So far the beach that’s been dominating New York’s collective consciousness this summer isn’t in the Hamptons or Montauk, but an A Train away in sunny Rockaway, Queens. The food stands have been the major draw, but the bungalows and surfing have always attracted a steady crowd. (And with school ending today, the kids will soon be joining the throngs.) We sent photographer Kelsey Dickey to document our latest New York obsession.
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- “Whaleamena” suns herself on Rockaway Beach near the Beach 95th St. boardwalk entrance.
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- Further up the boardwalk, near Beach 105 St., Freddy (front left) serves a game of Wallball to his opponent, Alex (back left), as Fernando (front right) begins a new round against Victor (back right).
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- Ryan buries his older brother Chris.
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- The Rockaway Beach boardwalk.
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- Rockaway Taco’s the, pioneering food stand that opened at Rockaway Beach in 2008, now has a second location on the boardwalk at 96th St.
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- Tory at vegan bakery Babycakes, one of the newcomers to the boardwalk this summer.
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- If the disbandment of the Rockabus this summer has left you looking for a new ride-share alternative for reaching the beach, hear are three more shuttle services you should check out.
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- Juan takes a break from the surf.
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- Dylan rides out a wave.
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- Couples on the benches outside the burger and boat-drink stand Rippers, near Beach 86th St.
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- The famous bungalows of the Rockaway Peninsula, on Seagirt Blvd. and Beach 24th St.
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- Linda, a newcomer to the Rockaways, enters her yellow bungalow on Beach 24 St. A year ago, she purchased the home after having visited the beaches for over 35 years.
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- The well-preserved and colorful stoops of Beach 24 St.
Finally — summer has arrived!! I’m heading down to sunny Rockaway this weekend.