Rockaway Beach Public Park is one of the most visited places in Queens in New York City, because it consists of a beach and an embankment. The length of the coastline is estimated at 12 kilometers. The territory is managed by the City Department of Parks and Recreation.
History
At the end of the 19th century, Rockaway Beach became one of the most popular resorts in the United States. The hiking area between 109th and 126th Streets was ready to open in 1923, and two years later plans were announced to create a large-scale boardwalk across most of the southern coast of the Rockaway Peninsula. The construction of the section between 19th and 109th streets took place in several stages in 1928-1930. From Ninth to 19th Streets, a concrete embankment was built only by 1963. In 2012, the embankment was destroyed as a result of Hurricane "Sandy", and work on its restoration took place until 2017.
Travel+Leisure magazine has added Rockaway Beach to the list of the best American beaches in 2024, which has increased its prestige. The article noted the convenience of New Yorkers and visitors who can come on vacation by public transport, both on weekdays and weekends.
Description
The area of the beach area and the boardwalk is estimated at almost 70 hectares. The park offers a wide range of places to relax. It often hosts live music events featuring local bands, beach volleyball tournaments, small races, half marathons, and full marathons.
Popular walks are along the wooden path running parallel to the sandy beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There are several beach access points along the way. There are playgrounds with slides and a volleyball field on the sand. Cafes, restaurants, surf schools, rental points and board shops are open on Rockaway Beach. The campers are watched by rescuers from observation towers, ready to help at any moment.
Unusual facts
It is known that the park inspired the punk rock band Ramones to record the song Rockaway Beach in 1977. The hit became the most successful single by musical artists, it was added to the Billboard Hot 100. Dee Dee Ramon, the bassist of the Beach Boys, often walked along the beach and wrote a song that was used in a radio advertising campaign. It was sponsored by the Queens Economic Development Corporation to promote the restoration of damage after Hurricane "Sandy" and the return of vacationers to Rockaway Beach.
How to get
The Q22 bus runs almost all over Rockaway Beach, the Q35 route runs along the western part, the central area is served by the Q52 SBS, as well as the Q53 SBS. The IND Rockaway Subway line is located nearby. You can take the A and S trains to rest.
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