Rockaway Beach isn't just a place where you go to get a tan and hope the A train doesn't break down on the way home. It’s a mood. Honestly, if you’re still thinking of it as just "that beach in Queens with the Ramones song," you’re missing the actual soul of the place.
Most people hop off the subway at Beach 90th, walk two blocks, and stay put. Big mistake.
The Rockaways are actually a sprawling 11-mile peninsula, and each pocket feels like a different planet. You’ve got the surfers at 67th, the day-drinking crowds at 97th, and the eerie, beautiful isolation of Fort Tilden further west. If you want to actually "do" Rockaway, you have to move.
Surfing New York’s Only Legal Breaks
Let’s be real: the water is usually freezing. Even in July, that Atlantic dip can wake you up faster than an espresso from Rockaway Beach Bakery. But this is the only spot in New York City where you can legally throw a board in the water and catch a wave.
If you’re a beginner, head to Beach 69th Street. It’s the hub. You’ll see schools like Locals Surf School or Surfs Up NY hauling longboards across the sand. Peter Shaw, who runs Surfs Up, will tell you that the sand-bottomed waves here are actually some of the best for learning on the East Coast.
💡 You might also like: Why the Newport Back Bay Science Center is the Best Kept Secret in Orange County
Don't have a board? No big deal. You can rent gear right on the beach, but do yourself a favor and get a wetsuit. Even in summer.
The Food Scene is Better Than Manhattan’s (Kinda)
Okay, maybe not better in terms of volume, but definitely better in terms of vibes. You aren't getting white tablecloths here. You're getting sand in your shoes and the best fish tacos of your life.
Tacoway Beach is the heavy hitter. It’s tucked inside the Rockaway Beach Surf Club on Beach 87th. The line is usually long, but it moves. Order the fish tacos. Don’t overthink it. Just do it.
Further down the boardwalk, the concessions are where the real magic happens.
📖 Related: Flights from San Diego to New Jersey: What Most People Get Wrong
- Beach 97th Street: This is the culinary heart. You’ve got everything from Uzbek dumplings at Uma’s (get the manti) to wood-fired pizza at Whit’s End.
- Rippers (Beach 86th): Basically a legendary burger shack. Their "Hard Body" burger is the fuel you need after a three-hour swim.
- Bungalow Bar: If you want a view of the bay instead of the ocean, go here. It’s on Beach 92nd and has a massive deck. It’s great for watching the sunset with a cocktail while the A train rumbles across the bridge in the distance.
Beyond the Sand: Fort Tilden and Jacob Riis
If the main beach feels too crowded, you need to trek to Fort Tilden. There are no lifeguards. There are no bathrooms. There are definitely no trash cans.
It’s an old military base that’s been reclaimed by nature and hipsters. You have to hike through overgrown dunes to get to the shore, but once you’re there, it’s remarkably quiet. You’ll see remnants of old batteries and bunkers covered in street art. It feels like the end of the world in the best way possible.
Right next door is Jacob Riis Park. The Art Deco bathhouse is a landmark for a reason—it’s stunning. In 2026, the Riis Park Beach Bazaar is still the go-to for live music and boozy coconuts. It’s also home to the famous "People’s Beach," which has historically been a vital space for the LGBTQ+ community.
How to Actually Get There Without Losing Your Mind
You have three real options, and your choice determines your entire day.
👉 See also: Woman on a Plane: What the Viral Trends and Real Travel Stats Actually Tell Us
- The NYC Ferry: This is the "luxury" route. For a few bucks, you get a boat ride from Wall Street or Sunset Park. There’s a bar on board. You can drink a beer while passing under the Verrazzano Bridge. It drops you at Beach 108th.
- The A Train: The classic. It’s long. It’s sweaty. But there is something iconic about that moment the train leaves Howard Beach and starts skimming across Jamaica Bay. Make sure you’re on the "Rockaway Park" bound train if you want to hit the 90s/100s, or the "Far Rockaway" train for the 60s.
- The OvRride Bus: Usually leaves from Brooklyn (like Union Pool) or Manhattan. It’s a straight shot, often includes a drink, and guarantees you a seat.
Things to Do in Rockaway Beach When it’s Cold
Most people vanish after Labor Day. That’s a mistake. The Rockaway Hotel + Spa on Beach 108th has turned the area into a year-round destination.
In the winter, they usually set up "Roller Rock"—a roller skating rink with DJs. Their rooftop bar is heated and offers a 360-degree view of the Atlantic and the Manhattan skyline. Seeing the city lights from across the water while tucked into a warm booth is sort of surreal.
If you’re into nature, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is right across the bridge in Broad Channel. It’s a massive stopover for migratory birds. In the colder months, it’s dead quiet and incredibly peaceful for a hike.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Don't be that person who shows up unprepared. Rockaway is a neighborhood, not a resort.
- Sunscreen: The breeze makes you feel cool, but the sun will absolutely wreck you.
- The "Beach 116th" Rule: This is the main commercial drag. If you forgot a towel, need a pharmacy, or want a classic New York bagel from Cuisine by Claudette, this is your spot.
- Check the Flags: The current is no joke. If the red flags are up, stay out of the water. The Rockaway riptides are famous for catching people off guard.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip this weekend, start by downloading the NYC Ferry app. Check the schedule early because the lines at Pier 11 can get massive on Saturdays. If you’re looking to stay overnight, book a room at the Rockaway Hotel at least three weeks in advance—it fills up fast. For those wanting to learn to surf, text Locals Surf School to see their morning availability; the water is usually calmest before 10:00 AM.