The Insider’s Guide to Rockaway Beach

Summer’s not over yet, but it is time to squeeze in a few more beach days while you still can. Fortunately, stunning shoreline, primo people-watching and next-level eats are just a train ride away.

9 a.m.: Grab Breakfast at Brothers

Start your day with some heartfelt offerings from Brothers, a very posi-vibes-oriented concession at Beach 106th Street. There are no wrong choices, but an egg sandwich and a cold brew may be the right move. Enjoy some (relative) peace staring at the ocean before the rest of New York City arrives.

10 a.m.: Head to the Beach

You want to secure an ideal spot on the sand, so getting there on the earlier side is wise. Surfing is permitted from Beach 87th to Beach 91st, so if you don’t plan on swimming, this might be a good place for you to set up camp and take it all in. Swimming is not permitted at the surfing beaches, so if you want the best of both worlds, we recommend sitting near the surfing beaches and walking along the water toward the action whenever you need a break from baking in the sun. And remember, you don’t want to be too close to the surf, because when the tide rises, having your stuff swept away really kills the vibe.

12:30 p.m.: Burgers and Beers at Rippers

Sure, a little past noon may seem early for a beer, but when it’s actually a michelada and it’s accompanied by a cheeseburger and fries, it’s really no big deal. The menu is short and sweet, including burgers, fries, hot dogs and ice cream, but with options for all diets. And if this is your first time ordering from Rippers, a “hardbody” is a double cheeseburger and “beach juice” is their version of white wine sangria: very sweet and very strong. There’s live music most days, especially on the weekend, and the lines are long but worth it. Will it feel like Bushwick on the beach? A little bit, but in the best way. 

5 p.m.: Piña Colada at Connolly’s

It’s not a trip to Rockaway if you don’t get a frozen drink at Connolly’s. Famous for their piña coladas, Connolly’s is a local haunt in the basement of a large old home on Cross Bay Parkway. People-watching is a sport in Rockaway, and Connolly’s really brings the heat. Remember to bring cash and order a rum floater with your drink. 

6:30 p.m.: Take a Sunset Sail 

OK, so maybe you’ve watched the sunset from a boat before, but with the Manhattan skyline in the background? Yacht Rock Charters will pick you up, with up to five friends, at the dock at Thai Rock and take you on a two-hour sunset cruise on Jamaica Bay. The boat is crewed by Jarad Astin, a licensed 50-ton Coast Guard captain, and his wife and first mate, Christel. The sail is BYOB and Bluetooth is available for that party playlist you’ve undoubtedly been working on all summer. (Plus, not to be a complete millennial, but think about the Instagram opportunities here.)