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.
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.
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.
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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