Water Taxi Beach Travel Guide

Water Taxi Beach is a small, urban waterfront beach located in Long Island City, Queens, just across the East River from Manhattan. Despite its modest size and unconventional setting in an industrial waterfront neighborhood, it has become a popular spot for locals seeking quick beach access without leaving the city. The beach sits along the East River at Gantry Plaza State Park, offering views of the Manhattan skyline and a unique blend of urban grit and waterfront recreation.

Getting There

Water Taxi Beach is remarkably accessible from multiple points in the New York City area, making it one of the most convenient beach destinations in the region.

By Air

Most visitors arrive through one of the three major New York area airports:

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the closest option at just 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles) away. From LGA, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) Jamaica Branch heading toward Atlantic Terminal. Exit at Hunters Point Avenue and walk about 10 minutes to the beach, or use a rideshare service for approximately $12–18.

JFK International Airport (JFK) is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) southeast. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, connect to the E train toward Manhattan, and get off at Court Square–23rd Street in Long Island City. Walk approximately 15 minutes toward the waterfront, or take a taxi/rideshare for $25–35.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey is roughly 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) away. Use the AirTrain to Newark Airport Rail Link, take NJ Transit to Penn Station in Manhattan, then transfer to the MTA E, M, or G train toward Long Island City. Total travel time is 60–90 minutes.

By Car

If driving from outside the city, Water Taxi Beach is accessible via the Long Island Expressway (I-495) or the Queens-Midtown Expressway (I-495 South). From New Jersey or the north, cross the RFK Bridge (Triborough Bridge) or the Whitestone Bridge and follow signs for Long Island City.

Parking: Street parking is available but extremely competitive. The Gantry Plaza State Park area has limited free parking during off-peak hours (evenings and weekends), but spaces fill quickly in summer. Several paid parking garages operate nearby, ranging from $15–25 per day. Expect to pay premium rates during summer weekends.

By Public Transit

This is the most practical option for most visitors:

• From Midtown Manhattan: Take the E train, M train, or G train from any Manhattan stop toward Queens. Exit at Court Square–23rd Street or Queens Plaza. From Court Square, walk northwest about 15 minutes toward the waterfront. Follow signage for Gantry Plaza State Park.
• From Downtown Manhattan: The G train stops at Court Square; the E and M trains intersect above. All three require the same 15-minute walk to the beach.
• From Brooklyn: The G train serves Long Island City from Brooklyn. Exit at Court Square or Queens Plaza.
• From other Queens locations: The LIRR Hunters Point Avenue station is about a 10-minute walk from the beach.

Travel time from Midtown Manhattan is approximately 20–25 minutes.

By Boat

Water Taxi Beach was named for its function as a ferry terminal. Several water taxi services operate from this location, including Hornblower Water Taxis and NYC Water Taxi, which connect to other waterfront neighborhoods (Financial District, Brooklyn, Williamsburg). Check operator schedules, as service varies seasonally.

Best Time to Visit

Water Taxi Beach has a typical northeastern U.S. climate with distinct seasonal variations.

Summer (June–August)

Peak season brings warm water temperatures (70–75°F / 21–24°C) and calm conditions. July and August are the warmest months but also the most crowded. Expect significant crowds on weekends, with parking and public transit becoming stressed. Air quality can be a concern on hot, still days due to urban pollution. Weekday visits are preferable if possible.

Late Spring and Early Fall (May and September–Early October)

These shoulder seasons offer the best balance of weather and crowd levels. Water temperatures are still swimable (60–70°F / 15–21°C), and the beach is far less crowded than peak summer. September is particularly pleasant as summer tourist season winds down but the weather remains warm.

Winter (November–March)

The beach remains open year-round, but water temperatures drop to 35–45°F (1–7°C). Very few people swim, though the beach is virtually empty and offers solitude for walks or photography. The waterfront can be windy and exposed; dress in layers.

Spring (April–May)

Spring is unpredictable in New York. April can still be cold and rainy, while May becomes warmer and more pleasant. By late May, the beach becomes increasingly busy as summer approaches.

Where to Stay

Long Island City has undergone significant development in recent years and now offers diverse accommodation options within walking distance of Water Taxi Beach.

Neighborhoods Near Water Taxi Beach

Long Island City Waterfront is the closest option, with boutique hotels, luxury apartments, and some budget chains located 5–15 minutes' walk from the beach. This neighborhood is upscale and modern but expensive.

