Building a Better Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach is both an iconic summer destination and the home to thousands of New Yorkers, and it is vulnerable to the effects of environmental changes. The work the US Army Corps of Engineers is doing in the Rockaways will protect the community from the effects of severe storms, slow down erosion caused by climate change, and ultimately expand beach access. This construction project will keep Rockaway Beach open to swimming for years to come.

About the Atlantic Shorefront Resiliency Project

The Army Corps' ongoing Atlantic Shorefront Resiliency Project will strengthen the shoreline by constructing 19 new stone groin structures to stabilize and replenish the beach. This work will keep sand in place and eventually let us expand beach access. The Army Corps work has already allowed us to bring swimming to the Beach 30s area, which has not been open in years.

This work is the result of more than ten years of partnership between the City, the Army Corps, and the Rockaway community. Since the project began in 2020, the Army Corps has held monthly meetings with stakeholders to update the community on the project, and Parks and Army Corps staff members have regularly attended local civic association meetings, community board meetings, and reached out to concerned individual stakeholders.

Rockaway Beach General Access and Closures

In line with USACE’s confirmed construction schedule, starting Memorial Day weekend, as many as 70 blocks of Rockaway Beach will be open to swimming seven days a week. Due to construction, 10-15 blocks of beach will be temporarily closed to all access throughout the summer, moving westward from Beach 116, and moving eastward from Beach 143. The closures will be rolling; over the course of the summer the work zones, open beaches, and beach access will shift as the necessary work progresses. The entirety of the Rockaway boardwalk will remain open.

Concession Access

All beach concessions will remain open for the summer at the discretion of the concessionaire. 

Ferry Access

NYC Ferry access will not be affected.

During beach season, Rockaway Beach is open for swimming and wading from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. where lifeguards are present. For your safety, swimming is not allowed in sections of the beach marked by a red flag. 

Visit Our Beaches

Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

Take in the view of the Atlantic Ocean! Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk is the only NYC beach that stretches along the ocean and the only surfing beach in NYC. Visit Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

Rockaway Beach Events

Join us at the beach this summer for free concerts, parades, fitness classes, and fun family-friendly activities at our oceanfront beach. Check out events at Rockaway Beach this summer

Beaches in New York City

Explore our eight beaches, from iconic Coney Island in Brooklyn to the vibrant beachfront vibes at Orchard Beach in the Bronx! Visit New York City's beaches