What you should know about Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City, NY

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Pros:

• Location - right next to the East River, overlooking midtown Manhattan skyline. The beach is open 7 days a week (from noon on the weekends) Memorial Day weekend (May) to Columbus Day weekend (October) so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and catch an amazing sunset over the skyline
• Sand - 400 tons imported from the New Jersey. Not like the fine white sand of the Caribbeans but feels equally amazing on the feet
• Activities - Beach volleyball nets are set up for free play during the day or night
• Atmosphere - very casual, no dress code, bring your own chairs/blankets, boozing outdoors. The atmosphere at Water Taxi Beach feels like a combination of being at the Bohemian Beer Garden (with its many picnic tables) and McCarren Pool Parties (with volleyball and sun-bathing opportunities and music)

Cons:

• Porta Potty - not much they can do here since there is no plumbing on the beach
• Food is somewhat limited to Hot Dogs and Fries. You may also find chef Harry Hawk grilling elk burgers, fish tacos, BBQ chicken or “soy” hot dogs
• Over-priced drinks - what else is new. You could get the $3 beer (PBR)
• Long Island City Location - in the sense that Long Island City is relatively deserted and the Water Taxi Beach will likely be the sole purpose of a visit to the Queens waterfront location. The 7 train (at Vernon Blvd) is the closest subway stations and a short Water Taxi ride from Manhattan drops you right on the beach for $4

What do you think?

• Music - mostly house music with some live percussion, latin and afrobeats. Every Friday night is the “Turntables on the Hudson” party which is very energetic and usually gets everyone up and dancing until late into the night. Other nights could sometimes be a disaster as some DJs are obviously amateurs. What are your personal experiences?

Islandwoo (final word on Water Taxi Beach) and Tips to make your trip a little better: Don’t just go to the Water Taxi Beach for the music. Go with friends for the atmosphere. If the music is great, enjoy it. But there’s plenty of room on the beach away from the music to enjoy the evening of drinks outdoors. Arrive early on the weekend to lay out in the sand or play some volleyball. Definitely stay for the sunset as the transition from daylight to night lights always seem to bring people together! Bring a jacket for the cool windy nights.

For More Information on NYC Water Taxi Beach and Long Island City…

(4 votes, average: 4.75 out of 5)

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