With the addition of the Rockaway Rocket, NYC Ferry riders can now get to Rockaway Beach easier than ever! To help you plan your day in Rockaway we’ve compiled a list of fun activities, unique shopping experiences, delicious food and refreshing drinks!
⛱ Activities
Jacob Riis Beach
The eastern end of the beach at Jacob Riis Park has been the most popular location for LGBTQ+ beach goers since the 1940s. As a site of activism, the beach was the location of a 1971 voter registration drive led by the Gay Activists Alliance, one of the first gay rights groups to form after the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.
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Jacob Riis Beach
Rockaway Jet Ski
Jet free-style around the bay, wind through your hair and sea spray on your face in the warm summer rays. Rockaway Jet Ski Rental offers an Adventure like no other through New York’s famous waterways. Prepare to see NYC and its attractions through a different lens!
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Rockaway Jet Ski – 375 Beach 92nd St, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693
Rockaway Beach Boardwalk
The Rockaway Boardwalk originally opened in 1931 and became a landmark of the peninsula. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the reconstruction of the boardwalk was a signal of hope that these shoreline neighborhoods would be reconnected once again. This came to fruition when the Rockaway Boardwalk opened for the 2017 Memorial Day signaling the beginning of beach season.
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Rockaway Beach Boardwalk
Surfs Up NY
Surfs Up NY is here to bring the joy of surfing to everyone. They focus on building surfing fundamentals and technique as well as teach ocean awareness and water safety. They offer a Kids Surf Camp, an adult group surf class, as well as private lessons for all ages and group sizes.
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Surfs Up NY – 106-01 Shore Front Pkwy, Queens, NY 11694
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge includes over 12,600 acres of water, saltmarshes, freshwater and brackish water ponds. It is one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern United States and is a great place to observe the seasonal bird migration as well as resident species. The Wildlife Refuge was created in the 1950s by NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Robert Moses. This site became part of the National Park Service in 1972.
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Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge – 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Queens, NY 11693
Spa Rockaway
Not a beach day but still want that oceanside relaxation? Head to Spa Rockaway for a dose of rejuvenation. They offer a variety of therapeutic services to relax including Facials, Skin Care, Massage Therapy, and more!
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Spa Rockaway – 112-20 Beach Channel Dr, Rockaway Park, NY 11694
? Shopping
Rockaway Beach Surf Shop
Rockaway Beach Surf Shop is the largest Surf Shop in the NYC area. They have been around for more than 40 years owned and operated by a local family from Rockaway Beach.
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Rockaway Beach Surf Shop – 177 Beach 116th St, Rockaway Park, NY 11694
Zingara Vintage
Zingara Vintage features an array of vintage treasures and a highly curated selection of vintage clothing from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Owner Erin Silvers also magically transforms old terry-cloth robes into stylish bikinis and miniskirts and sells them at popups at local businesses in Rockaway and around New York.
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Zingara Vintage – 202 Beach 91st St, Queens, NY 11693
Sovereign Surf & Coffee
Located in a 1971 Airstream Trailer and shipping container just steps away from the ferry landing, Sovereign Surf & Coffee offers new & used boards, sustainably-made surf products, vintage clothing, records, and great coffee! If you bring back one of your coffee cups or provide your own cup, Sovereign Surf & Coffee will give you a dollar off your coffee purchase as an incentive to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
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Sovereign Surf & Coffee – 111-30 Beach Channel Dr, Queens, NY 11694
Station RBNY
Station RBNY is all about surfing, skateboarding, and about the Rockaway Beach community. Over 25 years of surf and skate industry knowledge by the owner went into the planning of the store. They provide boards for sale, rentals, lessons, board lockers, repairs, and more for your time at Rockaway Beach.
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Station RBNY – 91-08 B Rockaway Beach Blvd, Far Rockaway, NY 11693
? Food & Drink
Tacoway Beach
A popular hangout of Rockaway Beach goers, this taco joint is located inside Rockaway Beach Surf Club.The fish tacos are a fan favorite served fried to a delicate crisp with pickled veggies and guac.
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Tacoway Beach – 302 Beach 87th St, Queens, NY 11693
Bungalow Bar
Another popular beachside spot, this laid-back bar will satisfy all your cravings. They serve boozy brunch, great seafood, and a number of drink choices. Hang out on their outdoor deck with a tiki bar, live music, and DJs every weekend. We can’t forget to mention their amazing panoramic waterfront views!
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Bungalow Bar – 377 Beach 92nd St, Queens, NY 11693
The Cradle NYC
Babajide Alao and Pesy Therese curated The Cradle Nyc through their passion for healthy eating and living a healthy lifestyle. They are sharing with the world traditional African food with a modern twist. Creating a space that influences diversity and explores different cultures was the foundation for their vision.
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The Cradle NYC – 194 Beach 96th St, Queens, NY 11693
Rockaway Brewing Co.
Started by Rockaway locals who began home-brewing in their backyards so that they’d have something to sip on after a day of surfing, Rockaway Brewing was born. The brewery provides an expansive taproom and front yard with picnic tables and high tops. They also host food residencies and pop-ups (tacos, pizza, burgers, and brats), and live music on weekends.
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Rockaway Brewing Co. – 415 B 72 St, Queens, NY 11692
Rockaway Beach Bakery
Start your morning with a sugary kick at Rockaway Beach Bakery. Croissants, muffins, pecan-topped sticky buns, and plenty of creative specials are baked fresh each morning for a grab-and-go breakfast to keep you fueled as you head to the beach for the day.
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Rockaway Beach Bakery – 87-10 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Queens, NY 11693
Cuisine By Claudette
Healthy eaters will love this seasonal restaurant! Choose a main like baked salmon or grilled lemon chicken and fill up your plate with hot and cold sides like refreshing slaws and salads. Juices, smoothies, and acai bowls are other health conscious options, plus you can take a side of baba ganoush or hummus to-go as a beach day snack.
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Cuisine By Claudette – 143 Beach 116th St, Queens, NY 11694
Uma’s
This central Asian restaurant quickly became a favorite for Rockaway residents and beach goers. Uzbek, Russian, and other Silk Road staples are all on the menu, including various iterations of dumplings, kebabs and, of course, borscht for your mid-beach binge.
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Uma’s – 92-07 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Far Rockaway, NY 11693
Mara’s Ice Cream Parlor
Mara’s Ice Cream Parlor is a family owned and operated ice cream shop on Beach street. They serve unique flavors, milkshakes, sundaes and Italian ice in a laid back eclectic space. Their backyard is the perfect spot to enjoy your treat on a summer day in Rockaway.
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