Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk in Queens, New York City, is an iconic destination beloved by locals and visitors alike. Spanning from Beach 3rd Street to Beach 153rd Street and bordering the Atlantic Ocean, this stunning beach is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts, families, surfers, and beachgoers. Famous for its role in New York City’s post-Superstorm Sandy recovery, Rockaway Beach remains a testament to resilience and sustainable rebuilding. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this coastal gem.
Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk
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| Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk Source: nycgovparks.org |
Why Visit Rockaway Beach?
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Rockaway Beach transforms into one of NYC's most popular summer hotspots, attracting millions of visitors. Known for its wide stretches of sand, family-friendly atmosphere, and variety of activities, the beach is perfect for those seeking adventure or relaxation.
Rockaway Beach is also a cultural icon, immortalized in the Ramones’ song "Rockaway Beach." Whether you're a surfer, a sunbather, or a history buff, there’s something for everyone.
Key Attractions and Activities
Surfing: NYC's Only Legal Surfing Beaches
Rockaway Beach is home to New York City's only legal surfing beaches. Surf enthusiasts can head to the designated surf areas between Beach 67th-69th Street and Beach 87th-92nd Street. With lifeguards on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the season, it’s the perfect spot for both seasoned surfers and beginners.
Barbecue Areas
Enjoy a beach barbecue with family and friends in designated areas. Barbecuing is permitted in O'Donohue Park between Beach 15th and Beach 17th Streets. Please adhere to the rules, such as keeping propane and open fires away, and always clean up after using the public spaces.
Sports Facilities
Rockaway Beach offers a variety of recreational activities, including:
- Baseball Fields: Located at O'Donohue Park (17th St. & Seagirt Blvd.), these fields are great for league play and pickup games.
- Basketball Courts: Hoops are available at Beach 82nd Street & Shorefront Parkway and in O'Donohue Park.
- Pickleball and Handball Courts: Try your hand at these classic beachside sports at various locations along the boardwalk.
- Volleyball: Head to Beach 26th, 73rd, or 108th Streets for fun beach volleyball action.
- Playgrounds: Perfect for families, playgrounds are located throughout the boardwalk, with ADA-accessible equipment and sensory-friendly features.
Beach Amenities
Rockaway Beach boasts a variety of conveniences for visitors:
- Boardwalk: A scenic pathway along the beach, perfect for a stroll or bike ride.
- Concessions: Grab a bite from snack bars located at Beach 86th, Beach 97th, and Beach 106th Streets.
- Public Restrooms: Available along the boardwalk at multiple locations, including Beach 97th Street and Beach 106th Street.
- Sunscreen Stations: Free SPF 30 sunscreen is available, thanks to NYC Parks' collaboration with IMPACT Melanoma and Episcopal Health Services.
- Beach Mats: For improved wheelchair access, mats are available to make the beach accessible for everyone.
Fishing, Kayaking, and More
For fishing enthusiasts, the beach between Beach 12th-14th Streets is a designated fishing area. Kayakers can also enjoy the waters between Beach 57th-58th Streets. Be sure to follow all posted beach rules, including swimming only when lifeguards are present.
Natural Wonders: Horseshoe Crabs and Sandpipers
Each spring, Rockaway Beach becomes the stage for a fascinating natural event. Horseshoe crabs emerge from the Atlantic Ocean to lay their eggs, attracting migrating birds that feast on this protein-rich food source. Meanwhile, sandpipers can be seen running along the water’s edge, digging for insects and small crustaceans.
Horseshoe crabs, known as "living fossils," have been around for over a billion years and are crucial to the medical industry for their unique blood, which helps detect bacterial toxins.
History of Rockaway Beach
The origins of Rockaway Beach date back to the Delaware and Chippewa Native Americans. The name "Rockaway" may derive from the words "Reckonwacky," meaning "the place of our own people," or "Reckanawahaha," meaning "the place of laughing waters."
Over the centuries, the peninsula evolved from a quiet land owned by the Cornell family to a bustling resort destination. By the 1890s, amusement parks, hotels, and restaurants attracted visitors. The construction of two key bridges in the 1930s—the Marine Parkway Bridge and the Cross Bay Bridge—made the area more accessible to residents from Queens and Brooklyn, transforming it into a permanent residential neighborhood.
Today, Rockaway Beach stands as a blend of its historical roots and modern developments, continuing to serve as a cherished recreational area for New Yorkers.
How to Get to Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is easily accessible by car, subway, or ferry:
- By Subway: Take the A train to Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue or the S train (Rockaway Park Shuttle) to 116th Street.
- By Ferry: NYC Ferry operates routes from Manhattan to Rockaway Beach, offering a scenic ride.
- By Car: Free parking is available at Beach 11th to 15th Streets and Beach 95th Street, as well as free street parking.
Plan Your Visit
Rockaway Beach is open year-round, with lifeguards on duty during beach season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are present.
Before heading to the beach, check NYC’s beach status map for up-to-date information on open sections, water quality advisories, and rip current conditions.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking to surf, sunbathe, or simply take in the natural beauty of the Atlantic coastline, Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk is a must-visit destination in New York City. From its rich history and diverse activities to its post-Sandy resilience, Rockaway Beach offers something for everyone. Plan your trip today and experience the vibrant culture and natural wonders of this NYC treasure.
For more information on Rockaway Beach and its amenities, visit the official NYC Parks website or check Google Maps for directions.
