Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach is a public beach on the Atlantic Ocean coast in Queens featuring white sand and surf-suitable waves for swimming and surfing. The shoreline stretches for several miles with broad access to the water and an established boardwalk running alongside.

The area grew from two small hamlets called Holland and Hammels in the 1800s and became the Village of Rockaway Beach in 1897. It quickly developed into a popular summer destination for people seeking relief from the city.

The name comes from the Munsee-Lenape word 'Reckonack', meaning 'place of sand'. Today, locals and visitors gather here to swim, surf, and experience the casual boardwalk culture that defines this area.

The beach is best reached by the A subway line, which stops at several stations along the coast with direct beach access. Visitors should know that weather can change quickly and it's wise to check water conditions before heading to the shore.

The Ramones immortalized this beach in their 1977 song 'Rockaway Beach', creating an iconic link between rock music and this location. The song helped make the beach known in popular culture and draws music fans to visit.

Location: Queens

GPS coordinates: 40.57139,-73.85139

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:00