Restaurants
The best restaurants and bars in the Rockaways
Celebrate summer at the best restaurants and bars in the Rockaways, from a famous taco spot to an outdoor food hall.
When it comes to things to do outside, NYC has no shortage of options, from beautiful parks to waterfront restaurants and rooftop bars to buzzy beer gardens. But one of the best things to do in the summer in NYC (or any time of year, really) is to head out to Rockaway Beach. It’s an easy day trip—just take the train, shuttle bus or ferry to these sandy shores in Queens for a real treat that seems a world away from the city.
Rockaway Beach is one of the best NYC beaches for many reasons. Aside from the sand and surf, you can find great shops (from vintage to surf gear and more), affordable food trucks, outdoor bars and even some of the best tacos in the city. You can take surf lessons and catch some waves or just chill out and soak up the sun. Grab your beach gear, don’t forget the sunscreen and head out to Queens for an awesome beach day at Rockaway.
RECOMMENDED: Full Queens, NY neighborhood guide
Where is Rockaway Beach?
Rockaway Beach—one of New York's finest and most fun beach towns—is located on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, NY.
Is Rockway Beach free?
Yes.
How do I get to Rockaway Beach?
A trip to Rockaway Beach is a key element for having the best summer ever in New York. It takes some planning, but there are several ways you can travel to Rockaway Beach. Apart from the most popular method (begging your only friend in New York with a car to drive), you can take the A train which stops at Beach 67th St, Beach 90th St and so on. You can also utilize NYC’s ferry system.
What should I do at Rockaway Beach?
Other than sunbathing and splashing around in the water, eat tacos at Tacoway Beach, order a burger at Rippers, and stroll the Boardwalk and shops. If you want to stay overnight, The Rockaway Hotel + Spa is the spot—or you could book a day pass there to enjoy the pool.
What else do I need to know?
A heads up that in 2025, large swaths of Jacob Riis Park will be off-limits. A stretch of shoreline on the eastern side of the park has been deemed "extremely hazardous" by the National Park Service due to worsening erosion, deadly rip currents and nearly century-old wooden pilings lurking just beneath the surf. Here's what else you need to know.
