Far Rockaway is a district that’s located on a peninsula in Queens, New York City. This residential neighborhood boasts beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and other parks that are surrounded by channels and bays. Far Rockaway is a dense residential area that offers a taste of urban life in a beautiful oceanfront setting.
Attractions and Recreation
Located in the north-western tip of Far Rockaway, Bayswater Point State Park offers great recreational opportunities. This green space consists of 12 acres of preserved wetlands and woodlands that host various native species of flora and fauna. Tranquil and pristine, Bayswater Point State Park is ideal for hiking and fishing. This park also offers great views of airplanes taking off and landing at the nearby John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The runways of this major airport are literally located less than a mile away from the park. It’s a good idea to bring some binoculars to zoom in on jumbo jets or birds at this waterfront sanctuary.
Additional recreational opportunities are available at the Norton Basin Natural Resource Area and Bayswater Park. Trails connect Bayswater Point State Park with both of these green spaces.
The beaches at Far Rockaway are without a doubt the biggest attractions in the area. Open on a seasonal schedule, the beaches are accessible from the historic Rockaway Beach Boardwalk. Besides sunbathing and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, you can do other exciting activities in the neighborhood.
The Far Rockaway Skate Park and Beach 9 Playground offer lots of recreational options right along the sandy beaches. These facilities are accessible from Seagirt Boulevard, which provides a scenic drive through most of Far Rockaway.
Located in the neighboring community of Lawrence, Long Island, the Rock Hall Museum provides a glimpse into the rich history of the region. This charming residence was built in the late 18th century in the Georgian architectural style. Visitors can view authentic furniture and other antique items that belonged to the families of the house
History
Far Rockaway was initially incorporated as a community within Hempstead, Long Island. By the end of the 19th century, Queens became one of the boroughs in the Greater City of New York. The oceanfront Far Rockaway immediately became a popular destination for seasonal vacations.
Featuring waterfront homes dating back to the 1920s, the Beach Bungalow Historic District essentially summarizes the story of the area for most of the 20th century. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused major damage to the neighborhood’s beachfront. Nevertheless, this resilient community has recovered well from the major storm that created unprecedented destruction throughout NYC.
Location and Transportation
The Far Rockaway defines the border between the Rockaway Peninsula of Queens and Nassau County. Reynolds Channel separates the neighborhood from Atlantic Beach, which is part of a peninsula that forms Long Island’s South Shore. A portion of Far Rockaway is situated directly along the Atlantic Ocean.
Getting to this waterfront neighborhood should be easy by the New York City Subway. The A train makes several stops in the district and other communities on the Rockaway Peninsula. This extended route runs through most of Queens and Manhattan. Additionally, the Long Island Railroad offers direct service into Far Rockaway. This commuter rail network links Manhattan with Queens, Suffolk, and Nassau Counties.
John F. Kennedy International Airport is located just a few miles away from Far Rockaway. The Nassau Expressway links this busy airport with the Rockaway Peninsula. Cross Bay Boulevard also accommodates traffic flow between Queens and this oceanfront community. The lengthy road crosses over the Broad Channel, which flows past JFK Airport.