I’ve been exploring ways to make summer days in New York City feel like a genuine getaway, even when a big trip isn’t possible. It turns out that even within the city limits, you can find places that offer a real sense of escape. For those times when you crave the simple pleasures of sun, sand, and the ocean without leaving the five boroughs, the Rockaways are a surprisingly accessible option.
Getting to the Rockaways
I’ve found that getting to the Rockaways is part of the adventure, and there are a few convenient ways to reach this unique stretch of New York City coastline. One of the most enjoyable methods I’ve uncovered is the NYC Ferry. It departs from Wall Street/Pier 11 in Manhattan and the Brooklyn Army Terminal. The ride itself is a treat, offering nice breezes and great views of the city skyline and harbor before you arrive at Beach 108th Street. It’s a relaxing way to start your beach day.
If you prefer to travel by subway, the A train makes a direct run to the Rockaways. You can then transfer to the S shuttle at Broad Channel, which will take you to various beach access points. For those who like to drive, the Rockaways are accessible via the Belt Parkway and Cross Bay Boulevard. However, I’ve learned that parking can be quite challenging on busy summer weekends, so factor that into your planning if you choose this option.
Good to Know: The NYC Ferry is a very scenic and often less crowded way to reach the Rockaways compared to the subway on busy days.
A Staycation Option
For a comfortable staycation experience right near the beach, I’ve been looking into The Rockaway Hotel and Spa. It’s described as a trendy boutique property with a modern, beachy feel, located just a few blocks from the shore. The hotel offers several dining options, a pool, and a spa, making it a convenient base for a short getaway.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Margie’s, apparently serves American cuisine with a coastal influence, often using locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also enjoy meals by the pool. For a special treat, I’ve noted that their rooftop bar is open on weekends and offers lovely views of the ocean and city skyline. They have a menu of craft cocktails, local beers, and light bites that sound perfect for watching the sunset.
If you’re looking for some relaxation after a day at the beach, the spa at The Rockaway Hotel offers massages, body treatments, facials, and an infrared sauna. Even if you aren’t booking a treatment, you can use the saunas located by the pool. I think having these amenities so close to the beach makes a staycation feel truly indulgent.
📊 Key Details at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Accommodation Type | Boutique Hotel & Spa |
| Key Features | Rooftop Bar, Pool, Spa, On-site Dining |
| Proximity to Beach | A few blocks |
Breakfast Bites
For those planning an overnight stay, The Rockaway Hotel has a Pool House that serves a light breakfast, which sounds convenient for travelers. If you’re heading to the beach early to beat the crowds, especially for the ferry, I’ve found that Rockaway Bagels is a great spot. It’s located on the north side of the island, close to both the ferry stop and the Rockaway Park-Beach 116th Street subway station.
I think grabbing a freshly baked bagel sandwich, perhaps with ham, egg, and cheese, along with a coffee from Rockaway Bagels would be a perfect way to fuel up for a beach day. For those getting off the train at the Beach 90th Street stop, Rockaway Roasters is another promising option. It’s a coffee shop and juice bar that also offers a variety of bakery items, as well as acai and pitaya bowls. I’ve also read that you can place mobile orders ahead of time from Rockaway Roasters if you’re in a hurry to get your spot on the sand.
💡 Quick Tips
- Grab breakfast early to avoid long lines at popular spots.
- Consider mobile ordering if available to save time.
- Look for spots near your chosen beach access point.
Fueling Up for Lunch
When you need a break from the sun, there are some really interesting lunch spots in the Rockaways. Tacoway Beach is one that caught my eye. It operates out of a shipping container in a yard filled with picnic tables and is only open during the summer. I gather it’s a popular place, and I’ve heard their fried fish tacos, served with cabbage slaw, guacamole, and a spicy cilantro lime salsa, are a must-try. I’m also told you should try their fresh watermelon juice here.
On the eastern end of Rockaway Beach, Rippers is another reliable choice for classic beach food. The burger is a top recommendation, and their cheese fries sound delicious too. For groups or if you want more variety, the 97th Street beach bazaar is a good destination, housing a location of Red Hook Lobster Pound. You can get both cold Maine lobster rolls and Connecticut-style rolls there. Don’t forget to try the fries, though I’ve read you might have to watch out for seagulls!
Another fantastic option I’ve discovered for lunch, or even dinner, is found at the Beach 105th Street concessions. This spot serves the arepas and empanadas from Caracas, a popular Venezuelan eatery. They are also known for their unique twisted frozen Sangria. I’ve also read that they often have live music and DJs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, making it a great place to hang out longer.
If you’re spending your day at Jacob Riis Park, located on the far southwest end of the peninsula, Pico is a Mexican kitchen and cantina that’s not too far from the shore. Their brunch fare sounds particularly appealing, with the chorizo egg and cheese being a requested item. A round or two of Margaritas would likely be a perfect complement to that.
When planning your lunch, be prepared for crowds, especially on summer weekends at the most popular spots.
Dinner and Drinks
As the day winds down, I’ve been looking for places to enjoy dinner before heading home. Margie’s, located in The Rockaway Hotel, is a highly recommended option. The dining room is described as bright with modern nautical vibes, and the menu features classic American and Italian plates with some Asian-inspired flavors. Oysters are always a good idea here, and I’m intrigued by their cocktail menu. For a sweet ending, their elevated Irish Coffee and a hot skillet chocolate chip cookie sound like a delightful combination.
