Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- https://www.virginiabeach.com/
- Virginia Beach, VA 23451
About This Beach
Rockaway Beach, often called “The People’s Beach,” is New York City’s largest and most surf-friendly beach — a lively, laid-back stretch of oceanfront located on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. Known for its wide sandy shoreline, consistent waves, boardwalk energy, and local food scene, Rockaway blends coastal charm with urban edge like nowhere else in the U.S.
It’s the only official surfing beach in NYC, and it attracts a vibrant mix of locals, surfers, families, and visitors escaping the city heat. With over 5 miles of beachfront, a 7-mile boardwalk, and direct subway access, Rockaway Beach is the closest thing to a SoCal experience inside the five boroughs.
📜 History & Unique Features
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Established in the 1830s, Rockaway became a summer getaway for Manhattan’s working class via early rail and ferry routes.
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Once home to amusement parks and grand hotels in the early 1900s.
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The modern Rockaway Boardwalk, rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy (2012), now features smooth concrete walkways, art installations, and protected dunes.
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Official surfing zones were designated in 2005, putting Rockaway on the map for East Coast surfers.
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The beach has a thriving food and arts scene, with local vendors, surf shops, and murals showcasing NYC’s creative side.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August): Peak surf and swim season with food stalls and music.
Spring (April–May): Great waves and mild temps; fewer crowds.
Fall (September–October): Still warm, calmer surf spots, fewer tourists.
Winter (November–March): Quiet, ideal for sunrise walks and photography.
Spring (April–May): Great waves and mild temps; fewer crowds.
Fall (September–October): Still warm, calmer surf spots, fewer tourists.
Winter (November–March): Quiet, ideal for sunrise walks and photography.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Surfing: The only legal surf beach in NYC; best waves at Beach 67th–92nd Streets.
- Swimming: Designated lifeguard areas between Beach 86th–97th Streets.
- Boardwalk Biking & Skating: 7 miles of oceanfront views — perfect for biking or skating.
- Food Crawl: Try local favorites like Tacoway Beach, Rippers, and Rockaway Beach Bakery.
- Fishing: Permitted in designated areas at Beach 87th and 67th Streets.
- Picnicking & Volleyball: Ample open areas for family gatherings and games.
- Art & Culture: Visit the Rockaway Bazaar for live music, beach bars, and pop-up shops.
- Nature Walks: Explore nearby Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and Riis Park.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguards on duty (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
- Restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing areas
- Beach chair and umbrella rentals
- Food concessions and surf vendors
- Designated surfing and swimming areas
- Playgrounds and basketball courts
- Free Wi-Fi along parts of the boardwalk
- Bike racks and CitiBike stations
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
Rockaway offers laid-back, surf-inspired lodging perfect for beach lovers and weekenders.
Top Stays:
The Rockaway Hotel + Spa: Stylish oceanfront resort with pool, bar, and spa.
Camp Rockaway: Glamping-style tents just off the sand.
Playland Motel: Retro boutique stay near Beach 98th St.
Airbnbs: Dozens of ocean-view apartments and beach bungalows available.
Riis Park Beach Bazaar Lodging: Budget-friendly options near Fort Tilden.
Top Stays:
The Rockaway Hotel + Spa: Stylish oceanfront resort with pool, bar, and spa.
Camp Rockaway: Glamping-style tents just off the sand.
Playland Motel: Retro boutique stay near Beach 98th St.
Airbnbs: Dozens of ocean-view apartments and beach bungalows available.
Riis Park Beach Bazaar Lodging: Budget-friendly options near Fort Tilden.
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Lifeguards: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Concessions: Typically open 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (seasonal)
Boardwalk: Open 24 hours for pedestrians and cyclists
Lifeguards: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Concessions: Typically open 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (seasonal)
Boardwalk: Open 24 hours for pedestrians and cyclists
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free (no passes or tags required)
Parking: Free and metered options; $10–$20/day near 86th and 97th Streets
Chair Rentals: ~$20/day
Surfboard Rentals: $30–$40/day
Lessons: $80–$120 for 1-hour surf sessions
Parking: Free and metered options; $10–$20/day near 86th and 97th Streets
Chair Rentals: ~$20/day
Surfboard Rentals: $30–$40/day
Lessons: $80–$120 for 1-hour surf sessions
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Jacob Riis Park (5 min west): Historic Art Deco bathhouse and quieter beach.
Fort Tilden (10 min west): Hidden trails, dunes, and birdwatching.
Breezy Point Tip: Scenic walk and lighthouse views.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: One of the best birding spots in NYC.
Rockaway Beach Surf Club: Hub for local artists and surfers.
