Early beachgoers watch as the waves roll in. A lifeguard looks on as well.
Rockaway Beach has become a popular daycation destination for folks from across New York looking to trade in hectic life in the city for a relaxing day at the beach. Post-Sandy reconstruction and renovation projects all over the channel have allowed some of the most venerated spots to reopen – and some new places to move in. What follows is a guide to how to get there and what to do.
Rockaway Beach is at its best before the morning fog has burned off, while the local surfers have taken to the waves and the large crowds haven’t made it there yet, so try and get there early.
Also, it is important to remember that there are designated swimming areas located at 86th and 108th streets. Other areas on the beach are designated no swim zones and can be distinguished by red flags and no lifeguards on duty.
The best way to access the beach via public transportation is by taking the A train to the shuttle at Broad Channel. The most convenient shuttle stops are Beach 90th, 98th and 105th streets. Otherwise you can take the Q53 bus, which runs along Cross Bay Blvd. intersecting with the the J/Z trains at Jamaica Avenue.
The best way to get around without a car once you are on the peninsula is aboard the Q22 or Q53 buses running along Rockaway Beach Boulevard. If you choose to drive, there is a free parking lot available along Beach 95th Street.
Here are some fun options once you get there:
Connolly’s is an Irish bar located on Beach 95th Street. Inside is a palpable history, and you can see it living on the walls. There are mixed drinks, beers on tap, a dartboard, and a television.
Connolly’s
155 Cross Bay Parkway Rockaway Beach, NY 11693
(718) 318-1714
For the air conditioned-inclined folks ready for a cold adult beverage, sidle up to the bar at Connolly’s and order some island rum punch or one of the multiple beers that can be found on tap. It is located between Shore Front Parkway and Joseph Alcamo Boulevard on Beach 95th Street. Connolly’s has walls festooned with everything from paintings of Bob Marley to vintage advertisements and personal photos. The dartboard on the back wall is the only area in the entire bar that is well lit, but the atmosphere is nice and casual.
The deck at Thai Rock on Beach 92nd Street has a bar and dining, and off the back deck there is jet skiing.
Thai Rock
375 Beach 92nd Street Rockaway Beach, NY 11693
(646) 455-3991
Sandwiched between a shuttered McDonald’s and the Belt Parkway leading into Queens is Thai Rock. Located on the bay side of the channel Thai Rock is a restaurant quite literally on the water. The main dining area is a deck off the back of the building, peppered with Chang Beer umbrellas and a fully stocked bar. The restaurant prepares the food on an open air grill like at a backyard barbecue. They play mostly covers of the best classic rock over the sound system. Kayaking and Jet Ski Rentals are also available off the back deck of Thai Rock through Rockaway Jet Ski.
Kids play morning basketball at the courts near Beach 81st St. on Rockaway Beach Blvd. as planes fly into JFK Airport fly above. Racquetball courts can be found adjacent to the basketball courts.
Basketball & Racquetball Courts
Beach 82 & Shore Front Pkwy.
(718) 393-7272
Located right along the beach are two full-court basketball courts and multiple racquetball courts. The phone number above should put you in touch with somebody to reserve a court if you wish, but they are free most of the time. Next to the courts is a set of playground equipment as well.
The chips and guacamole or plantains and guacamole are very popular dishes at Rockaway Taco, which also serves tacos, quesadillas, and fruit drinks.
Rockaway Taco
95-19 Rockaway Beach Boulevard Rockaway Beach, NY 11693
(347) 213-7466
Rockaway Taco is one of the places on Rockaway Beach that you tell your friends about when you go back into the city. The menu is rather simple, offering three meat taco options including carne, chorizo, fish, and a tofu taco. The chips and guacamole or plantains and guacamole come highly recommended. The storefront faces Beach 96th Street and it is a must stop for lunch, especially if Beach 98th Street-Playland is your preferred shuttle train stop.
For the tethered technological folks wi-fi is available at Surfside Bagels on Rockaway Beach Blvd. between 95th and 96th streets.
For more information about businesses that have reopened since Sandy, visit https://www.facebook.com/ShopTheRockNY
Story and Photos by Benjamin Hancock
