Things To Do In Rockaway Beach: An Ultimate Guide

Rockaway is the perfect destination for the summertime. You have a vast number of beaches, restaurants, and things to do that’ll keep you on your toes. During COVID, the waters looked like we were in Mexico. I’ll get a lot of shade for saying this because most disagree, but I LOVE NYC beaches and will keep coming back. My family has gone to the beaches here every summer since I was little, so did you think I’d recommend something that I don’t consistently love? It’s a great practice to bring a garbage bag with you to throw out your trash and wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the earth’s oceans!

You could spend a day here, two days, a weekend, and if you’re my family, a lifetime here. Spending my summers growing up here was the highlight of my childhood. The neighborhood is extremely safe, the energy is great, and the weather is always sunny and breezy! If you haven’t been to Rockaway, I’ll give you a quick synopsis of what you’ll experience.

What is Rockaway? & Why Should You Visit?

An overcrowded NYC Ferry drops off DFDs (the locals call them “Down For the Days”. They’re easily spotable because they carry huge backpacks, coolers, and are probably wearing shoes. The locals are another story. They’re riding their beach cruisers and probably riding their friends on their handlebars (it’s a thing). Most of them have unofficial sponsorships to Tommy Bahama since the whole community has their chairs with a towel folded inside and a built-in cooler for Twisted Teas and a bag of chips.

Just on that description alone, you wouldn’t believe that this beach town is a part of NYC. It still blows my mind that you can have these beautiful beaches with views of the NYC skyline in the distance. Well, that’s Rockaway for you. They know how to have fun, and here are three jam-packed days for your next trip here this summer.

How To Get To Rockaway

Train: Taking the A train brings you to Beach 90th Street, Beach 98th Street, Beach 105th Street, and the last stop is on Beach 116th Street. My personal favorite is Beach 98th Street since my favorite restaurant, Whit’s End, is right over there!
Ferry: The Wall Street ferry brings you right to Beach 108th Street, and after three blocks of walking, you’re at the boardwalk!
Driving: I’d only recommend this if you know someone who has a car or you’re already renting a car during your trip. Parking is a nightmare, and it’s not worth it!
Biking: If you’re staying in South Brooklyn, it’s a beautiful bike ride over the Marine Parkway Bridge into Jacob Riis Park. If you’re biking, you have to make a pit stop at Maria’s Truck for a refreshing drink to reward you for your long bike journey!

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

Best Beaches To Visit In Rockaway

Sunbathe at the Iconic Beaches In Rockaway: Rockaway is quite literally a city built on beaches. You have hundreds of miles of sand to choose from, so what does it come down to? Here is a breakdown of the beaches to check out the next time you’re craving some vitamin D.
Beach 60- Beach 90: This is a bit quieter since it’s farther out, but find yourself with some intense surfing beaches on Beach 67th, 69th, 90th, 91st & 92nd Streets
Beach 90-106: This is where the most action is. You have tons of restaurants here and places to go, along with concession stands to get lunch along the boardwalk. The best beaches in this area to surf are 91st, 92nd, and 110th Street
Beach 116-153: These are the more private beaches with few tourists, and you get a more local vibe here.
Beach 153-169: This is right at the end of Rockaway heading into Breezy Point. You have the iconic Jacob Riis Park, which is a great area to have a beach day. This is the only one with a parking lot, and it does get full pretty quickly.

Best Spots to Eat & Drink In Rockaway

Rockaway Beach Surf Club (Tockaway Beach): on Beach 87th: If you’re looking for cheap bites, Tockaway Beach is your go-to. This place used to be called Rockaway Tocaway. It’s best to go in the summertime as it’s such a cute beach town. Pro Tip: Get the watermelon juice & of course the tacos!- It’s delicious!
Whit’s End on Beach 98th Street: This hidden gem is seriously underrated. Great vibes, live music & delicious food. Whit’s End is the best place, from fresh-caught fish to wood oven pizzas! Pro Tip:10/10 recommend getting the Margherita, Soppressata pizza, burrata, and jumbo shrimp & it’s BYOB!
Bungalow Bar Beach 92nd Street: This is a great spot with a nice water view. You can choose from indoor to outdoor dining options depending on the weather. Pro Tip: This is also a great bar to go to at night!
Pico Beach 129th Street: Another fabulous spot is Pico. They have one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants right in the heart of Rockaway. Pro Tip: People in Rockaway are super casual, so whether you’re coming from the beach or dressing up, this place is perfect for any occasion.
Eat At The Warf: The Warf is a family favorite. With great waterfront views of the NYC skyline and delicious food, you’re bound to have a good time. I highly recommend the shrimp wrap and the steak sizzlers, which are both tasty and affordably priced.
Roger’s Bar: This authentic Irish bar and BNB is such a hidden gem. The locals adore this spot as it’s on the main street in Rockaway. It’s super close to the beach, and they even offer rooms available for a fun weekend getaway. 100% recommend checking them out for the true Rockaway Irish experience.

Best Surfing Beaches

Rockaway is the only legal place to surf in NYC, and for good reason. Whether it’s Summer or Winter, Rockaway’s surfing is elite. Even if you aren’t a pro, have no equipment, or might even be a little scared, there are a few programs and surf schools to look into to get out of your comfort zone! Check out the Surf Report to check in on surfing conditions.

Best Surfing Beaches: Beach 90th Street, Beach 92nd Street, Beach 67th Street, Beach 69th Street, Beach 110th Street, Beach 87th Street, and Beach 91st Street
Some Notable Surf Schools To Check Out: Local Surf School, Surfs Up NY, & SkudInSurf

Activities To Do In Rockaway Beach

Jet Ski and Eat at Thai Rock Beach 92nd Street: If there is something Rockaway does right, it’s knowing how to throw a good party and bringing good energy. This place actually got me hooked on Thai food with so many good options like pineapple fried rice, chicken satay & more! Pro Tip: During the summers, they have jet skis and a floating island water park.
Yoga on the Beach: Yoga on the beach is so therapeutic, especially on Rockaway’s iconic beaches. There are a few places that offer yoga classes around the area, but only a few on the actual beach. The yoga places aren’t available just yet for the Summer, so once they are, I’ll add them to the list!
Spa Rockaway: Everyone needs a moment to treat themselves, and the women at Spa Rockaway do it right. They make you feel pampered, cared for & like a million bucks after. Whether you’re looking for facials, massages, hair & scalp restoration, and more, they have you covered!

Bonus: Explore Breezy Point

Breezy Point is in a hidden community that is even more private than Rockaway. If you’re hanging out in Jacob Riis Park, you’re super close, and it’s worth checking out! Given that both my Aunt & Grandma live here, we’re always super excited to have a nice beach house and enjoy the good energy! Check out the post here to learn more!

There You Have It

Rockaway could be explored over a weekend, although you and I both know that’s not enough. I hope you put all these places on your bucket list because they’re places I am going to this summer. Rockaway overall has this vibe that’s so hard to describe so I’ll let you see it for yourself. Have the best time and comment on places you’re excited to visit or new ones to add to the list in the future!