The Rockaways are Queens' 15-mile barrier peninsula beach, offering surprisingly excellent Atlantic surf within city limits. The Beach 90s neighborhood has undergone a creative renaissance with excellent food vendors, surf schools, and a festival circuit. The NYC Ferry also serves the Rockaways seasonally.
Rockaway Beach is part of a 15-mile barrier peninsula at the southern edge of Queens, separating Jamaica Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. The main public beach runs from Beach 9th Street to Beach 149th Street in the Rockaway Park and Far Rockaway neighborhoods, with the heart of the summer beach culture concentrated around Beach 60th to Beach 98th Streets. The NYC Ferry's Rockaway route, the A train to Far Rockaway, and the LIRR Long Beach branch to Rockaway Park all serve the peninsula, making it one of the more transit-connected surf beaches in the northeastern United States.
The beach faces due south on the open Atlantic, exposed to the same swell patterns that produce surf conditions across Long Island's south shore. Beach break conditions vary along the peninsula, with Beach 67th to 92nd Streets historically home to the most active surf zone, designated by NYC Parks as a permitted surfing area separate from the swimming zones. The sand is medium-fine and typically darker than the Hamptons beaches — more characteristic of the New York City-area shoreline. Water temperatures follow regional patterns with peak conditions in August; clarity is moderate with a greenish tone on calm days.
The Rockaways underwent significant damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and a subsequent cultural renaissance as the rebuilding process brought new energy to the neighborhood. The Beach 90s area emerged as a hub for independent food vendors, craft beer tents, yoga and wellness events, and surf schools. Outdoor food markets, live music events, and a growing restaurant scene now make the Rockaways a destination in their own right beyond beach access.
Jacob Riis Park, adjacent to Fort Tilden on the western end of the peninsula, offers a broad, uncrowded public beach run by the National Park Service under the Gateway National Recreation Area. Its 1930s Art Deco bathhouse is a striking landmark, and the adjacent Fort Tilden dunes host informal trails and art installations.
Lifeguards are stationed at designated swimming areas from late June through Labor Day. Outdoor showers, restrooms, and changing areas are maintained by NYC Parks throughout the beach. The NYC Ferry's Rockaway route operates seasonally from Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan in approximately 55 minutes.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- restrooms
- showers
- surf rental
- food vendors
- NYC Ferry (seasonal)
Good to know
- Best for
- surfers, families, photographers, swimmers, solo
Highlights
- Consistent Atlantic surf in the Beach 67th–92nd Street designated surf zone — one of the few sanctioned surf breaks within New York City limits
- The NYC Ferry Rockaway route — a scenic 55-minute ferry journey from Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan operating seasonally
- Jacob Riis Park at the western end: a broad, uncrowded National Park Service beach with Art Deco bathhouse architecture and Fort Tilden's dunes
- The Beach 90s food and culture hub — a post-Sandy creative renaissance with independent food vendors, beach bars, and wellness events
- 15 miles of barrier peninsula beach within New York City, with a genuine neighborhood character distinct from day-tripper resort beaches
Tips for visiting
- The NYC Ferry from Pier 11 is the most scenic route and avoids subway crowding on summer weekends — check seasonal schedules before traveling
- The A train to Beach 90th or 98th Street via the Far Rockaway branch is the fastest non-ferry transit option from Manhattan on weekdays
- Beach 90s is the cultural hub but also the busiest stretch — Beach 60s and Jacob Riis Park to the west are less crowded alternatives
- Surf schools along the Rockaways offer beginner lessons; book at least a week ahead for summer weekend sessions as spots fill quickly
- Bring cash for the food vendors and markets at Beach 90s, as not all stalls accept card payments
When to visit
June through early July offers the best combination of warm weather, manageable crowds, and clear water before the peak summer influx. September provides consistent surf and a quieter beach with water still warm enough for swimming. The NYC Ferry operates seasonally roughly from May through October.
Accessibility
The main Rockaway Beach access points have paved paths from the street to the boardwalk and beach, with ramp access to the sand at several entry points. The NYC Ferry terminal at the Rockaways has accessible boarding facilities. Beach wheelchairs may be available from NYC Parks during peak season. Jacob Riis Park has designated accessible parking and a paved path to the bathhouse area.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Rockaway Beach from Manhattan?
The NYC Ferry Rockaway route runs seasonally from Pier 11 (Wall Street) in Lower Manhattan, taking approximately 55 minutes. The A train runs via the Rockaway Park shuttle to Beach 90th and 116th Streets. The LIRR Long Beach branch also connects at Rockaway Park. Total transit time is 50–70 minutes depending on the route.
Is Rockaway Beach suitable for beginner surfers?
The Rockaways have an active surf school community centered around Beach 90s and the designated surf zone. Several schools offer beginner and intermediate lessons with board and wetsuit rental, using the gentle summer beach break for instruction. The designated surf zone (Beach 67th–92nd St) is off-limits to swimmers but accessible to surfers.
What is Jacob Riis Park and is it part of Rockaway Beach?
Jacob Riis Park is a National Park Service beach at the western end of the Rockaway Peninsula, managed as part of Gateway National Recreation Area. It has a striking 1930s Art Deco bathhouse, a broad sandy beach, and significantly lower crowds than the central Rockaways. Fort Tilden, immediately adjacent, is a former military installation with dunes and informal trails.
Was Rockaway Beach affected by Hurricane Sandy?
Yes. Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 caused severe damage to the Rockaways, with widespread flooding and destruction to homes, businesses, and the boardwalk. The subsequent rebuilding brought new investment and a creative community that transformed the Beach 90s area into a summer food and culture destination that did not exist in its current form before 2012.
Are there food options at Rockaway Beach?
The Beach 90s area has multiple food vendors, market operators, and a seasonal food hall during summer months. There are also year-round restaurants and shops along the peninsula streets. Concession stands operated by NYC Parks are available at major beach access points, with standard beach fare.