Rockaways
4.5
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How to get there
- Beach 90th St • 2 min walk
- Beach 98th St • 7 min walk
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83 within 5 kms
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127 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
33 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
14
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
TangoNY
Great Neck, NY437 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Rockaways Beach and all the Rockaways peninsula has lived through much renaissance and boost in popularity. Many things have improved after hurricane Sandy ravished this area in 2012.
Rockaways now has an amazing 5 mile paved boardwalk. There is a route by NYC ferry on Beach 108th Street that take one to Manhattan in under an hour with no traffic jams. It’s a total pleasure to ride it!
Rockaways sections of Breeze Point and Belle Harbour that were much flooded and decimated by hurricane Sandy are all now back and better then ever.
Moreover, the Arverne By The Sea billion dollar development since 2002 has completely changed Rockaways. ABTS now boasts several hundred homes and it continue to expand with new ultra luxury condo complex Aurora which is expected to complete in 2025.
On top of all these major new capital investments and additions, Rockaways small mom-and-pop restaurants and shops springer into life all around.
Beach 116 street has added ocean front condos and new shops.
Beach 108 Street now has a great new boutique hotel with pools and restaurants.
Below Beach 56th Street there are new parks and an nature center for public access.
And of course, the Rockaways would not be the Rockaways without a pristine open ocean that never stops to amaze. Piping plovers and seagulls nest here. Whales and dolphins pass by in the near water and on a clear day one can see them enjoy the clear waters in the near distance.
The ocean beaches here are beautiful. It does not even feel like this area is part of NY City Queens… it feels like far and less populated areas of Long Island.
Many people are attracted to this are because of an easy access by public transportation and only few minutes from Brooklyn or Queens. Others love this area for a quick and nice retreat from hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Other yet just love the beauty of local ocean beaches. And many come here to surf all year round.
We Highly recommend this area! Come and enjoy what Rockaways has to offer!
Rockaways now has an amazing 5 mile paved boardwalk. There is a route by NYC ferry on Beach 108th Street that take one to Manhattan in under an hour with no traffic jams. It’s a total pleasure to ride it!
Rockaways sections of Breeze Point and Belle Harbour that were much flooded and decimated by hurricane Sandy are all now back and better then ever.
Moreover, the Arverne By The Sea billion dollar development since 2002 has completely changed Rockaways. ABTS now boasts several hundred homes and it continue to expand with new ultra luxury condo complex Aurora which is expected to complete in 2025.
On top of all these major new capital investments and additions, Rockaways small mom-and-pop restaurants and shops springer into life all around.
Beach 116 street has added ocean front condos and new shops.
Beach 108 Street now has a great new boutique hotel with pools and restaurants.
Below Beach 56th Street there are new parks and an nature center for public access.
And of course, the Rockaways would not be the Rockaways without a pristine open ocean that never stops to amaze. Piping plovers and seagulls nest here. Whales and dolphins pass by in the near water and on a clear day one can see them enjoy the clear waters in the near distance.
The ocean beaches here are beautiful. It does not even feel like this area is part of NY City Queens… it feels like far and less populated areas of Long Island.
Many people are attracted to this are because of an easy access by public transportation and only few minutes from Brooklyn or Queens. Others love this area for a quick and nice retreat from hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Other yet just love the beauty of local ocean beaches. And many come here to surf all year round.
We Highly recommend this area! Come and enjoy what Rockaways has to offer!
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Five Road Trippers 🚙🎡🎢🧳
Long Island, NY15,181 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
I drove across a good portion of the peninsula on August 1st. The afternoon into early evening was at Riis Park. It was very crowded. Just driving west through Belle Harbor, there were plenty of cyclists heading back from the beach. I drove west and crossed the Cross Bay Bridge. Very crowded area on a Saturday during the summer.
Written 24 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
New York City, NY616 contributions
Sep 2020
TIP: Clear weather can be key to having a beautiful experience.
With social distancing rules and staying indoors so much in 2020 it was a real treat to have an instant "Vacation" day with this scenic ferry ride.
We left from pier 11 at the East River. --just below the Wall Street intersection.
The fare is so affordable at $2.75 per adult.
The waterway was beautiful ....seeing the tip of Manhattan, passing Governor's Island, seeing the NY skyline the Statue of Liberty off to our side, passing various parts of Brooklyn, going under the Verrazzano- Narrow's Bridge, passing by the amusements at Coney Island. Then one later we pulled n to the dock at Rockaway. Straight ahead from the Ferry Terminal was the beautiful beach (restrooms are along the walkway there). If we had chosen to walk too our right of the Ferry dock there would be some shops to see in a commercial section. Apparently there are also little jitney-shuttles that can take you to other parts of the beach or town. We simply headed for the beach itself. Fist we sat on the benches just enjoying the sea views. Next we moved down to the beach itself to watch some of our friends swim.
It was a beautiful day and it really felt like a vacation (so close to Manhattan but it felt so far).
With social distancing rules and staying indoors so much in 2020 it was a real treat to have an instant "Vacation" day with this scenic ferry ride.
We left from pier 11 at the East River. --just below the Wall Street intersection.
The fare is so affordable at $2.75 per adult.
The waterway was beautiful ....seeing the tip of Manhattan, passing Governor's Island, seeing the NY skyline the Statue of Liberty off to our side, passing various parts of Brooklyn, going under the Verrazzano- Narrow's Bridge, passing by the amusements at Coney Island. Then one later we pulled n to the dock at Rockaway. Straight ahead from the Ferry Terminal was the beautiful beach (restrooms are along the walkway there). If we had chosen to walk too our right of the Ferry dock there would be some shops to see in a commercial section. Apparently there are also little jitney-shuttles that can take you to other parts of the beach or town. We simply headed for the beach itself. Fist we sat on the benches just enjoying the sea views. Next we moved down to the beach itself to watch some of our friends swim.
It was a beautiful day and it really felt like a vacation (so close to Manhattan but it felt so far).
Written 1 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Five Road Trippers 🚙🎡🎢🧳
Long Island, NY15,181 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
Nice, clean beaches. There is pride in the community with upkeep on the boardwalks. The Rockaway Beach neighborhood is on the up & up. There's plenty to see.
My old stomping grounds were Rockaway Park. Quieter neighborhood with a couple of subway stations. We used to drink on the beach all night and then go back to my friend's apartment. It really wasn't his apartment, it was his grandmother's. The building was nice with a pool and across the street from the beach. It was five people of three generations sharing a two bedroom rent stabilized apartment. This friend lived in tight quarters years. 18 years later he's a multi millionaire.
I recommend visiting Rockaway Brewing in Rockaway Beach. There are some cool dive bars in the area. Parking can be an issue when the weather is nice. You can also take the A train or a number of buses. There is also a ferry from Manhattan.
My old stomping grounds were Rockaway Park. Quieter neighborhood with a couple of subway stations. We used to drink on the beach all night and then go back to my friend's apartment. It really wasn't his apartment, it was his grandmother's. The building was nice with a pool and across the street from the beach. It was five people of three generations sharing a two bedroom rent stabilized apartment. This friend lived in tight quarters years. 18 years later he's a multi millionaire.
I recommend visiting Rockaway Brewing in Rockaway Beach. There are some cool dive bars in the area. Parking can be an issue when the weather is nice. You can also take the A train or a number of buses. There is also a ferry from Manhattan.
Written 8 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Five Road Trippers 🚙🎡🎢🧳
Long Island, NY15,181 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
The Rockaway Peninsula has always been a special place to my father. When he was growing up, my grandparents would rent bungalow there in the summer. Unfortunately, the area became an area of urban decay. There are beautiful areas and there are slums with plenty of section 8 housing projects. Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, and Belle Harbor are the nicer areas. Clean beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kitty272727
312 contributions
Dec 2018 • Friends
Take the ferry from Pier 11 Wall Street. During the 55 minutes you will have a clear view of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Coney Island, and Red Hook. At B108 Street walk to the boardwalk and beach (5 minutes). You can stay here for swimming and sun or walk towards B105 for concessions, bathhouses, and a pavilion, or go farther towards the B90s for surfing.The pavilions at B105 and B96 have arepas and salteñas and lots of drinks. Or go inland a block for a nice array of sit-down restaurants.
