Jacob Riis Park was designed by Robert Moses, who in 1929 had created Jones Beach as a state park further east on Long Island. The Atlantic Ocean beach, boardwalks, courtyards, and walkways gave the city's poor a respite from cramped tenements and crowded city streets. The majestic Art Deco bathhouse acted as a symbol of democracy on this shoreline. Today, it is an excellent example of beachfront recreational architecture of the early twentieth century. Jacob Riis Park is one of Gateway's three swimming beaches. Lifeguards are on duty daily between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day from 10 am to 6 pm. Please only swim in lifeguarded areas when lifeguards are on duty. There are also playgrounds and a picnic area at the park.

The park was largely built on the site of the former Rockaway Naval Air Station, one of the first US naval air stations.