Rockaway Beach is a best location for tourists. In recent years, million beach lovers visited this place. This beach provides both beach walks and city access in one place, and you can enjoy surfing. The view of this place makes it attractive for visitors. Tourists are enjoy their weekends by participating in activities like swimming and kite flying. This beach provides a variety of foods and drinks and making it the best place for food lovers. It offers a stress-free beach vibe with local conveniences and food.
Where Is Rockaway Beach Located?
Rockaways Beach is located on the Rockaway Peninsula in queens. This is the largest beach in the US. This beach shares its boundaries along the Atlantic Ocean for several miles. The central address for this area is 8601 Shore Front Parkway.
Tourist can easily access this place through ferries and subways. These local transport offers scenic rides to their customers. There are some landmarks present near this rockaway beach which will guide you in the right direction, and these landmarks are Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Jacob Riis Park, Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge, and Fort Tilden.
History of Rockaway Beach
Rockaway is the name that is derived from Lenape words like Reckonwacky, which means “the place of our own people” and this world highlights the natural, watery environment of this place. Early 19th century, this place was developed as a popular summer getaway, which was then available for steam ferry and later by the Long Island Rail Road.
In the early stages, this place was isolated, and only the rich families could visit this place, but after the extension of the railroad line in the late 1900s, this place became accessible to the wider public. In the mid-late 20th century, its decline and transformation phase started. But in recent years, Rockaway Beach has again been revived due to media coverage and the rush of artists and surfers from many parts of NYC. The summer ferry service from Manhattan provides further access to this place.
Best Time to Visit Rockaway Beach
The best time to visit this place is the third quarter. At this time, visitors can enjoy their holidays fullest. The warm weather and all beach sports are available at this time, including swimming, but a little crowd can be seen. The time between September to November(Fall) is great for surfing, and the crowd is also minimal. From December to February(Winter), visitors can easily watch whales swimming in the sea and enjoy the cozy stays without any crowds. The season from March to May(Spring) is best for hiking, with vibrant scenery without any crowds.
Top Things to Do at Rockaway Beach
Surfing at Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is a main location for surfing in New York City. This is the only legal surfing spot in queens. This is a dream place for all surf lovers because it offers all levels of waves from low to high. During late summer, these waves get more powerful, which attracts experienced surfers from other states. This is a fun activity that everyone wants to experience in their lives, that why this beach also has some surf schools where beginners can learn surfing.
Swimming and Sunbathing
This beach offers an area where you can go for swimming and enjoy sunbathing both. The best time to visit this place is the third quarter. It is best to do these activities under a Lifeguide, and the timings are 10 am to 6 pm daily. This beach provides swimming classes. The water quality is also good for ocean swimming, and the waves are normal close to the beach.
Snorkeling and Ocean Activities
The beach offers water activities and snorkeling. Tourists can enjoy activities like kayaking & stunning sunsets. The clear water and lower waves give you full enjoyment of snorkeling. You can experience the underwater life, including marine animals & deeper scuba diving.
Walking along Rockaway Beach at Sunset
Tourists can walk on the boardwalk with a beautiful sunset. They can eat from the nearby food stores and explore shops. This place offers a variety of beachside food & drink stores. Walking with your family and friends while enjoying the sunset is the best part of this beach.
Popular Attractions Near Rockaway Beach
Some of the popular and beautiful places near Rockaway Beach are mentioned below:
Nature & Outdoors
- Cedar Wetlands Preserve: It is a place where tourists can enjoy nature & outdoors. This place offers hiking through the virgin forest. This can be the best experience for many people who are visiting this place for the first time.
- Lake Lidle: Lake Lidle is a place best suited for fishing. This is a place for exploring nature.
- Neahkahnie Mountain: Neahkahnie Mountain is the best spot for hiking lovers. This place offers you the stunning coastal views with fresh winds hitting your face. This mountain gives you access to multiple viewpoints from a single place.
Activities & Fun
- Tourists who want to explore fun activities can visit Kelly’s Brighton Marina & Jetty Marina. This place gives you fishing and crabbing.
- People can also visit the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad for the train travel. This trip gives you memories that you can save.
- Rockaway Beach Surf Club is the best place because they provide you best experience of surfing with proper guidance and training. Tourists can also learn surfing from a professional at reasonable prices.
Nearby Towns & Sights
- People who want to see the nearby towns & sights like famous Haystack Rock, then they can visit Cannon Beach.
- People who want to explore the beautiful forest coastline can visit Oswald West State Park. This place offers beautiful beaches. Walking on the coastline and the stunning view of the ocean and forest make you feel good.
