Rockaway Beach Park
NYC's only surf beach, accessible by subway, offering ocean waves and city skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Rockaway Beach Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
NYC's only surf beach, accessible by subway, offering ocean waves and city skyline views.
"Great skyline view, also briefly saw a humpback whale."
🎯 Subway is Your Best Bet
Skip parking hassles! The A train gets you right to the beach. :subway:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The beach is rocky in parts, and you'll do a lot of walking. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
NYC's Only Surf Spot
Various points along the beach
Catch waves right from the subway! Rockaway is NYC's premier surfing destination, attracting beginners and seasoned surfers alike.
Historic Riis Park Bathhouse
Jacob Riis Park
Explore the stunning architecture of this historic landmark, a testament to a bygone era of seaside recreation.
Oceanfront Dining
Various restaurants along Rockaway Beach Boulevard
Enjoy fresh seafood and ocean views at the new dining establishments opening in the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Rockaway Beach Park
Best Time to Visit for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Subway is Your Best Bet
Skip parking hassles! The A train gets you right to the beach.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The beach is rocky in parts, and you'll do a lot of walking. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide reveals more beach and can make for a more pleasant experience.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The sun can be intense, even on cooler days. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Subway is Your Best Bet
Skip parking hassles! The A train gets you right to the beach.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The beach is rocky in parts, and you'll do a lot of walking. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide reveals more beach and can make for a more pleasant experience.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The sun can be intense, even on cooler days. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. :sunwithface:
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Great spot for a picnic with stunning views of the city skyline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rockaway Beach Park for its unique urban surf scene and stunning skyline views, making it a convenient coastal escape. While the beach offers a refreshing break from the city, some find the parking limited and certain areas quite rocky.
"Great skyline view, also briefly saw a humpback whale"
Marco Müller
"Good place to have a picnic with views of downtown from across the sound. Beach is small and rocky with limited parking. Good for a few photos and not much else."
Adam Cook
"🐤❤️😊 Absolute Heaven 🫠
The Emerald City 😊⚘️"
The Riddler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is to take the A train to Rockaway Park-Beach 116 St. From there, it's a short walk to the beach.
Parking is available but can be limited, especially on weekends and during peak season. Street parking is an option, but be prepared to search.
Yes, the A train is the primary subway line that serves Rockaway Beach, with the Rockaway Park-Beach 116 St station being a key stop.
The Queens-link Project discusses the history and potential future of the abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch rail line, which once served the area.
While the park offers beach access, some areas can be rocky. It's advisable to check specific accessibility details for different sections of the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rockaway Beach Park is a public park and generally does not have an entrance fee for general access to the beach and park areas.
Rockaway Beach Park is typically open year-round, with beach access available during daylight hours. Specific facilities may have different operating times.
No, you do not need to buy tickets to surf at Rockaway Beach. It's a public beach, and surfing is permitted.
Rockaway Beach Park hosts various events throughout the year, including music festivals and community gatherings. Keep an eye on local event listings.
Access to the Riis Park Bathhouse itself may vary depending on events or specific areas. General park access is usually free.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can surf, swim, sunbathe, have a picnic, explore the historic Riis Park Bathhouse, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Yes, Rockaway Beach is a popular spot for swimming during the warmer months. Lifeguards are typically on duty.
The beach is known for its sandy shores and is NYC's only surfing beach. Some areas can be rocky, especially during low tide.
Restrooms and other facilities are available at various points along the park, particularly near the boardwalk and Riis Park.
Absolutely! Rockaway Beach Park is a fantastic spot for picnics, offering great views and a relaxing atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options along Rockaway Beach Boulevard, including seafood restaurants and casual eateries.
You can find a variety of options, from fresh seafood to local favorites. Some spots even offer unique treats like baklava.
New establishments are opening, offering fine dining experiences with a focus on seafood.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a popular and encouraged activity at Rockaway Beach Park.
You might find various food vendors and trucks, especially during the summer season, offering snacks and quick bites.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk, the historic Riis Park Bathhouse, and the ocean views with the city skyline in the distance are all great for photos.
The abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch rail line is a subject of historical interest and can be photographed, but be mindful of trespassing.
Yes, from surfers catching waves to unique Halloween decorations, Rockaway offers diverse and interesting photographic subjects.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful, soft light for beach photography.
Yes, the R32 Nostalgia Ride has been photographed arriving at Rockaway Park - Beach 116 St, offering a unique transit-themed photo opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as options can be spread out. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid the largest crowds and make managing little ones simpler. While the beach is great for sandcastle building, be aware that some areas are rocky, so supervise children closely.
Remember to bring sun protection for everyone, as the sun can be strong. :sunwithface:🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
You can easily access the surf breaks directly from the subway, making it a convenient spot for a quick session. Don't forget your gear, or check out local surf shops for rentals and lessons. Beyond surfing, the ocean here is great for swimming during the warmer months, with lifeguards on duty for safety.
The diverse shoreline, with both sandy and rocky sections, adds to the natural appeal. 📸 Photographers and History Buffs
For a truly unique photographic subject, keep an eye out for creative local decorations, like the elaborate Halloween displays.
The park's historical layers, from its days as a classic seaside resort to its modern role as an urban oasis, provide endless inspiration for capturing compelling images. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Rockaway Beach: A Surfer's Paradise
Surfers of all levels can find suitable breaks here, from gentle waves for beginners to more challenging swells. The surf culture is vibrant, with local shops and a community that embraces the ocean lifestyle. Beyond the waves, the beach itself is a draw. While some areas are sandy, others can be rocky, especially at low tide.
For those looking to experience the surf scene, consider visiting during weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds. Even if you're not a surfer, watching the action on the water is a captivating pastime.
Exploring the History of Rockaway Beach
The area was once served by the Long Island Rail Road's Rockaway Beach Branch, a line that has since been abandoned but remains a topic of interest for its historical significance. A prominent historical landmark is the Riis Park Bathhouse, a striking example of Art Deco architecture that evokes the grandeur of past seaside resorts.
This bathhouse is a testament to the area's evolution as a popular recreational spot. The park itself has seen various developments and community efforts to preserve its charm and accessibility. Understanding the history of Rockaway Beach adds another layer to the visitor experience, connecting the present-day enjoyment with the area's storied past as a beloved coastal retreat.
+1Getting Around Rockaway Beach Park
This subway access is a major draw, allowing visitors to bypass the typical parking challenges associated with beach destinations. Once you arrive, walking is the primary mode of transport along the boardwalk and beach. Comfortable footwear is highly recommended due to the varied terrain, which includes sandy stretches and rocky areas.
While parking is available, it's often scarce and can be a hassle, particularly during peak times.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit