When the mercury rises and you need something cool to do near NYC, it's time to hit the beach. We suggest the Rockaways, a laid-back sun-seekers playground just outside the city in Queens. Never been? We’ll take care of the details – you just pack your beach bag.

How to get there:
Hop on a ferry or the A Train

 

The ferry is undoubtedly the most scenic way to get to the Rockaways. You can catch a boat just about every hour from Wall Street at Pier 11 or Sunset Park. Be warned, however, that the wait times can be intense during peak hours – we’ve seen hours-long lines snaking around the block at the Wall Street location. In this case, we suggest hopping on the A Train. It takes beachgoers directly to Broad Channel, from whence it’s just a quick transfer to an S train that will deposit you just a few blocks from the beach – and a host of fun bars. And, as a last resort, there’s always Uber. (We suggest public transportation over driving, as finding parking during the height of summer can resemble the Hunger Games, with cars.)

Where to score a perfect fish taco:
Tacoway Beach

 

This always-hopping spot is a haven for surfers and taco lovers alike. A laid-back beach bar attached to the Rockaway Beach Surf Club, located just blocks from the shore, Tacoway serves up tasty tacos (get the fried fish) and margaritas (they’ve got both inside and outdoor bars) alongside a menu of healthful juices. Tacoway is always a scene – in a good way – so we suggest hitting it up for a pre-beach taco or two, as a long line of thirsty beachgoers usually forms outside by early evening.

Where to get the best burger on the beach:
Rippers

Just steps from the sand on the boardwalk at Beach 86, Rippers is a handy little beach shack serving up cold beers, hot dogs, fries, and perfectly portioned, perfectly prepared little burgers. We still haven’t been able to get our hands on the recipe for Rippers’ secret sauce, but it’s addictive enough that no trip to the Rockaways is complete without it. Rippers offers plenty of outdoor seating in the form of brightly colored picnic benches and is a dependably lively scene due to a lineup of live music and entertainment throughout the summer.

Where to catch a wave:
67th, 69th & 92nd Street beaches

 

The Rockaways are generally considered a surfer’s paradise, but the beaches at 67th, 69th, and 92nd streets are among the most popular spots to bring your board. Swells tend to average around two to three feet, making these beaches an excellent spot for both seasoned surfers and beginners looking to catch their first wave.

How to drink in a quintessential Rockaway experience:
Get a Nutcracker

 

Nutcrackers – a potent, colorful mix of various boozes and fruit juices (think jungle juice but for the beach) – are made and sold by vendors toting coolers up and down the beach. The Nutcracker salesmen have become an established part of the fabric of the Rockaways experience. In fact, most vendors take Venmo and some even have their own Instagram accounts so customers know when and where to find them (@the_beachtender is a local favorite). Some Nutcrackers come frozen, some just chilled, and are available in a variety of tasty, deceptively sweet (we usually hit our limit at just one) flavors, from Pina Colada to Margarita to…Blue.

Where to get the best frozen Pina Colada in town:
Connolly’s

 

When it comes to tropical drinks, you might not think of an Irish pub, but that’s exactly where you’ll find the undisputed best frozen Pina Colada in the Rockaways. A no-frills, dimly lit Irish joint (cash only, of course), off 96th Street beach, Connolly’s serves up the usual pints of Guinness on draft, but locals will tell you it’s best known for its fruity frozen concoctions served up in Styrofoam cups. The more you know!

Where to get a good craft beer:
Rockaway Brewing Co. Taproom

 

There’s no end of boardwalk concession counters and divey beachside bars at which to grab a cold lager, but if you’re in search of a craftier brew, check out the tasting room outpost of Long Island City based brewery, Rockaway Brewing Company. The tasting room is a bit of a stroll off the boardwalk but it’s a solid spot to snag a picnic table and an interesting selection of suds and ciders.

Where to caffeinate:
Rockaway Roasters

 

A long day in the sun can really sap your energy – not to mention all those beachside drinks. If you’re looking for a pre-beach boost or an afternoon pick-me-up, head to this café by 92nd Street beach for a grab-and-go selection of good coffee, pastries, and smoothies.

Where to stay:
The Rockaway Hotel

 

The one downside of the Rockaways has long been a lack of places to stay. The dearth of hotels and Airbnbs made for a warm welcome for the Rockaway Hotel, a swanky resort-style hotel that opened to much buzz last summer (the pandemic did not seem to deter guests from quickly booking up their shoreside rooms). The smartly appointed rooms don’t come cheap, but if you’re looking to book a beach weekend for a special occasion, look no further. The hotel boasts a rooftop with enviable views, a pool, and often hosts live music and other special events.