Rockaway Beach
8.2Friend Score / 10#2 of 8 Beaches in New York City
Known forrockaway beachsurfingswimmingboardwalk
NYC's only legal surfing beach and the locals' pick over Coney Island — 5.5 miles of real ocean sand in Queens, reachable by subway or a gorgeous ferry ride. Beach season runs May 23 to September 13 in 2026, lifeguards 10am-6pm. Caveat: lifeguard shortages can close sections, and it's a genuine trek from Manhattan.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 10:00–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | A train toward Far Rockaway or the Rockaway Park shuttle; NYC Ferry to Beach 108 St from Wall St/Pier 11 |
| Time needed | A full beach day — it's 1-1.5 hours each way from Manhattan |
| Best time to go | Summer weekdays; weekends go early or take a reserved ferry |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.2/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility6.5
Frequently asked questions
- What should I eat at Rockaway Beach?
- The boardwalk concessions around Beach 86th, 97th, and 106th are legitimately good — fish tacos, ceviche, arepas, and beach beers. Tacoway Beach (at the surf club near Beach 87th) is the cult favorite worth the line.
- Is Rockaway Beach free?
- Completely — all NYC public beaches are free, no permits or passes for regular swimming. You just pay to get there: $3 subway fare or the ferry.
- Why are some sections of Rockaway Beach closed?
- Two reasons: chronic citywide lifeguard shortages (sections without a guard get roped off for swimming) and periodic erosion or construction closures. Check the NYC Parks Rockaway closures page the morning you go and be ready to walk a few blocks.
- How do I get to Rockaway Beach from Manhattan?
- Two good ways: the A train (transfer to the Rockaway Park shuttle at Broad Channel for the 90s-100s beaches), about 1-1.5 hours; or the NYC Ferry from Wall St to Beach 108th — slower to board but a genuinely lovely ride. Summer weekends, reserve ferry seats ahead.
- When is Rockaway Beach open for swimming?
- The 2026 season runs May 23 through September 13, with lifeguards daily 10am to 6pm. Swimming outside those hours or on unguarded sections is prohibited — and enforced, because rip currents here are real.
- Rockaway or Coney Island — which beach is better?
- Rockaway has better sand, cleaner water, real waves, and better boardwalk food; Coney has the rides, the carnival energy, and an easier trip. Locals sunbathe at Rockaway and take visitors to Coney.
- Can I surf at Rockaway Beach?
- Yes — it's NYC's only beach with designated year-round surfing areas, around Beach 67th-69th and Beach 87th-92nd Streets. Several local shops rent boards and wetsuits and give lessons. Surfers can be in the water outside swim season; swimmers cannot.
- Is Rockaway Beach worth it if I'm only in NYC a few days?
- Only if you're here in summer, crave ocean time, and have a full day to give — it's a 2-3 hour round trip. On a short first visit, most people are better off spending that day in the city; on a hot August Saturday, it's the best decision you'll make.
Nearby in Ask New York City
- Jacob Riis ParkBeach5.1 km · 64 min walk
- Manhattan BeachBeach10.45 km · 131 min walk
- Brighton BeachBeach12.2 km · 152 min walk
- Di Fara PizzaRestaurant13.18 km · 165 min walk
- Coney IslandBeach13.8 km · 173 min walk
Where to stay near Rockaway Beach
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