Astoria (northwest of the beach) offers a more residential feel with good restaurants, bars, and transit access. It's a 15–20 minute walk or one subway stop from Water Taxi Beach and typically offers better value than waterfront hotels.

Court Square/Queens Plaza (directly south) is undergoing rapid development and has several new hotels and serviced apartments. It's approximately 10–12 minutes' walk from the beach.

Hunters Point (northeast) is industrial and less developed for tourism but offers the closest walkable access to the beach (5–10 minutes).

Accommodation Types

Luxury Hotels cluster near the waterfront and Court Square area. These typically cost $200–400+ per night.

Boutique Hotels and Mid-Range Chains are available throughout Long Island City and Astoria. Expect $100–200 per night.

Budget Hotels and Hostels exist in Astoria and outer parts of Long Island City. Prices range $60–120 per night. Quality varies significantly; read recent reviews carefully.

Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals are abundant in the area. Studio and one-bedroom apartments typically rent for $80–180 per night.

Alternative: Many New York visitors stay in Midtown or Downtown Manhattan and take the subway to Water Taxi Beach (25–40 minutes). Manhattan hotels offer more variety but are more expensive.

Costs

Water Taxi Beach itself is free to access, as it sits within Gantry Plaza State Park (no entrance fee).

MTA Subway: A single ride costs $2.90. A 7-day unlimited pass is $33.

Parking: Free street parking is available but unreliable. Paid garages cost $15–25 per day. Avoid peak weekend times if you prefer free parking.

Food and Drink: The beach has minimal food facilities. The nearest restaurants and cafes are in Long Island City and Astoria, where a meal costs $12–25. Bring a picnic or plan to walk 10–15 minutes for food.

Accommodation: Highly variable depending on neighborhood and season. Budget $60–400+ per night.

Overall Daily Cost for a Budget Visitor: $20–40 (transit, food, no paid parking)

Overall Daily Cost for a Mid-Range Visitor: $100–150 (accommodation, meals, transport)

Safety

Swimming Safety

Water Taxi Beach is located on the East River, not the ocean. Water quality varies depending on rainfall and tidal conditions. Heavy rain can cause sewage overflow into the river; check NYC Department of Environmental Protection advisories before swimming. The beach operates a flag system indicating water safety.

No lifeguards are present at Water Taxi Beach. Swim at your own risk. The water has currents and can be cold; only experienced swimmers should venture in.

Zero shark incidents have been recorded at this location (or anywhere in the East River).

Crime and General Safety

Long Island City and the surrounding neighborhoods are generally safe, particularly during daytime hours. The beach and Gantry Plaza are well-lit and frequented by visitors, making them relatively secure. Exercise standard urban precautions: don't leave belongings unattended, avoid isolated areas after dark, and use well-lit transit routes when traveling at night.

Health Considerations

The East River is an urban waterway with industrial history. Despite cleanup efforts, water quality concerns persist. Open wounds or infections may be aggravated by swimming. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after swimming. People with compromised immune systems should avoid immersion.

Air quality in Long Island City can be affected by surrounding industrial activity and vehicle emissions. Those with asthma or respiratory sensitivity should monitor air quality forecasts.

Local Tips

Bring a picnic. Food options near the beach are limited. Local favorites in Astoria (a short walk away) include Greek restaurants along Ditmars Boulevard and casual spots along 30th Avenue. Plan accordingly.

Go on weekday mornings. The beach is quietest on Tuesday–Thursday mornings, particularly outside summer months. You'll have far more space and better parking chances.

Check the tide and weather before visiting. The East River is tidal, and conditions change rapidly. A calm morning can become rough by afternoon.

Use the subway during peak summer hours. Traffic and parking are nightmarish on summer weekends. The subway is faster and more reliable.

Explore Gantry Plaza beyond the beach. The state park offers waterfront paths, green space, and great views. Many locals visit for walks rather than swimming.

Visit the nearby Noguchi Museum and MoMA PS1. Both are in Long Island City and warrant a half-day trip. Combine a beach visit with cultural activities.

Bring layers. Waterfront wind can make temperatures feel colder than forecasted. Even summer visits benefit from a light jacket.

Watch the sunset from the waterfront. The Manhattan skyline views at sunset are outstanding and less crowded than midday.