Get ready to work on that tan, New Yorkers! Summer is finally peeking around the corner, and our favorite city couldn’t be more ready.
With Memorial Day weekend ahead of us, NYC is gearing up for the unofficial kickoff to our most outdoorsy season. Think beach days, late-night walks along the waterfront park picnics that somehow last six hours, and so much more.
And if you’re already dreaming of salt air and sandy toes, there’s one destination calling your name. Tucked away in Queens is New York City’s largest beach: Rockaway Beach.
Stretching for miles along the Atlantic, it’s the ultimate summer escape without ever leaving the five boroughs.
The best part? We’re only three days out from its official opening day for 2026, meaning the annual migration from subway platform to sandy towel is officially on.
The 2026 Season
Mark your calendars: the 2026 New York City public beach season officially kicks off on Saturday, May 23.
From opening day through September 13, 2026, lifeguards will be stationed daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., meaning those classic Rockaway swim days are officially back in business.
Just don’t channel your inner mermaid after hours, swimming is strictly off-limits when lifeguards aren’t on duty or when red flags are flying. Safety first, fun second.
Rockaway Beach at a Glance
The iconic beach is a vibrant, thriving coastal community with a personality of its own.
- The Vibe: A unique blend of classic New York grit, laid-back surf culture, and modern hipster energy.
- The Lifeline: The famous 5.5-mile boardwalk underwent a massive $341 million post-Hurricane Sandy rebuild. Today, it is a bustling, fully accessible highway for runners, cyclists, and strollers.
- Surf’s Up: Rockaway is home to NYC’s only legal surfing beaches. If you want to catch some waves (or just watch the pros do it), head straight to the designated surf zones between Beach 67th to Beach 69th Streets and Beach 87th to Beach 91st Streets.
What Else to Do in the Area
Come for the sand, but definitely stay for the food and culture. Rockaway’s food scene has exploded over the last decade, turning the boardwalk into a literal culinary destination.
Food & Drink
- The Boardwalk Concessions: You can’t talk about Rockaway without mentioning the food hubs at Beach 97th and Beach 106th Streets. From the legendary, mouth-watering fish tacos at Tacoway Beach (located at the Rockaway Beach Surf Club) to Venezuelan arepas, cold beers, and artisanal ice cream, you will not go hungry.
- Bungalow Bar: Located on the bayside (Beach 92nd St), this is the ultimate spot to grab a cocktail and watch a stunning sunset over the water after a long day on the sand.
Beyond the Beach
- Rockaway Skate Park: Located near Beach 91st Street, this oceanfront park is perfect for skaters wanting to carve with a sea breeze.
- Fort Tilden: If you prefer a more rugged, secluded, and nature-centric vibe, hike or bike a bit further west to Fort Tilden. It features abandoned military structures covered in street art, sand dunes, and a quieter shoreline.
How to Get There
Getting to Rockaway is half the fun, and you have a few excellent options depending on how fast you want to get your toes in the sand.
- The Rockaway Rocket: Keep an eye out for NYC Ferry’s premium, peak-summer express shuttle. It offers guaranteed, air-conditioned seating directly from Manhattan straight to the beach on weekends.
- The NYC Ferry (Best Views): For just $4.00, you can hop on the Rockaway route from Wall Street / Pier 11 or Sunset Park (Brooklyn). It takes less than an hour, serves beer and wine on board, and drops you off at Beach 108th Street on the bayside.
- The Subway (Most Reliable): Take the A train toward Far Rockaway. For the surf beaches, get off at Beach 67th St. For the concessions and boardwalk action, take the A to Broad Channel and transfer to the Rockaway Park Shuttle (S), taking it to Beach 90th or Beach 98th St.]
