Sunrise and Sunsetin Queens, United States

Queens borders the Atlantic Ocean at Rockaway Beach, the East River along Long Island City, and Jamaica Bay to the south, giving a range of water-facing viewpoints across the borough. The west-facing East River waterfront in Long Island City offers some of the best Manhattan skyline sunset views in New York City.

Best sunrise spots in Queens

1. Rockaway Beach

   The boardwalk runs along the Atlantic Ocean facing southeast, one of the few places in New York City where the sun rises over open water. The A train runs directly to Beach 90th and Beach 98th Street stations; free parking is available at the Beach 95th Street lot year-round.

2. Jacob Riis Park

   The ocean-facing beach at the park's eastern end looks directly over the Atlantic with a flat, unobstructed horizon. Take the A train to Rockaway Park-Beach 116th St and then the Q35 bus to the bathhouse stop, about 90 minutes from Midtown.

3. Fort Totten Park

   The park sits on a peninsula at the entrance to Little Neck Bay where it meets Long Island Sound, with northeast-facing water views and no skyline obstructions. Take the 7 train to Flushing-Main St then the Q16 bus to the last stop, or park free at the Little Bay Park lot on 212th St.

4. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

   The 1.9-mile West Pond Trail circles an open freshwater pond; morning light from the east crosses open water, and over 330 bird species are recorded at the refuge. Take the A train to Broad Channel and walk 15 minutes south on Cross Bay Blvd; the trail is open around the clock and free.

5. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

   Meadow Lake, NYC's largest lake at 93 acres, has an open eastern sky from the north shore; the Unisphere plaza is flat and unobstructed. The 7 train to Mets-Willets Point stops at the park's north entrance; parking in the adjacent lots is free.

Best sunset spots in Queens

1. Gantry Plaza State Park

   The park's west-facing East River waterfront gives an unobstructed view of the Midtown Manhattan skyline, with the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building directly in the sightline. Take the 7 train to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Ave and walk 5 minutes west; entry is free.

2. Hunters Point South Park

   A cantilevered viewing platform 30 feet above the East River puts the Midtown Manhattan skyline to the west with no obstructions. The park connects directly to the NYC Ferry Astoria route stop; subway access via E, M, or G trains to Court Sq.

3. Jacob Riis Park

   The park's western end faces Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway Inlet; the restored Art Deco bathhouse serves as a foreground element. Parking is free off-season; May through Labor Day the main lot charges $20 per day.

4. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

   The Unisphere's stainless steel globe catches warm light from the west, and the lake's western shore has open sky to the horizon. No entry fee; free parking along Meadow Lake Road West.