Day Trips From NYC – Let’s Go to Rockaway Beach

Summer 2020 – the one where everyone explores their own backyard. This summer we have spent our time discovering more local places like Beacon, New Paltz, the north shore of Long Island, Saratoga Springs, and Rockaway. One of the easiest and most restorative day trips from NYC is a day of sun and fun in Rockaway Beach, Queens. We go for the surfer vibe combined with killer food, a hip art scene, and a 5.5 mile boardwalk where something fun is always around the bend. So pack your beach bag and let’s go to Rockaway Beach!

Getting there:

By Car

The key to getting to the Rockaways by car is early arrival! Especially now that many people are avoiding subways, parking is limited and traffic can be a nightmare. There is a free lot on Beach 94. If you can’t get there by 10am to score one of the free street spots, your best bet is to head to the giant parking lot at Jacob Riis Park where the daily fee is $10.

By train

My favorite way to go to the Rockaways is by swiping my Metro Card on the A train. Be sure to get on the Far Rockaway A train, as the train labeled Lefferts Blvd will not get you there. Just after the JFK Howard Beach stop, you will arrive at Broad Channel (Beach 67) . For the most popular spots switch at Broad Channel for the Shuttle. It will take you to either Beach 90, Beach 98, Beach 105 or Beach 116. Sometimes, during the summer months, the switch at Broad Channel is not necessary. For the quieter beaches, remain on the A train to Far Rockaway. Train arrival anywhere on the narrow penninsula is just a short walk to the ocean beaches. Note that the subway does not go directly to Fort Tilden or Riis Park.

By Boat

The Rockaway Ferry leaves from Wall St. Pier 11 and arrives at the ferry terminal at Beach 108th St. in about an hour. There is a midway stop at Brooklyn Army terminal and the fare is a mere $2.75. On weekdays service runs once an hour and on weekends every 30 minutes. Arrival on the Jamaica Bay is about a 15 min walk to the ocean beaches.

By Bike

Biking to Rockaway Beach is my second favorite mode of transportation. Unfortunately there are no Citibike terminals in the Rockaways (yet), but if you have your own wheels, the bike paths are plentiful and will take 90 minutes from downtown BK, or 2 hours from downtown Manhattan.

By Bus

The Rockaway Beach bus (suspended summer 2020 due to COVID) might be a preferred route for your day at the beach. It stops several places in Manhattan and Brooklyn en route to Rockaway, Fort Tilden and Riis Park. Fare is $19.95 one way and $29.95 round trip. The trip includes A/C and a beverage.

COVID 19 Updates

The boardwalk and beaches are open with required face masks and social distancing. We have found it pretty easy to social distance on the beach due to reduced crowds. Most folks do not wear face masks once they get on the beach, however we felt safe by maintaining some distance. Boardwalk restrooms are open. Additionally, many of the boardwalk restaurants are open for grab and go to take to the beach. However, live music and events on the boardwalk have been suspended. Bike rentals are not currently available. I have indicated additional closures below.

Do:

• The gorgeously clean & wide beaches and boardwalk are the star activity for a day in Rockaway beach.  My favorite time to go is in September, as after Labor Day the crowds diminish  I’m a big baby about swimming and September water temperatures are perfect for me! Before choosing a location, decide what kind of beach goer you are. Take a look at the Lay of the Land below to help you decide.
• For other water loving activities, little known Rocaway Jet Ski on Jamaica Bay and Beach 92 rents Jet Skis, paddleboards or kayaks. I recommend a late afternoon reservation followed by a sunset dinner at either Thai Rock or Bungalow Bar (see below).

The Lay of the Land

There are no beach chair or umbrella rentals on Rockaway Beach. However, 116th street is lined with surf shops and there is a beach shop on the boardwalk at Beach 97. The beaches are guarded from Memorial Day to Labor Day and are open for swimming from 10am to 6pm. Restrooms and showers are open for summer 2020 and available at Beach 59, Beach 97 and Beach 116.

The Rockaway penninsula runs from Beach 3rd Street all the way through to Beach 193rd Street and ends at Breezy Point Tip. Beach 3 through Beach 67 are less populated and a great place to go if your beach vibe is “leave me alone”. Concessions and restrooms are pretty limited but you will have the beach practically to yourself.

