Rockaway Beach – Queens, New York, USA

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

• Established in the 1830s, Rockaway became a summer getaway for Manhattan’s working class via early rail and ferry routes.

• Once home to amusement parks and grand hotels in the early 1900s.

• The modern Rockaway Boardwalk, rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy (2012), now features smooth concrete walkways, art installations, and protected dunes.

• Official surfing zones were designated in 2005, putting Rockaway on the map for East Coast surfers.

• The beach has a thriving food and arts scene, with local vendors, surf shops, and murals showcasing NYC’s creative side.