You can go back on the ferry, or take the A train at B116, B105, or B98 (about 75 minutes to Times Square). Do not consider driving here in season.
We live here part-time and really like it in all seasons. A winter walk on the uncrowded boardwalk to see the sky and the waves is unparalleled. Summer is great too.
You can go back on the ferry, or take the A train at B116, B105, or B98 (about 75 minutes to Times Square). Do not consider driving here in season.
We live here part-time and really like it in all seasons. A winter walk on the uncrowded boardwalk to see the sky and the waves is unparalleled. Summer is great too.
Written 27 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AllisonA0523
Toledo, OH100 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
Great Atlantic beach area. The beach is clean and there are plenty of garbage cans for trash. There are bathrooms and food stands every so often along the beach. Parking can be a bit challenging like most places in NYC. I would recommend stopping here.
Written 26 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion S
New York City, NY90 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
It's a known fact that lots of tourists take the Staten Island ferry to get a good look (for free) at the Statue of Liberty. Now for $2.75 you can get a ferry to New York's iconic "surfer" beach. The ride is beautiful and takes you under the Verrazzano Bridge (the longest suspension bridge in the Americas). You also get a stunning view with ample time to take photos of Coney Island. You also pass parts of the Gateway National Park in Jamaica Bay. When you arrive at your destination, your just a couple of blocks to the beach. It's fun and easy. Even if you don't have time to spend the day frolicking in the ocean, it's worth it just to take the trip and get your feet wet.
Written 21 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea W
54 contributions
Sep 2017
My roommate is from Hawaii so he comes here to surf all summer/fall. He tracks waves and stuff, so when he found a day that was small waves, he invited me and a few other first timers along.
The waves are perfect! Not too big, and not too small.
If you typically frequent more busy beaches (Coney Island) and are looking for a quieter beach, this one is lovely.
We drove there, but you could easily take the subway or ferry. Surf shop is the street right after the subway on the way to the beach. There are bathrooms and places to change right on the beach.
The waves are perfect! Not too big, and not too small.
If you typically frequent more busy beaches (Coney Island) and are looking for a quieter beach, this one is lovely.
We drove there, but you could easily take the subway or ferry. Surf shop is the street right after the subway on the way to the beach. There are bathrooms and places to change right on the beach.
Written 28 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robena02
Rockaway Park, NY3 contributions
Nov 2016 • Solo
You can take the ferry from Manhattan and Brooklyn and spend a great day at the beach. The Rockaways are a safe place to spend time in the sun. It's a million dollar view of Manhattan skyline and you travel under two bridges when you take the ferry. Can't understand why anyone wouldn't want to come to walk along the shore.
Written 13 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorothy C
6 contributions
What are the hours the ferry goes to the city and where can I get it in the city?
Dorothy C
6 contributions
What are the hours in the Fall and Winter that the Ferry in Breezy Point goes to the city and where can I get it in the city?
gordon f
Raleigh, NC156 contributions
I can only answer the 2nd part of the question. The Ferry departs at Pier 11 on the East River, near Wall St. The fare is $2.75 ow. The final stop is Rockaway Park 108 Street. At this time it departs once per hour.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rockaways
- Hotels near Rockaways:
- (0.21 km) The Hostile Hostel
- (1.45 km) The Rockaway Hotel
- (0.13 km) Surfer's Paradise 2 blocks from the beach in NYC with shared fenced-in backyard.
- (0.16 km) 3 min to beach • HOT TUB • NYC Beach House
- (0.76 km) NYC Beach House in Rockaway
- Restaurants near Rockaways:
- (0.14 km) Uma's
- (0.13 km) Elegante pizza Rockaway
- (0.09 km) Sayra's Wine Bar & Bier Garden
- (0.18 km) Rockaway Beach Bakery
- (0.27 km) Rockaway Beach Surf Club