The Best Things to Do in Rockaway Beach for a New York Getaway Just Beyond Coney Island

13.07.2024 - 07:13 / cntraveler.com

Queens's skinny, 11-mile-long beach peninsula of Rockaway Beach, on the south side of Long Island, was known in the early 20th century as New York’s Playground. That's thanks to its amusement park, clapboard bungalows, and grand boardwalk resorts, all once frequented by the Vanderbilts and Astors. These days, you won’t find the brahmin—but you will find a vibrant New York City beach destination with waterside burger and seafood shacks (bring your appetite), bars with live music, and, nearby, the timeless South Brooklyn landmark that is Coney Island. Easily accessible from Manhattan—it’s just an hour’s drive or an enjoyable 45-minute ferry ride from Wall Street’s Pier 11—the Rockaways are a perfect summer surfing haven complete with subway access.

Lessons operation Skudin Surf is helmed by pro surfer Will Skudin.

The sprawling, 5.5-mile public beachfront extends from Far Rockaway’s Beach 9th to Beach 149th Street (and the ferry disembarks at 108th). Those traveling by car can park at Fort Tilden, a historic pocket once used to protect New York Harbor, and still dotted with old bunker sites. In case you needed even more of a reason to finally plan a visit, this season’s Greetings From Rockaway concert series at the Rockaway Hotel will headline 25 acts including the Oregonian rock duo STRFKR, crooning surfer Donavon Frankenreiter, and electronic pair Thievery Corporation.

For beachy duds, Zingara Vintage has you covered—plus, its owner Erin Silver also transforms vintage YSL and Pendelton towels into one-of-a-kind pieces. The Supply Shop at the Rockaway Hotel stocks products from Cali-based Mollusk Surf, DS Durga’s Rockaway cologne and locally-owned Goldie’s Natural Beauty items. To channel the cool kids, the Almeda Club, a members-only surf-wellness spot, has an e-commerce site with limited edition tees and sweatshirts.

Each soft-sandy stretch has its own vibe: Riis Park’s People's Beach for instance, has been LGBTQ and BIPOC-friendly since the 1940s. While big winter swells cater to true-blue surfers, summer ushers in gentler beginner sets. Both Skudin Surf (helmed by pro surfer Will Skudin) and Seasons Surf NYC offer top-notch instruction. For boating, Yach Rock Charters—with a handsome 39” pilot schooner—is lovely for a sunset cruise; and the occasional dolphin and whale sighting. Or escape the crowds for Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, a surprisingly tranquil 9,000-acre site with salt marshes and woods; and home to a thriving osprey population.

Adrienne's polished new waterfront deck is a favorite for sipping spritzes over live music.

The Italian-ish menu includes seafood fare like snow crab served with mis butter.

You won’t go hungry in Rockaway. At 16-years-old, Bungalow Bar reigns supreme as the