Get to Know the Rockaways

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Oct 22

An 11-mile-long peninsula with great beaches and surf-friendly waves, Rockaway has been a popular summer resort since the 1830s. There are countless warm weather attractions – surfing shops, Jetski rentals, ambulant ice cream vendors – but Rockaway is also a residential area with suburban homes and community bars. One section is warmly referred to as the “Irish Riviera” because of its high concentration of Irish-Americans. Local businesses (and many homes) were destroyed during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. However, commerce has bounced back, especially in the restaurant industry.

Get there: Rockaway Park-bound A train to “Beach 90th St”; “Beach 98th St”; “Beach 105th St”; and “Rockaway Park-Beach 116th St”; or take the Rockaway Ferry to “Rockaway.”

Jacob Riis Park offers boardwalks, landscaped walkways, pitch-and-putt golf, sand, seaside, and surf. Its famous Art Deco bathhouse is part of a district that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. About one mile long, the public beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Address: www.nyharborparks.org

Camp Rockaway is a plain-air campsite with safari-style canvas tents within earshot of waves crashing upon the shore in Riis Park. Typically open from May 24 through Oct. 15, the family-friendly site includes a communal fire pit, a picnic-and-grill area, hammocks, a supply store, a bathroom facility, a Palapa, and games such as horseshoes. Please not that Camp Rockway is closed for the 2020 season. Address: 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd; www.camprockaway.com

Check out whales and dolphins on American Princess Cruises. Anchored at the Jacob Riis Landing, the 95-foot-long aluminum cruising vessel is certified to hold as many as 250 passengers at a time. Address: www.americanprincesscruises.com; 718-474-0555.

Where to Eat:

BUNGALOW BAR - 377 Beach 92nd St - 718.945.2100 | bungalowbarny.com
Casual waterfront restaurant and bar offering a raw bar, American mains, a deck and live music.

CUISINE BY CLAUDETTE - 143 Beach 116th St 718.945.5511 | cuisinebyclaudette.nyc
Popular, easygoing cafe and takeaway offering ever-changing fare, plus espresso drinks and juice blends, close to the beach.

RIIS PARK BEACH BAZAAR (SUMMER ONLY)- 16702 Rockaway Beach Blvd - riisparkbeachbazaar.com
Food and drink assortment of pop-ups offering everything from boozy coconuts to BBQ to lobster rolls done well to artisanal ice cream on the boardwalk overlooking Riis Park Beach.

ROCKAWAY SURF CLUB/TACOWAY BEACH (temporarily closed for COVID-19)
- 302 Beach 87th St - rockawaybeachsurfclub.com
Chill, rustic joint accented with surfboards featuring tacos, quesadillas and cocktails, plus a patio.

THAI ROCK - 375 Beach 92nd St - 718.945.5111 | thairock.us
Upscale Thai restaurant with lounge; offers scenic views, live music and creative cocktails.

THE ROCK NYC - 92-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd - 718.838.8916 | therocknyc.com
Hangout with New York State wines on tap, plus small plates, charcuterie and cheese boards.

UMA'S - 92-07 Rockaway Beach Blvd - 718.318.9100 | umasrestaurant.tumblr.com
Happening destination offering Central Asian/Uzbek plates, cocktails and live music in stylish, brick digs.

WHIT'S END - 97-02 Rockaway Beach Blvd - 718.945.4100 | whitsendnyc.com
A must-visit location near the beach, serving up wood-fired pizzas with excellent charring and a number of seafood options.

ROCKAWAY BREWING - 415 B 72 St - 718.474.2339 | rockawaybrewco.com
Warehouse space adorned with funky decor and picnic tables, serving its own brews in pints and growlers with light bites.