Rockaway(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Rockaway, the top family-friendly hotel is Rockaway Beach Hotel, located steps from Rockaway Beach. This beachfront property offers spacious family rooms, a seasonal indoor pool, and complimentary parking. It’s within walking distance of Rockaway Park, making it ideal for families seeking seaside relaxation. Nearby, local eateries serve authentic New Jersey seafood and classic boardwalk fare, including hot dogs and lobster rolls, perfect for a casual meal after a day at the shore.

The best spot for sunset views in Rockaway is the Rockaway Pier, a 1,200-foot wooden pier stretching into the Atlantic Ocean. As the sun dips below the horizon, golden light reflects off the waves, creating breathtaking visuals. The pier features benches and photo points ideal for capturing the moment. Accessible via a 15-minute walk from Rockaway Park, it also offers scenic views of seabirds and crashing waves—perfect for a peaceful evening stroll.

Don’t miss the Rockaway Museum, housed in the historic Rockaway Train Station building, which showcases the area’s maritime history, railway heritage, and community evolution since the 19th century. Exhibits include vintage photographs, nautical artifacts, and WWII-era military memorabilia. Nearby, the Rockaway Beach Presbyterian Church, built in 1880, stands as an architectural gem blending Gothic and Victorian styles, reflecting the town’s enduring cultural roots.

For authentic seaside flavors, head to the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk Food Trucks, where local vendors serve up Jersey Shore Hot Dogs, fried seafood baskets, and Coney Island-style Corn Dogs. Try the Lobster Roll at Burger & Lobster Shack, made with fresh, locally caught lobster and house-made sauce. These mobile kitchens capture the essence of Rockaway’s coastal street food culture, offering quick, delicious meals with a true regional touch.

The best area for lodging in Rockaway is Rockaway Park, known for its safety, proximity to Rockaway Beach, and easy access to the MTA A Line subway. This neighborhood offers budget-friendly and mid-range options with quiet streets and local charm. It’s just minutes from the beach and surrounded by small grocery stores, cafes, and cultural spaces like the Rockaway Arts & Culture Center, making it ideal for families and travelers who want both comfort and community connection.

Explore the Rockaway Waterfront Walkway, a 4.5-mile green trail stretching along the Atlantic coast. It connects Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, and the Rockaway Pier, featuring paved paths, shaded benches, and scenic overlooks. Perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, the trail offers uninterrupted ocean views and a safe, car-free environment. It’s especially popular during sunrise and sunset, providing a tranquil escape with natural beauty and minimal urban noise.

Each summer, Rockaway Beach Festival takes place in July, featuring live music, beach volleyball tournaments, craft markets, and a grand fireworks display at Rockaway Park Plaza. In August, the Art in the Sand Festival invites local artists to create large-scale sand sculptures on the shoreline, blending art, nature, and public participation. These events celebrate Rockaway’s vibrant community spirit and seaside identity, drawing visitors from across New York City.

Nightlife in Rockaway is relaxed and community-focused. While there are few bars, The Shoreline Tavern offers casual drinks and live jazz on weekends without being loud. Most evenings are quiet, with residents enjoying walks along the Rockaway Waterfront Walkway under soft lights. For a livelier scene, take the subway into Manhattan—about 30 minutes away—but Rockaway itself preserves its coastal town charm, making it ideal for those seeking peace, nature, and low-key evenings.

The most photogenic locations in Rockaway include the Rockaway Pier, with its long wooden structure framing ocean sunsets; the Rockaway Beach Archway, a striking red-and-white gateway symbolizing the seaside entrance; and the Rockaway Museum’s garden with vintage train station signage. Early morning or late afternoon lighting enhances these scenes, creating dramatic compositions. These spots are perfect for travel photographers seeking story-rich, atmospheric images of a classic American seaside town.

Yes, public transit in Rockaway is well-connected via the MTA A Line subway, terminating at Rockaway Parkway Station, with direct access to Manhattan and Brooklyn in about 30 minutes. Local MTA buses also serve nearby neighborhoods. While there’s no airport or train hub, the subway makes Rockaway easily accessible for day trips. Additionally, the Rockaway Waterfront Walkway and beaches are pedestrian- and bike-friendly, reducing reliance on cars and enhancing eco-conscious travel options.