Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

Nineteen eighty six - Q10 up Woodhaven all the way to where the A train drops off the beachy city folk and you can peer inside between the double doors to watch them come. Two by three, backpacks, umbrellas and hats - they didn't look like us, nobody looked like us - we were Metal tried and true, dressed the part and walked the walk.

Not to sound rambunctious but we represented ourselves to one and all, we were young and pent up with highschool schoolboy rage and newly raised hormonal levels and a thirst for beer and deep pulls on the Marlboro reds. Brawls and burgers, blood and ketchup - boom boxes and batteries, brass knuckles and smokable trees. Glad I got out unphased.

Today's Rockaway is a far cry from them in beautification and behaviors. I still walk the boardwalk and throw myself in the water no matter what time of year, no matter what I'm wearing, I'm going in - period.
It's as if my dogs look at like little children - amazed and concerned as if to say "what the hell is he gonna do for an encore"? But that's just me and that's just how I like my beaches and days by myself and with my occasional comrades if they begin asking in March - I'll take em once by August 31st.

Haven't been to this stop (98th) since 2019 so wasn't sure how many restaurants/concessions there would be! Happy to see that now, 5 years later, they're are still plenty of options and they accept card! Before it was cash only. Included pics of the restaurant counter offerings plus menus since there don't seem to be any (all as of July 2024).

Most menu items are $14-$30 so be prepared to drop some money. The one "bar" has canned beer starting at $5 and draft $10. Not bad for the beach.

Super nice beach and boardwalk. Very clean and the boardwalk is nice and fun to walk down.

On the day I went, it was insanely windy so we were only able to stay for about 30 mins before the whipping sand got to be too much.

Looking forward to coming back! It was fun taking the subways over the water on the way there and the ferry back to Manhattan on the way back.

Long boardwalk. clean beach. Shower & bathroom available but parking is free but a challenge. Come early to score a spot.

My favorite beach in the area. There's a part that is closed off to only surfers, which is pretty cool. The sand is fairly clean and the water is not too rough. There's also plenty of food and drink options along the boardwalk. Overall, a good place to spend the day and lay around soaking in the sun.

The beach is pretty big except the waves are really hard and the beach goes out to the ocean. She had to be careful if you bring the kids and dogs are allowed so you could bring your pets if you want to. There's also bathroom and a boardwalk that has a restaurant that you could go to.

Beautiful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You better know how to swim or stay out of this water. Seriously

I'm currently sitting in my car and warming my hands back up after running, jogging and walking up and down 1/3rd of Rockaway beach and boardwalk. I was able to watch as the sun set and the sky turned from orange to purple to near black. On a evening like tonight, you practically have the entire beach to yourself, and the only noises you hear are that of the ocean waves crashing, a few birds playing, and the occasional A train in the distance. I'm grateful that I was able to come out here this evening and enjoy just a beautiful night. Cheers to many more!

I am only giving this 4 stars because there is the cutest coffee shop called Sovereign Surf and Coffee on the water nearby the ferry!

It is adorable and there was an open mic happening when we stumbled upon it.

The vibes are immaculate! Enjoy coffee and music in a vintage VW van and even hit up their tiny thrift store before going back to the city. The people were incredibly nice and welcoming. Pls, stop by!

Recently, I had the chance to interview Matthew S., a Yelper since 2012, and part of the Elite Squad since 2015. I always like to interview yelpers concerning a review they write; this "business" being the one I picked to interview him. Try to follow along, as his answers can be tedious.

So, why a beach in the winter?
I don't know, I guess I have some melancholy, watching the angry ocean and waves beat up the sand, a sort of dark horizon meeting the open sea into the great unknown. All that while a winter breeze comes over you, forcing you to turn your back against all that anguish. I guess that's what northerners do, I guess.

Is anything open nearby? Or what is there to do?
Well, somewhat. Some businesses shut down for the winter. But there's always the boardwalk and the beautiful ocean to observe at if you are the romantic type. I've included pictures.

Do you have to drive to get there?
If you go in the winter months you should have no issues parking. Summer months get tricky. I would definitely take the train unless you intend on getting there real early. After all, the Rockaway Shuttle takes you door to door! Just don't get your A trains mixed up!

I hear there's a memorial too. What's that all about?
You know, I really wanted to get a picture of the memorial dedicated to the passengers that were killed on American Airlines flight 587 to the Dominican Republic. It was a flight just after 9/11, and sadly all passengers and crew were killed due to pilot error. A very sad day, and I recommend you go and check it out. You will be moved.

Easy access from Manhattan?
Yes and no. It's a good hour or so on the subway, and unless you like sitting in gridlock, get there early. Otherwise you are in for a long ride.

Dog friendly?
Not sure. I guess in the winter time you can bring your dog on the boardwalk. Definitely not in high season.

What about Coney Island?
Coney Island has the rides and attractions, but the Rockaways has the recreational activities. It's all preference.

Would you recommend this beach to fellow Yelpers?
Yes! Just remember, it isn't Florida, but I think this is a great northeastern beach that doesn't try to be more than what it is. And that's fine with me!