Rockaway Beach

Overview

Rockaway Beach is a popular public beach in the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, New York City. It is known for its beautiful sandy shores and is a favorite spot for swimming, surfing, and other beach activities.

Rockaway Beach is one of the most famous and accessible beaches in New York City, offering a great escape from the urban environment.

Public Beach Recreational Area

Location

Address

1-98 Cross Bay Parkway, New York City, New York

Neighborhood: Rockaway

Coordinates

40.578000, -73.811100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

June-September

Best Time of Day

Late Morning

less crowded, perfect weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

Full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild

• Spring festivals
• Wildflowers

summer

Hot and sunny

• Lifeguards on duty
• Beach volleyball tournaments

autumn

Cool

• Fewer crowds
• Cooler weather

winter

Cold

• Holiday lights
• Winter beach walks

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check weather conditions
Bring sunscreen
Arrive early for parking

What to Bring

essential

Swimsuit Towel Sunscreen

seasonal

Warm jacket (for off-season) Beach blanket

not allowed

Glass containers Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low

• Swim only in designated areas
• Be aware of strong currents

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

parking $15

food $10-$20

rentals $20-$30

Dress Code

Beachwear, Comfortable shoes for walking on sand, Flip-flops or sandals, Inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• Not required, but check for special events
• Official NYC Parks website
• N/A
• N/A

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

NYC Parks

Size: 20 MB

Features: Park information, Event calendar, Parking details

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Boardwalk area

Charging Stations: Nearby cafes

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: John F. Kennedy International Airport

Distance: 15 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes

taxi

$40 20 min

public_transport

$5 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 20 km

metro

$2.75 1 hour

bus

$2.75 1 hour 15 min

taxi

$50 30 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Great escape from the city, beautiful sunsets

Historical Significance: Historic beach destination since the late 19th century

Insider Tips

Free parking early in the morning
Best food at nearby boardwalk cafes

Local Recommendations

• Try the local seafood at nearby restaurants
• Visit the nearby boardwalk shops

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Rockaway Boardwalk

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Capture the boardwalk and ocean

Result: Stunning sunset photos

#RockawayBeach #NYCBeaches

Photography Rules

allowed areas Beach, Boardwalk

prohibited areas Changing areas, Private property

flash photography Allowed

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited without permit

tripod policy Allowed

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Jacob Riis Park

Distance: 5 km

Walking: 60 min

Type: Park

Fort Tilden

Distance: 10 km

Walking: 120 min

Type: Historical Site

Reviews

4.3

Based on 1,200 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Arrive early for the best spot"
"Bring plenty of water"
"Check for events before visiting"

Contact Information

+1 718-318-4000

nycparks@parks.nyc.gov

www.nycgovparks.org/parks/rockaway-beach

Social Media

Related Tours & Activities (5)