fort Tilden was a serious coastal defense site. It was established as Camp Rockaway Beach in 1917 during World War I.
Over the decades, it housed massive artillery and even Nike missile sites during the Cold War. Today, it’s part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and is run by the National Park Service.
Nature has beautifully reclaimed the area. Most of the old military batteries and ammunition magazines are now abandoned and covered in vibrant street art. If you are up for a climb, head to Battery Harris East.
You will find a viewing platform atop the old bunker with 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Wildlife and what to know before you go
This beach is a true nature lover’s paradise. The dunes are a crucial nesting ground for the threatened Piping Plover, as well as Common and Least Terns. Their eggs are highly camouflaged in the sand, so it is extremely important to stay out of areas marked by string fences and signs.
Because this is a completely wild beach, you have to pack in your own supplies. You won’t find concessions, and swimming is strictly prohibited since there are no lifeguards on duty. However, if you want to fish, hike, bird-watch, or just lay out in total peace, this is the perfect spot.
How to find this off-the-grid escape
Finding this Fort Tilden secret beach NYC takes a little bit of effort. That barrier to entry is exactly why 95 percent of the crowds stay away.
All parking lots at Fort Tilden require a special permit. Your best bet is to park at Jacob Riis Park right next door (parking fees apply from Memorial Day to Labor Day).
From there, you can walk or bike about a half-mile to escape the crowds. For cyclists, there is a concrete path called Shore Road that runs right along the beach.
If you are taking public transit, hop on the #2 or #5 train to Flatbush/Nostrand Avenue, then transfer to the Q35 bus.
The details
Facilities: Port-a-johns are available on site.
📍Fort Tilden, Queens (between Jacob Riis Park and Breezy Point Tip)
🕐 Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
