The Rockaways, Queens Neighborhood Guide

I’ve been visiting every NYC neighborhood, trying to explore my own city the way I do when I travel. I’m 200 (!!!) neighborhoods deep now and have documented it all on TikTok.

Now I’m on a mission to write it all out. Next up: The Rockaways, Queens (or at least a part of it).

The Rockaways is the entire peninsula, but it is made up of several distinct neighborhoods: Far Rockaway, Edgemere, Arverne, Hammels, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Seaside, Neponsit, Roxbury, Breezy Point, and Broad Channel—and in this post, I’m really focusing on Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, Hammels & Seaside.

The Rockaways became one of America’s first beach resorts in the 19th century. Then in the 20th century, it shifted from a vacation hotspot to a working-class residential area, with waves of immigration and large public housing projects shaping its communities. It was unfortunately affected by Hurricane Sandy, but since 2012, the Rockaways have seen a cultural revival—especially in Rockaway Beach.

But here’s how I would spend a perfect day here.

I took the A train to the shuttle, which dropped me off basically right in front of the Rockaway Hotel and Spa. It’s a boutique hotel developed by a realty and hospitality group founded by third-generation Rockaway Beach residents. The hotel is so nice, I would love to stay here for a night. Beautiful views, a really nice pool, and they also host many events, collaborating with local businesses. It’s definitely contributing to the area’s resurgence as a vibrant beach destination.

Inside the hotel, there is a cute little shop perfect for all your beach needs, and there’s also a café with really interesting lattes. I got cardamom rose, and my fiancé got pistachio honey. If you like a sweet coffee, this is definitely for you. You can also get day passes for the pool if you’d like.

But we headed off to the boardwalk.

There are so many stands to choose from, so I did all the research for you. First up has got to be La Cevicheria, it’s a Peruvian food stand, because what is more summer-forward than fresh fish? It is made with high-quality seafood from local fishermen.

Ripper’s, a legendary beachside shack known for its grass-fed burgers and chili cheese fries.

In general, there are so many stands. I also got a lobster roll because we went on Memorial Day weekend, so we had to kick off summer. And you can’t end off the food crawl without some lemonade and ice cream.

You can also stop on the beach, obviously, go for a swim, play some card games. What is so unique about this beach to me is that some people are surfing. I grew up in New York City, and there’s always this joke about New York City beaches and how they’re disgusting, but this was so beautiful. I don’t remember the water being so clear.

On the topic of surfing, you could head to Rockaway Surf Shop. They have everything you need for beginners or seasoned surfers. There’s also other activities on the boardwalk, such as mini golf.

And when you go drop off your board, or just on your way out from the beach, head to Rockaway Beach Surf Club. It is such a cool space for beachgoers and the local community. They have live music, art exhibitions, and actually, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, it became one of the largest grassroots relief centers in Rockaway. They have Tacoway there, so you can get some really good tacos. And they have a monthly maker’s market showcasing locally made goods in Rockaway Beach, so definitely check out their Instagram for their next one.

Grab a drink, dust off the sand, and head back on the A train.

That would end off a perfect day in one small part of the Rockaways. Let me know what I missed and what neighborhoods you want to see me do next!