6 LGBTQ-Friendly Beaches to Visit This Summer

The boardwalk and old bathouse at Jacob Riis Beach

Photo: Elzbieta Sekowska (Shutterstock)

Since the 1940s, the eastern end of Jacob Riis Beach has been an LGBTQ hangout spot. In 1940, predominantly white gay male-identified beachgoers would stake out the east side of the beach for sunbathing. By the 1950s, lesbian woman-identifying beachgoers flocked to the same location. Over the years, the beach has become a diverse chill spot for LGBTQ folk and allies alike.

Black and Brown queer-identified people tote Riis beach as their favorite spot. “Jacob Riis beach has always been warm and welcoming, LGBTQIA+ BIPOC inclusive and loving,” noted Michelle Perez, the A&E Nightlife Editor for GO Magazine, in an interview. “Plus, it’s an unofficial nude beach, so the body positivity vibes give me LIFE!!”

Yup: The east side of Riis beach has been unofficially appointed a nude beach by visitors, earning it a reputation as a “queer sunbather’s paradise.” While city officials and police continue to try to put a stop to the practice, people have largely ignored their efforts.