Just down the street, Whit’s End offers a cozy, rustic setting for pizza. It’s known for its wood-fired pies and live music, and it’s also BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle). I’ve heard their baked clams are exceptional, and the backyard area is a great place to relax after a day by the shore. For those seeking something outside of typical American fare, Uma’s on Beach 92nd Street is a lively Uzbek restaurant. They specialize in pirozhki, which are pastries filled with ingredients like green cabbage or beef and rice. Their yogurt sauce is apparently quite popular, and dishes like their manti (dumplings) and borscht are noted.
For a refreshing drink, Connolly’s Bar on Beach 95th Street is an Irish surfer pub where I’ve read you can enjoy a frozen Piña Colada. It’s a local institution, and I was happy to learn that the new owners preserved the original recipe after the pub was sold a few years ago.
Sayra’s, a wine bar on Beach 91st Street, sounds like a wonderfully calm spot for an after-beach drink. It’s described as Black and women-owned, offering small plates and a large wine selection, with frosé also being a popular choice. The shaded patio sounds inviting for sharing a bottle of wine and some tapas. They also have happy hour specials that I plan to check out.
Another waterfront institution is Bungalow Bar at Beach 92nd Street. Here, you can relax on a grassy patio or a large deck overlooking Jamaica Bay. They serve items like fried shrimp and fresh mussels, and an alcoholic Arnold Palmer is a recommended pairing. The live music adds to the atmosphere, making it a great spot to unwind.
Thinking about a simple outing with Emma and Sofia, I often wonder about places where everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy themselves without too much fuss. The Rockaways seem to offer a good mix of casual spots that could work well. While Sofia, my older daughter, might appreciate some of the trendier food options, I always keep Emma’s preferences in mind, looking for familiar and easy choices. It’s about finding that balance for a relaxed family day out that feels like a true escape from our normal routines.
As I’m planning potential family outings, I often look for places that offer a bit of ease and comfort, especially when traveling with children. The Rockaways seem to present a variety of settings, from casual beachside eateries to slightly more upscale options like the hotel. I imagine a day here could involve a mix – perhaps a fun lunch from a food truck followed by a relaxed dinner. It’s how I try to make trips enjoyable for everyone, ensuring there are moments of simple pleasure for both Emma and Sofia, and for Mark and me too. I find that having options available, like the different dining and drinking spots mentioned, really helps in creating a successful outing. Exploring new places is exciting, but knowing there are reliable, family-friendly choices makes the planning much smoother.
I’ve found that when researching destinations, having clear information about transportation and accessibility is crucial, especially for family travel. The Rockaways being reachable by the NYC Ferry or subway is a big plus. It means we don’t necessarily need to rely on a car, which can simplify logistics when traveling with younger children. I’m also always on the lookout for places that offer a pleasant atmosphere without being overly complicated. The descriptions of places like Bungalow Bar, with its waterfront deck, or even the casual outdoor seating at Tacoway Beach, sound like they could be enjoyable for the whole family.
What are the best ways to get around the Rockaways?
I’ve gathered that the most scenic way to arrive is often by the NYC Ferry, which offers great views. For subway travel, the A train is your primary option, with transfers available to shuttle buses for beach access. If you plan to drive, be aware that parking can be difficult during peak times.
I am always looking for ways to make our trips as smooth as possible, and understanding transportation options is a key part of that. The ease of access to the Rockaways, whether by ferry or subway, seems to be a significant advantage for visitors who may not want the hassle of driving and parking in a busy area during the summer months. This makes it feel more like a spontaneous outing rather than a major expedition.
Where can I find good breakfast spots?
If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast, Rockaway Bagels is a popular choice near the ferry and subway stops, offering classic bagel sandwiches. Rockaway Roasters provides coffee, juices, baked goods, and bowls for those near the Beach 90th Street area.
When I’m planning a trip, especially with kids, having convenient breakfast options is important. The idea of grabbing a substantial bagel sandwich before hitting the beach sounds very appealing. It’s a simple, reliable meal that can keep everyone happy and energized for the morning’s activities.
Are there good family-friendly lunch options?
Yes, places like Tacoway Beach are known for their casual, outdoor seating and popular fish tacos, making them a fun lunch spot. The 97th Street beach bazaar offers a variety of vendors, including Red Hook Lobster Pound. Caracas, at Beach 105th Street, serves arepas and empanadas.
I’ve also found that places with outdoor seating are often more relaxed when dining with children, as it allows them a bit more freedom to move around. The casual nature of spots like Tacoway Beach or the bazaar on 97th Street seems well-suited for a family outing after spending time in the sand and surf.
What are some dinner recommendations?
For dinner, Margie’s at The Rockaway Hotel offers American and Italian dishes with coastal influences. Whit’s End is a cozy pizzeria known for its wood-fired pies and BYOB policy. Uma’s provides Uzbek cuisine with dishes like pirozhki and manti.
It’s always good to have a range of dinner options, from something a bit more refined like Margie’s to a very relaxed vibe at Whit’s End. The variety, including the unique Uzbek flavors at Uma’s, means there’s likely something to satisfy different tastes and moods.
Can I get a drink at the beach?
Yes, Connolly’s Bar is an Irish pub famous for its frozen Piña Coladas. Sayra’s is a wine bar offering small plates and refreshing drinks like frosé. Bungalow Bar is a waterfront spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and drinks overlooking Jamaica Bay.
I have found that knowing where to grab a drink after a long day can really enhance a trip. Places like Sayra’s, with its wine selection and tapas, or Bungalow Bar, with its bay views, sound like perfect spots to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. Connolly’s offers a more classic beachside pub feel.
As I continue to explore accessible getaways within reach, the Rockaways stand out as a destination that offers a genuine beach experience without requiring a lengthy journey. The combination of easy transportation, a variety of dining options, and the simple pleasure of ocean air makes it a compelling choice for a summer day trip or a short staycation.
