Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, Queens

The Rockaway beach and boardwalk in Queens is the essential New York City beach. This majestic 5.5 mile beach and its adjoining boardwalk is one of the longest in the country and therefore has something for everyone.

Parks, courts and even baseball and football fields are dotted along the beach. For those looking for more extreme sports, as the only surf legal beach in New York, Rockaway has its own surf school as well as jet ski rentals. 

Art lovers also find a lot to like here. Multiple historical and cultural installations from the past century are scattered along the long boardwalk and the area’s burgeoning young art scene is also centered along this beach.

Being the perfect NY beach means being easy to get to and Rockaway can be reached by ferry or subway. Food and drink options are plentiful and will suit most budgets, and one can end the perfect beach day with live music and dancing in one of the many pavilions along Rockaway Boardwalk.