New York City Best Gay Beaches + Outdoor Spaces

NYC's Best Gay Beaches and Nude Outdoor Spaces

If you're looking for the best gay beaches near New York City, you're in the right place. We surveyed our community of over 100,000 gay men and asked them where they actually go when the weather gets warm. Three spots came up again and again. This is what they told us.

Are There Gay Beaches Near NYC?

New York City doesn't have a traditional gay beach within the five boroughs, but it has something better — three distinct gay outdoor spaces within easy reach of Manhattan, each with a completely different energy. Jacob Riis Beach in Queens for accessibility and history. Gunnison Beach in New Jersey for the full nude experience. Fire Island for the full gay summer experience. Knowing the difference before you pack your bag matters.

Jacob Riis Beach — Bay 1, Queens

Jacob Riis Beach is the most mentioned gay beach by our NYC community and the most accessible gay outdoor space in the New York area. No ferry required, no car required, and no entry fee.

Bay 1, at the far eastern end of the beach, has been the gay section since the 1940s. It is one of the oldest continuously documented LGBTQ outdoor spaces in the United States, with a history that runs from gay men sunbathing here before Stonewall through to the Gay Activists Alliance holding a voter registration drive on the sand in 1971. The beach is now officially known as the People's Beach in recognition of its queer, trans and people of color history.

Nudity is widely practiced at Bay 1 but is no longer officially permitted under National Park Service rules. Be discreet. Rangers do patrol and the fine is $100.

The gay section gets busy on summer weekends. Get there early. The vibe is diverse, welcoming and unpretentious — more community gathering than cruisy beach, though the dunes behind Bay 1 have a reputation of their own as the sun goes down.

📍 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Queens, NY 11694 — Bay 1

Getting there: A train to Rockaway Park then Q35 bus to the beach. Alternatively, NYC Beach Ferry to Rockaway (seasonal). Free entry.

Gunnison Beach — Sandy Hook, New Jersey

Gunnison Beach is the only legally clothing-optional beach in the New York area and the top pick in our survey for gay men who want the full nude experience. Technically in New Jersey, but firmly part of the NYC gay beach circuit.

Located within the Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook, Gunnison is the largest clothing-optional recreation area on the entire East Coast. It sits on federal land, which means it is not subject to New Jersey's 1999 state ban on nudity at beaches — making it the only place in the region where you can legally get your kit off. On a clear day you can see the Brooklyn skyline from the sand.

The beach draws a strong gay male crowd, particularly on summer weekends. It has restrooms, showers, changing rooms and food trucks during peak season. No lifeguards on duty, so swim carefully.

Getting there from Manhattan is straightforward in summer. The NYC Ferry runs seasonal service from May through September directly to Sandy Hook, with a free shuttle that stops at all beaches including Gunnison. If you're driving, take the Garden State Parkway to Route 36 East and follow signs for Gateway National Recreation Area.

📍 Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area, New Jersey — Parking Lot G

Getting there: NYC Ferry from Manhattan (seasonal, May–Sept) then free shuttle. Or drive via Garden State Parkway to Route 36 East. $25 parking fee applies.

Fire Island — Cherry Grove and The Pines

Fire Island is the full gay summer experience and the most mentioned beach destination overall by our NYC community. Two ferry stops, two completely different vibes, and a beach walk between them that has been part of gay culture for decades.

Cherry Grove is the wilder, more mixed stop. It's been a gay and lesbian haven since the 1940s and has a looser, more unpredictable energy. The Pines is what most people picture when they think Fire Island — beautiful houses, beautiful men, sunbathing and socialising in equal measure. The beach walk between Cherry Grove and The Pines passes through The Meat Rack, a wooded stretch that has its own long history as a cruising area.

Both communities are car-free. You arrive by ferry, you walk everywhere, and the pace of the island takes over within about twenty minutes of arriving. Go for a day, stay for a weekend if you can.

A note on getting there: Cherry Grove and The Pines are served by the Sayville Ferry, not the Bay Shore ferry. This is a common mistake. Take the LIRR from Penn Station to Sayville Station, then a short taxi ride to the Sayville Ferry terminal at 41 River Road. The ferry takes approximately 30 minutes.

📍 Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines, Fire Island, NY

Getting there: LIRR from Penn Station to Sayville Station, then taxi to Sayville Ferry terminal, 41 River Road, Sayville, NY.

What to Pack

Sunscreen — and reapply constantly. A towel big enough to share. Plenty of water. Cash for the concession stand or food trucks. Something minimal to wear on the ferry or bus. Leave the rest at the hotel.

For Fire Island specifically: bring everything you need for the day. There are shops in both The Pines and Cherry Grove but prices reflect the island premium. Pack your cooler on the mainland.

The Verdict

Jacob Riis for a day trip. Gunnison Beach if you want to get fully naked legally. Fire Island for the full experience.

All three came directly from our community survey. All three are worth your time.

Full NYC Gay Travel Guide

This is one part of our full NYC gay travel guide, which covers the best gay neighborhoods, bars, clubs, cruising spots and local recommendations from our community. Read the full guide at dailyjocks.com.

About This Guide

This guide is based on a community survey of over 100,000 gay men. We asked our community where they actually go in New York City and built this guide from their recommendations. We do our best to verify all addresses and directions before publishing.

Published by DailyJocks. Updated 2026.