Rockaway Beach Park - Image 1
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Rockaway Beach Park

4.5
·129 reviews·Bainbridge Island, United States

NYC's only surf beach, accessible by subway, offering ocean waves and city skyline views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, early mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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Rockaway Beach Park - Image 1

Rockaway Beach Park

Best Time

Weekdays, early mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

NYC's only surf beach, accessible by subway, offering ocean waves and city skyline views.

4.5
(129 reviews)

"Great skyline view, also briefly saw a humpback whale."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 129 reviews

Type

Beach

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

NYC's Only Surf Spot

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.

Instagram
Historic Riis Park Bathhouse

Historic Riis Park Bathhouse

Jacob Riis Park

Explore the stunning architecture of this historic landmark, a testament to a bygone era of seaside recreation.

Instagram
Oceanfront Dining

Oceanfront Dining

Various restaurants along Rockaway Beach Boulevard

Enjoy fresh seafood and ocean views at the new dining establishments opening in the area.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Getting to Rockaway Beach Park

Rockaway Beach Park is NYC's only surf spot accessible by subway! Take the A train to Rockaway Park-Beach 116 St. It's a scenic ride, and the beach is just a short walk from the station. Instagram

Best Time to Visit for Fewer Crowds

While Rockaway Beach is a year-round destination, weekdays and early mornings offer a more relaxed experience. Avoid peak summer weekends if you prefer fewer crowds and easier parking. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temps, sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Exciting News, Rockaway Park, and Surrounding Area! Get ready to experience the heartbeat of Rockaway Beach with Rhythms On The Rock, opening January 2025! 📍 Conveniently located at: 112-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard Rockaway Park, NY 11694 📞 Contact us: 917-854-5362 | 929-773-9530 🎉 What We Offer: ✨ Fine Dining with a mouthwatering Seafood Menu ✨ Saturday & Sunday Brunch – the perfect weekend tr...
rhythmsontherock
87 likes • 6.4K views

🎯 Subway is Your Best Bet

Skip parking hassles! The A train gets you right to the beach. Instagram 🚇

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The beach is rocky in parts, and you'll do a lot of walking. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🌊 Rockaway Beach 🚂 Before the highways, there was the train… and it still runs today. Rockaway Beach has been a coastal escape since the 1920s—where families came for wide open beaches, salty air, and starry nights. With miles of shoreline, a historic steam engine ride, and a town full of charm, it’s the kind of place that feels like summer should. ☀️ #thepeoplescoast
thepeoplescoast
349 likes • 10.5K views
The Queens-link Project Episode 1 - Understanding the Abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch. • The Rockaway Beach Branch was a rail line owned and operated by the Long Island Rail Road in Queens, New York City, United States. The line left the Main Line at Whitepot Junction in Rego Park heading south via Ozone Park and across Jamaica Bay to Hammels in the Rockaways, turning west there to a terminal at ...
thenyctransitguy
0 likes • 209.5K views

🌊 Check Tide Times

Low tide reveals more beach and can make for a more pleasant experience. Reddit

☀️ Pack Sun Protection

The sun can be intense, even on cooler days. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. :sunwithface:

Day65(0812) 📍Luna park in Coney Island 一起去遊樂園玩好青春阿!!🫶🏻 遊樂園就在海邊真的太完美了😭💗💗 但最愛的海邊還是Rockaway Beach🫶🏻
wo4.yu
225 likes • 6.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Subway is Your Best Bet

Skip parking hassles! The A train gets you right to the beach. Instagram 🚇

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The beach is rocky in parts, and you'll do a lot of walking. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🌊 Check Tide Times

Low tide reveals more beach and can make for a more pleasant experience. Reddit

☀️ 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. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(129 reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Great skyline views
NYC's only surf beach
Convenient subway access

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Rocky beach areas

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. Instagram You can also take the Q22 SBS bus for access to Jacob Riis Park. Instagram

Parking is available but can be limited, especially on weekends and during peak season. Street parking is an option, but be prepared to search. Reddit

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. Instagram

The Queens-link Project discusses the history and potential future of the abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch rail line, which once served the area. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

Rockaway Beach Park is typically open year-round, with beach access available during daylight hours. Specific facilities may have different operating times. Instagram

No, you do not need to buy tickets to surf at Rockaway Beach. It's a public beach, and surfing is permitted. Instagram

Rockaway Beach Park hosts various events throughout the year, including music festivals and community gatherings. Keep an eye on local event listings. TikTok

Access to the Riis Park Bathhouse itself may vary depending on events or specific areas. General park access is usually free. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can surf, swim, sunbathe, have a picnic, explore the historic Riis Park Bathhouse, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Instagram+1

Yes, Rockaway Beach is a popular spot for swimming during the warmer months. Lifeguards are typically on duty. Instagram

The beach is known for its sandy shores and is NYC's only surfing beach. Some areas can be rocky, especially during low tide. InstagramReddit

Restrooms and other facilities are available at various points along the park, particularly near the boardwalk and Riis Park. Instagram

Absolutely! Rockaway Beach Park is a fantastic spot for picnics, offering great views and a relaxing atmosphere. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several dining options along Rockaway Beach Boulevard, including seafood restaurants and casual eateries. TikTok

You can find a variety of options, from fresh seafood to local favorites. Some spots even offer unique treats like baklava. Instagram

New establishments are opening, offering fine dining experiences with a focus on seafood. TikTok

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a popular and encouraged activity at Rockaway Beach Park. Reddit

You might find various food vendors and trucks, especially during the summer season, offering snacks and quick bites. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The boardwalk, the historic Riis Park Bathhouse, and the ocean views with the city skyline in the distance are all great for photos. InstagramReddit

The abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch rail line is a subject of historical interest and can be photographed, but be mindful of trespassing. Instagram

Yes, from surfers catching waves to unique Halloween decorations, Rockaway offers diverse and interesting photographic subjects. Instagram+1

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful, soft light for beach photography. Instagram

Yes, the R32 Nostalgia Ride has been photographed arriving at Rockaway Park - Beach 116 St, offering a unique transit-themed photo opportunity. Instagram

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