Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

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

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. We also provide beach wheelchairs by reservation only. Visit our Accessible Beaches page for more information.

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.

While the entire beach is open for sunbathing, only some areas are open for swimming. If you are planning to swim, look for the sand-colored bays below, and avoid the bays marked in gray.

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: June 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Open for swimming

Closed to swimming

Beach Swimming Access

Open Beach Sections

The following beach sections are open for swimming: Beach 9 - Beach 12, Beach 15 - Beach 18, Beach 32 - Beach 36, Beach 57, Beach 59 - Beach 66, Beach 75 - Beach 87, Beach 93 - Beach 106, and Beach 115 - Beach 144. All other sections are closed to swimming.

Long-term Beach Closures

The following beach sections have a long-term closure:

Beach 145 - Beach 149 is closed for swimming as a safety precaution.
Beach 19 - Beach 31 and Beach 71 - Beach 74 are closed for swimming as a safety precaution.
Beach 37 - Beach 56 is currently closed for swimming to protect bird nesting habitat.

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 in the Rockaways with 16 dispensers. Through the program, funded by Episcopal Health Services in partnership with IMPACT Melanoma, 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.

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.