Food and Dining at Rockaway Beach
Below are some of the points mentioned:
Iconic Boardwalk & Beach Eats (NYC Side)
- The beach offers a variety of food and dining options to all tourists. Enjoying the food of Rippers, which is famous for fast food.
- Tacoway Beach is another place where you can enjoy the taste of tacos.
- Rockaway Beach Bakery is a famous place for baked products. The atmosphere was friendly and super helpful. The interior has a great beachy feel with cute little sitting options.
- Bungalow Bar is a place where you can drink and try different types of food options with a pleasant view.
Iconic Boardwalk & Beach Eats (Oregon Side)
- There are some restaurants that are famous for different food items. This is a restaurant that offers a variety of food options to its customers.
- For those who eat meat and like smoked meat, Old Oregon Smoke House is the best place for dining for these people. Tourists can have parties with their friends. They can enjoy a new taste of smoked meat from a famous restaurant.
- For some of the Mexican food lovers, Barview Jetty Taqueria is the best place for dining and drinking. Most of the Mexican people come to this place for dining and drinking their favorite food & drinks.
Hotels and Resorts Near Rockaway Beach
Below are some of the best hotels and resorts mentioned:
Luxury Beachfront Resorts
For luxury beachfront resorts and hotels, tourists must look for the following options:
- Rockaway Beach House: This is a five star beach house with free parking. In this cost, you will get free Wi-Fi in all rooms, a balcony, fishing, water sports (non-motorized), and a game room.
- Lake Marie Lodge: This is another 4-star hotel that offers a range of facilities, such as a beach, free Wi-Fi, front desk [24-hour], smoke-free property, air conditioning in public areas, heating, smoke detector, and English spoken.
Mid-range Hotels
For mid-range hotels, tourists must look for the following options:
- Silver Sands: This is a 3-star hotel that provides multiple facilities, such as a beach, free Wi-Fi, free parking, non-smoking rooms, daily housekeeping, heating, a vending machine, and CCTV in common areas.
- Surfside Resort: This is another 3-star resort that offers facilities such as a beach, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, free parking, family room, pets allowed, non-smoking rooms, and daily housekeeping.
- Tradewinds Motel: This is a 1-star hotel that offers services like free Wi-Fi, free parking, a family room, a garden, cycling, non-smoking rooms, and a game room.
Travel Tips for Visiting Rockaway Beach
Below are some of the main travel tips mentioned:
Safety Tips
- For Swimming: Always be updated about the ocean waves and try to swim under a lifeguard’s supervision.
- Secure Valuables: For protecting your phone and cash, always carry a waterproof pouch or hide items under towels and use a retractable cable lock.
- Protect Yourself: Always carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and a water bottle with you. These things help you in protecting your skin from sunburn and help you enjoy freely in direct sunlight.
- Be Aware: While swimming and surfing, always watch for sharp rocks. Follow all the surfing etiquette for better and safer surfing. Always follow the guidance of your trainers.
What to Pack
- Sun Protection: AT the time of packing, always carry these things to protect yourself from direct sunlight. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Beach Gear: Always carry these things with you while going for swimming or surfing at the seaside. These things include towels, a beach blanket, water shoes, and a waterproof bag.
- Hydration/Food: Always carry a water bottle with electrolytes in it, including food items for lunch.
- Entertainment: Carry a book, sports gear, a camera, and a bike for entertainment. Use them while exploring the beach and taking a sunbath.
Beach Etiquette
- Always give respect to the locals and be humble, and follow the surf rules and regulations.
- Always keep your area clean and collect all trash and throw it into the dustbin.
Saving Money
- If you want to save your money while exploring the beach, just pack your own food and drinks. This decision will save you a lot of money, and always try local, cheaper food trucks.
- Prefer walking or cycling on the boardwalk instead of paying for parking.
- Visiting these places during weekdays or off-peak seasons can save a lot of money with fewer crowds. This time you can enjoy these breaches to the fullest.
- Never buy sun protection items from beach shops because they will cost you way high the normal price.
Conclusion
Rockaway Beach offers the best place to explore the seaside beaches & scenic view. Tourists enjoy various fun activities at the beach site. Tourists who are visiting Rockaway Beach can not be bored because this place has a lot of popular attractions to explore and food items to eat. If you are wondering about places to stay, then don’t be hopeless. Rockaway Beach has a lot of luxurious hotels and restaurants at a cost-effective price. This is all about Rockaway Beach, and I hope you get all the information regarding Rockaway Beach that will make your travel much smoother.