Beach 86 – Beach 116 are the place to be if your beach vibe is “party”. Here you will find lots of great food, and lively activity. Beach 92 is great for surfer and skateboard enthusiasts. Beach 97 and Beach 106 are the hot spots to fill your belly with something delicious.

The boardwalk ends at Beach 126 and it becomes quieter again until you reach Jacob Riis Park from Beach 153- Beach 169. The art deco bathhouse and the Beach Bazaar with nightly entertainment are big draws (postponed for summer of 2020). The “People’s Beach” of Riis Park is the city’s most popular gay beach. Fort Tilden runs from Beach 170- Beach 193. Fort Tilden is an unguarded beach on an old military site that includes great hiking trails with abandoned bunkers and batteries, athletic fields and an observatory. Breezy Point, a small private bungalow colony, starts at Beach 201.

Other Activities during Non-Covid times

• I never take a trip to Rockaway beach without hitting the bike rental on the boardwalk at Boarders (Beach 97th st). After Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, more than $140 million was invested in the repair and restoration of the beach and boardwalk.   It is now more than 5 miles long and a great place for an afternoon ride. Unfortunately, in summer 2020, none of the Rockaway bike rentals are operative due to COVID restrictions. Don’t hesitate to bring your own wheels though – this part of the city is biking nirvana.
•  After a day at the beach, we love spending the evening on the boardwalk at 96th for various forms of entertainment from talent shows to live music. My teens have spent many nights on the boardwalk at Caracas singing karaoke. In addition, we have been to Movie Nights under the Stars at 94th St., and lots of live entertainment. (Note: during summer 2020, these activities are on hold due to COVID restrictions but check here for future events.)

Eat:

• We always start our day at Rockaway Beach Bakery on 87th and Rockaway Beach Blvd. Tracy’s delicious flaky croissants will not disappoint! Take your goodies to the boardwalk at Beach 92 to watch the morning surfers.
• For lunch, I recommend the food court at beach 97th or the famous arepas at Caracas on Beach 106th. You won’t find the traditional fried beach food at the food court but rather an international smorgasbord of tasty treats including Peruvian La Cevicheria, Colombian Palanque, and Mexican Super Burrito.
•  The dinner scene is also hopping. Thai Rock and Bungalow Bar are next door to each other on Jamaica Bay and a great place to be at sunset. The restaurants and bars at the brand new Rockaway Hotel promise to be a place to see and be seen. Note: Hotel is slated to open 9/15/2020. Uma’s at Beach 92 and Rockaway Beach Blvd. is a popular spot for dumplings and kabobs. Watch the A train cruise right over your head at the cool and beachy Rockaway Beach Surf Club. Note: closed summer 2020 due to COVID.

Shop:

• For your shopping fix at Rockaway Beach, head on over to Beach 116th for some unique boutiques. Rockaway Beach Surf Shop is NY’s oldest surf shop specializing in all things surf including apparel and beach items. My teens and I can roam for hours among Lola Star’s Rockaway, chock full of whimsical gifty items.
• In other spots around town, we frequent Zingara Vintage at 91st and Rockaway Blvd for the latest in vintage inspiration. For those heading to Beach 92 to either skate or surf, don’t miss Station RBNY. In addition to great service, they offer surfboard and wetsuit rentals, surf lessons and surf board lockers so you don’t have to take your board on the train.

Stay:

• Airbnb is a great option if you want to make a little staycation out of your trip to Rockaway Beach. For several years my family and I have squeaked out the last days of summer at an Airbnb between Labor Day and the start of the school year.
• The High Tide, which opened late 2018, is located in the spot that was once the Playland hotel at 98th street. It operates like an airbnb and each room is uniquely designed. You can choose the room you want and it is contactless entry.
• The Rockaway Hotel, a brand new space slated to open September 15, 2020. The 58 rooms and 8 extended stay suites have a beachy, yet urban vibe and are conveniently located halfway between the beach and the NYC ferry. The property will most certainly draw a fashionable crowd to the pool, 2 full service restaurants, and rooftop bar.