Fort Tilden (10 min west): Hidden trails, dunes, and birdwatching.
Breezy Point Tip: Scenic walk and lighthouse views.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: One of the best birding spots in NYC.
Rockaway Beach Surf Club: Hub for local artists and surfers.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
Tacoway Beach: Iconic surf shack serving Baja-style fish tacos.
Rippers (Beach 86th): Burgers, fries, and beach bar vibes.
Rockaway Beach Surf Club: Chill hangout for locals and surfers.
Boarders Surf Shop Café: Smoothies, acai bowls, and espresso.
Bungalow Bar: Sunset dining and rooftop cocktails over Jamaica Bay.
Rockaway Brewing Co.: Local craft beer just minutes away.
Rippers (Beach 86th): Burgers, fries, and beach bar vibes.
Rockaway Beach Surf Club: Chill hangout for locals and surfers.
Boarders Surf Shop Café: Smoothies, acai bowls, and espresso.
Bungalow Bar: Sunset dining and rooftop cocktails over Jamaica Bay.
Rockaway Brewing Co.: Local craft beer just minutes away.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Rockaway Bazaar Summer Series: Live music, food, and open-air movies.
Beach 94th Surf Competitions: Local and regional surf contests.
Rockaway Beach Art Walk (July): Community murals and exhibits.
NYC Ferry Fest (June): Waterfront music and local vendors.
Polar Bear Plunge (January): Cold-water charity swim tradition.
Beach 94th Surf Competitions: Local and regional surf contests.
Rockaway Beach Art Walk (July): Community murals and exhibits.
NYC Ferry Fest (June): Waterfront music and local vendors.
Polar Bear Plunge (January): Cold-water charity swim tradition.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Weekends get crowded — arrive early or visit on weekdays.
For calmer surf, go early morning or during high tide.
Bring cash; some food stalls don’t accept cards.
NYC Ferry offers the most scenic and relaxing route to the beach.
Always swim in lifeguard zones; currents can be strong outside them.
Sunset cocktails at Bungalow Bar are a local favorite ritual.
For calmer surf, go early morning or during high tide.
Bring cash; some food stalls don’t accept cards.
NYC Ferry offers the most scenic and relaxing route to the beach.
Always swim in lifeguard zones; currents can be strong outside them.
Sunset cocktails at Bungalow Bar are a local favorite ritual.
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
Swimming allowed only during lifeguard hours.
Alcohol, smoking, and glass containers prohibited.
Surfing restricted to marked areas.
Dogs allowed off-season (Oct–May) on leash.
Barbecues only in designated park areas.
Alcohol, smoking, and glass containers prohibited.
Surfing restricted to marked areas.
Dogs allowed off-season (Oct–May) on leash.
Barbecues only in designated park areas.
FAQs
Is Rockaway Beach free?
Yes, it’s completely free and open to the public.
Can you surf here?
Yes, Rockaway is NYC’s only legal surfing beach, with multiple designated zones.
Are there lifeguards?
Yes, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10 AM – 6 PM.
Can I bring alcohol?
No, alcohol and glass are prohibited.
Is Rockaway Beach family-friendly?
Absolutely — playgrounds, calm areas, and lifeguards make it great for families.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Location
Beach Address
Beach 90th Street, Rockaway Freeway, Hammels, Queens, Queens County, New York, 11693, United States
Access Points
Main Access Point:
Beach 90th Street & Shore Front Parkway, Queens, NY 11693, USA
Getting There:
By Subway: A Train (Far Rockaway Line) to Beach 90th or 98th St stations.
By Ferry: NYC Ferry from Wall Street (Pier 11) to Beach 108th St Terminal (~1 hr).
By Car: Cross Marine Parkway Bridge or Cross Bay Bridge; paid parking available.
By Bike: Rockaway Ferry Greenway connects to Brooklyn’s Flatbush area.
Parking: Public lots at Beach 86th and 97th Streets ($10–$20/day).
Beach 90th Street & Shore Front Parkway, Queens, NY 11693, USA
Getting There:
By Subway: A Train (Far Rockaway Line) to Beach 90th or 98th St stations.
By Ferry: NYC Ferry from Wall Street (Pier 11) to Beach 108th St Terminal (~1 hr).
By Car: Cross Marine Parkway Bridge or Cross Bay Bridge; paid parking available.
By Bike: Rockaway Ferry Greenway connects to Brooklyn’s Flatbush area.
Parking: Public lots at Beach 86th and 97th Streets ($10–$20/day).
Beach 90th Street, Rockaway Freeway, Hammels, Queens, Queens County, New York, 11693, United States
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