Rockaway Beach Day Trip from Manhattan: A Ferry Escape to NYC’s Chillest Shore

Looking for an easy and refreshing summer escape from Manhattan without renting a car or taking the train? Rockaway Beach is the perfect day trip destination, and you can get there in just 50 minutes from Wall Street via the NYC Ferry!

This past weekend, we welcomed the start of summer with a relaxing ferry ride, some great food, ocean breeze, and beach time, all without leaving the city. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Rockaway Beach from Manhattan, including the route, ferry experience, what to expect at the beach, and a few helpful tips we learned along the way.

How to Get to Rockaway Beach from Manhattan by Ferry

Where to Catch the Ferry

The NYC Ferry Rockaway route (RW) departs from the Wall Street/Pier 11 Ferry Terminal in Manhattan. It makes a stop at Brooklyn Army Terminal/Sunset Park before continuing on to Rockaway Beach in Queens.

You can check the most up-to-date schedule and real-time alerts on the official NYC Ferry website here: https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/rockaway/

Important tip: Ferry times are subject to change. We found this out the hard way. We were strolling toward the terminal only to realize the boat time had changed. We ended up running and just barely made it. Always double-check the schedule the day of your trip!

What It’s Like Onboard the NYC Ferry

Boarding and Seating

After a short wait in line (and a minor delay, our ferry departed about 30 minutes late), we boarded the boat. There are seats inside, which offer shade and comfort, but we chose to sit upstairs on the open deck to enjoy the summer air and views.

The upper deck is open to the sun, so bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. That said, once the ferry gets going, it’s incredibly breezy and cool, perfect for sipping on a drink and watching the water glide by.

Onboard Amenities

• Restrooms available inside
• Light snacks and beverages sold on board (alcoholic options included!)
• We grabbed a White Claw

Bonus: See the Statue of Liberty Up Close

One of the best parts of this ride? Just minutes after leaving Wall Street, the ferry passes near the Statue of Liberty. It’s a fantastic up-close view and a great photo op, without needing a special ticket or tour

What to Expect When You Arrive at Rockaway Beach

First Impressions

Once the ferry docks, follow the crowd. It’s about a 5 minute walk from the ferry terminal to the main beach area and boardwalk.

Rockaway Beach may not be as packed or developed as some other East Coast beaches, and that’s exactly its charm. It feels laid-back, local, and peaceful. There is gift shop and a beach café along the way, but don’t expect a full-on amusement boardwalk or rows of souvenir stores.

It’s simple, sandy, and refreshingly unpretentious.

What to Eat at Rockaway Beach: Our Food Picks

There aren’t tons of restaurants right on the boardwalk, so we recommend either packing your own beach snacks or grabbing food from a few local spots nearby.

We ended up walking along the beach for around 20 minutes and finally decided on a casual outdoor seafood stand. Here’s what we ordered:

• Lobster roll
• Hamburger
• BLT Hot dog
• Cold beer

It was the kind of no-frills, satisfying beach food you crave when you’ve been out in the sun.

RockawayBeach Vibes: Crowd, Atmosphere, and Activities

There were a mix of:

• Families with kids building sandcastles
• Groups of friends playing games or sunbathing
• Couples relaxing together under umbrellas

It was definitely lively, but it didn’t feel overcrowded, which can’t be said for every NYC beach in the middle of summer. Even the more popular areas didn’t feel jam-packed.

Things to Do at Rockaway Beach

• Swim or wade in the Atlantic
• Walk or run along the boardwalk
• Grab food or drinks nearby
• People-watch and relax
• Bring your own beach chairs, umbrellas, or blankets

We mostly chilled on the sand, enjoyed the breeze, and watched the waves. The atmosphere is mellow and perfect for unwinding. We didn’t feel rushed to “do” anything. It was about simply being there.

Local Shops and Food Stands We Visited

Here are the addresses of the two spots we passed by or visited near the beach:

• 108-10 Rockaway Beach Dr, Queens, NY 11693
• 97-01 Shore Front Pkwy, Rockaway Park, NY 11694

Both were within walking distance of the beach and offered a nice mix of seafood, burgers, snacks, and cold drinks.

Taking the NYC Ferry Back to Manhattan

After soaking up the sun, food, and salt air, we headed back to the ferry terminal to return to Wall Street. The ferry ride back was just as relaxing. In fact, after spending hours at the beach, we were so tired that we both passed out during the ride home. Beach fatigue is real, even if all you do is sit and chill.

Why Rockaway Beach Is the Best Summer Day Trip from NYC

If you live in New York City and you’re craving:

• A quick beach getaway
• Ocean views and salty air
• A budget-friendly summer activity
• An easy escape without a car

…Rockaway Beach is the answer.

It’s accessible, peaceful, and less crowded than many other beaches. The ferry ride makes it feel like a mini vacation without ever leaving the city.

Here’s why we recommend it:

• 50-minute scenic ferry ride from Wall Street
• Clean, sandy beach with plenty of room to relax
• Great for solo travelers, couples, friends, and families
• Simple but solid beach food options
• You can drink on the ferry (responsibly, of course)
• Statue of Liberty views
• Affordable transit option , no need for a car or expensive tickets $12 per person one way ticket

Quick Travel Tips for Rockaway Beach

Here are a few quick things to know before you go:

• Check ferry times in advance. They can change day-to-day.
• Arrive early. Especially on weekends, seats fill up quickly.
• Bring sunscreen. The sun on the ferry deck is intense.
• Pack light. Towels, water, and snacks go a long way.
• Sit upstairs on the ferry. Best breeze and views!
• Charge your phone. Great photo ops everywhere!

Final Thoughts: Rockaway Beach Feels Like a Secret Summer Vacation

This ferry trip made us feel like tourists in our own city, in the best way. Between the ocean breeze, the casual seafood lunch, and the relaxing ferry ride, it truly felt like a summer vacation day squeezed into a few hours.

If you’re looking for a day trip that’s scenic, chill, and doesn’t require you to leave NYC, Rockaway Beach is a hidden gem you don’t want to skip this summer.

Pack your towel, grab a cold drink, and get ready for a breezy adventure that starts right in Manhattan.

Quick Recap: Rockaway Beach Ferry Day Trip Info

• Ferry Route: Wall Street → Brooklyn Army Terminal → Rockaway
• Travel Time: About 50 minutes from Manhattan
• Ferry Website: ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/rockaway
• Great For: Day trips, beach lovers, NYC locals, tourists
• Best Time to Go: Weekends in summer, morning departure