Attractions

Things To Do in Rockaway Beach

If all you know about Rockaway Beach is the Ramones song of the same name, you need to come experience New York City’s best beach, not to mention America's largest urban beach, for yourself. Just a short ride from Manhattan via the A Train or ferry, Rockaway Beach is less crowded than Coney Island and offers more of an untamed, undiscovered and authentic feel. Attractions abound, with something for everyone. Families flock to Jacob Riis Park and the remnants of Fort Tilden, a decommissioned WWII artillery battery. Shoppers and foodies love exploring the boardwalk’s concession booths and vendor stalls, while surfers have access to New York City's only designated surfing beaches. Bird lovers and outdoorsy types can’t get enough of the salty, marshy Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, which is home to 325 bird species each spring and fall. In the heart of it all lies The Rockaway Hotel. Whether you've come to experience it all or just have a few hours to kill between meetings, we'll show you Rockaway Beach as no other hotel can.

Man laughing from a yacht ship near The Rockaway Hotel

Sail Away During Your Stay

TRH is happy to offer relaxing sailing on Jamaica Bay, New York City through our partners Yacht Rock Charters. A truly unique concept, Deliverance welcomes you aboard in Jamaica Bay, the largest open space in New York City. Go aboard for a day, a sunset, or an unforgettable evening. 

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Surfboards lined up near The Rockaway Hotel

Boarder's Surf Shop

Family-run surf & skate shop offering surfboards, skateboards, accessories, rentals & repairs.

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Group of surfers at the beach near The Rockaway Hotel

Local's Surf School

New York's Premiere surf school. "Our goals are to positively impact more people, stay true to our roots, and foster the growth of the NYC surf culture from which the company was born."

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Girl on hike looking at sea near The Rockaway Hotel

Fort Tilden

Enjoy a nature walk with remants of history through the Rockaway's ocean-front park, Fort Tilden, a former United States Army Installion.

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Bird with puffed wings, Wildlife Refuge near The Rockaway Hotel

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Composed of open water and intertidal salt marshes, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of NYC's best spots to observe migrating species. 

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Two girls running towards the ocean near at The Rockaway Hotel

Rockaway Beach

A vast, sandy beach and 5.5-mile boardwalk draw throngs of families to Rockaway Beach in summer for swimming, sunbathing, and sports like volleyball and skateboarding. 

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5 People eating watermelon on the beach near The Rockaway Hotel

Riis Park Beach

This seasonal, bustling oceanside hub features food vendors, beach equipment rentals & regular live entertainment.

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Ladies laughing and drinking beer at The Rockaway Hotel

Rockaway Brewing Co

Just under a 15 minute bike ride from The Rockaway Hotel, visit Rockaway's 3,600-square-foot taproom—set inside an industrial garage space with picnic tables and barstools. 

 

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Ladies doing yoga on surfing boards near The Rockaway Hotel

Surf Skate Fitness

Surf Skate Fitness founder Hank Lewis offers stand up paddleboarding lessons and SUP tours launching from Bay Breeze Park and beyond!  SSF is Rockaway's permier SUP sales and rental business, offering SUP Yoga and Paddleboard Pilates classes a la carte.

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The bookstore with a café near The Rockaway Hotel

Avoid The Day Bookstore & Cafe

Avoid the Day Bookstore & Cafe is Rockaway's only independent bookstore. Curated and run by locals Jianna and Jason Heuer, you can sip on wine, cold brew coffee, or tea while browsing the bookstore's curated selection of used and new books. 

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