Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

On Atlantic Ocean, from Beach 9th Street, Far Rockaway, to Beach 149th Street, Neponsit
(718) 318-4000

New York City beaches have closed for the season and will re-open for swimming on Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

From surfers to swimmers to the Ramones, everyone wants to "hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach." Rockaway Beach is a year-round resource for residents all along the Rockaway peninsula, and it comes alive each summer with millions of visitors.

Beach goers can enjoy the sand and water, the variety of concessions, and the city's only legal surfing beaches. Rockaway Beach is also home to a variety of playgrounds and other outdoor activities.

Directions and Parking

Directions

Directions via Google Maps

Parking

Free parking lots at B. 11th to B. 15th Street and B. 95th Street; free street parking.

Accessibility

This is an accessible beach.

Beach mats are available for wheelchair access.

Beach Hours

During beach season, lifeguards are on duty daily, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty and in closed sections. Closed sections are marked with signs and/or red flags.

Beach Rules

Download Rockaway Beach Rules

Beach Section Map

Planning a day at the beach? Check out our beach status map before you go.

During the summer, this map is updated each morning, soon after 10:00 a.m., based upon lifeguard availability and current beach conditions. You can also head to the beach, where signs and red flags will mark areas that are closed to swimming.

Last Updated: September 9, 2024 at 12:00 AM

Open for swimming

Closed to swimming

Designated Beach Usage

Surf Beaches are located between Beach 66 - Beach 70 Street, Beach 87 - Beach 92 Street, and Beach 110 - Beach 111 Street.
Additional rules apply to the surf beaches: Download Surf Beach Rules (PDF, 323KB)
Fishing Beaches are located between Beach 12 - Beach 14 Street.
Kayaking Beach are located between Beach 57 - Beach 58 Street.

Amenities

Bicycle and Skate Path: Yes (Bicycle path along the boardwalk)
Boardwalk: Yes (closed 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.)
Concession Stand: Yes (B.17th Street, B.86th Street Island, B.97th Street Island, and B.106th Street Island.)
Mobile Charging Station: Yes (B. 108th St, B. 97th St, B. 84th St.)

About NYC Public Beaches

NYC Parks maintains 14 miles of beaches. Beaches are open from Memorial Day weekend through September 8, 2024. During beach season, lifeguards are on duty daily, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty and in closed sections. Closed sections are marked with signs and/or red flags.

Safety

Protect your skin when you're on the go! Apply sunscreen before you go, and re-apply frequently.

NYC Parks is excited to continue its free sunscreen program with 56 dispensers located at all eight beaches. Through the program, funded by the IMPACT Melanoma Foundation in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, and by Episcopal Health Services in the Rockaways, New Yorkers can protect themselves from long hours in the sun by easily applying the provided SPF 30 sunscreen. The foundation will also be providing sun safety information throughout the summer at select locations.

Water Quality Advisories or Closures - Visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s New York City Area Beaches page for water quality advisories or closures before you head to the beach.

Be WaterSafe - 10 Tips to Stay Water Safe in New York

Rip Currents - Safety tips and information provided by The National Weather Service regarding the dangers of rip currents.