New beach club opens at the Rockaways’ historic Riis Park bathhouse

The Rockaways’ landmark Jacob Riis Park bathhouse — built in 1932 and largely shuttered since the early 1970s — opened its doors again in mid-August as Rockaway Ocean Club, after an $88 million restoration. For the many Brooklyn families who spend summer weekends at Riis, the “People’s Beach” now comes with restaurants, a courtyard with live music and a members-only pool. The beach itself stays public and free, as always.

What’s open to everyone

More than half the building is public: Two restaurants, one Peruvian, one American, a shop and a big courtyard used for concerts and community events. During the preview season the club runs Friday through Sunday, with the courtyard open 12–9pm and the restaurants 11am–7pm.

What’s members-only

The pool and pool deck (9am to sundown), the garden and beach-chair service are for members and their guests. Annual memberships run $1,500–$2,000 for adults plus a joining fee, $4,000 for families — with a cheaper locals’ rate for Rockaway residents. Kids 16 and under are welcome in the members’ areas until 7pm, and children’s programming is in the works. A 28-room hotel — open to everyone — is slated for the 2027 beach season. Details on the membership page.

Getting there from Brooklyn

Riis Park is Brooklyn’s nearest ocean beach: over the Marine Parkway Bridge or on the Q35 from Flatbush Avenue. You can also take NYC Ferry to Rockaway or the A train, with an MTA shuttle covering the last stretch, or drive to the park’s paid lot at 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd (it closes at 10pm). The club’s getting-here page has schedules.

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