Natural swimming hole
Rockaway Beach
Ocean cove · New York
About this swimming hole
Rockaway Beach is New York City’s largest public ocean beach, stretching for miles along the Rockaway peninsula in Queens with free admission. City beaches operate Memorial Day weekend through the Sunday after Labor Day with lifeguards 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; swimming is prohibited without lifeguards. It is a major surf beach with designated surfing areas.
Good to know
| Water type | Ocean cove |
|---|---|
| Best season | June-September |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Memorial Day wknd-Sun after Labor Day; lifeguards 10am-6pm |
| Parking | Street parking; subway A |
| Amenities | restrooms, lifeguards, concession, subway |
| County | Queens County |
| Nearest town | Queens |
| Safety notes | Swim only when lifeguards on duty; heed surf warnings |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Rockaway Beach?
Yes — Rockaway Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in New York. Heads-up: Swim only when lifeguards on duty; heed surf warnings. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Rockaway Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Rockaway Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Rockaway Beach?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Rockaway Beach?
The best season is typically June-September.