Fort Tilden Beach

Fort Tilden Beach is a former military site that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historic significance. The beach features athletic fields, hiking trails, an arts center, a theater, and an observatory deck on a historic battery with spectacular views of Jamaica Bay, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline. The area also includes dunes, a maritime forest, freshwater ponds, and coastal defense resources. However, swimming is prohibited due to the lack of lifeguards. The beach is popular with bird-watchers and nature-lovers, and its wilder parts provide a perfect escape from the city. The historic gun batteries and other military fortifications remain, although some are closed to the public due to safety concerns