World’s Fair Marina | Queens

The World's Fair Marina is a public marina located in Flushing Bay, Queens, New York City, right next to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park and near major landmarks like Citi Field and LaGuardia Airport. The marina offers a variety of services and amenities for boaters and visitors alike, making it a popular spot for those interested in water-based activities in the heart of the city.

Marina Facilities

The marina features over 250 slips for boats and yachts, with docking available for vessels up to 120 feet in length.

It provides amenities such as 24-hour security, boat maintenance, and storage for recreational boats, including kayaks and canoes. There is also a restaurant and banquet hall on-site for visitors to enjoy.

Parking: A free parking lot with around 450 spaces is available, ensuring convenient access for visitors, especially those coming by car. The parking area is well-lit and offers restroom facilities for added comfort.

Ferry Services

The marina serves as a departure point for SeaStreak ferries, which provide service to Highlands, New Jersey during select New York Mets games.

Another ferry service, operated by New York Water Taxi, connects the marina to Pier 11/Wall Street and East 34th Street Ferry Landing in Manhattan. This service is particularly active during the U.S. Open and Mets games, making it a popular choice for visitors to these events.

Water Activities

Kayaking and Canoeing: The marina is part of the NYC Water Trail, offering access for kayakers and canoeists. Although the marina itself doesn’t offer kayak rentals, nearby facilities like Meadow Lake provide rental options through Wheel Fun Rentals. Kayak and canoe storage is also available at the marina.

Dragon Boating: Historically, the marina has been a hub for dragon boating, hosting teams and the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. However, as of May 2024, due to safety concerns and the deterioration of Pier 1, the NYC Parks Department has announced that dragon boaters must vacate the marina. This has impacted about 20 clubs and 60 teams, as Pier 1 is undergoing a major reconstruction project.

Ongoing Developments

Pier 1 Reconstruction: The marina’s Pier 1 is currently closed due to a large-scale reconstruction project, which is expected to take several years. During this period, limited transient dockage is available for smaller recreational vessels, but there is no dockage for larger vessels or commercial boats. The reconstruction will eventually enhance the marina’s infrastructure to accommodate more vessels and improve public access.

Access and Transportation

By Car: The marina is easily accessible via the Grand Central Parkway, and the on-site parking lot provides ample space for visitors.

By Subway: The nearest subway station is Willets Point–Shea Stadium on the 7 train, which is about a 10-minute walk from the marina.

By Bus: The Q66 bus stops near the marina, providing an additional public transportation option for visitors.

The World's Fair Marina continues to serve as a key location for boating, water sports, and recreational activities in Queens, with easy access to the surrounding park, events, and the rest of New York City.