One of the nicest parts about spending summers in NYC is the easy access to the beach! Hamptons, Jersey Shore, Cape Cod - all beautiful but all expensive and difficult to get to. Read on to learn about the perfect beach day in NYC.
For a quick day trip, we're sticking to Far Rockaway Beach - located directly off the subway and reachable for just $2.75.
Even though I've been there a million times, I really know very little about the Far Rockaways as a neighborhood. So lets learn:
The indigenous inhabitants of Far Rockaways were the Canarsie Indians (didn't know this is what the present day neighborhood was named after!). The Canarsie Indians were part of the Mohgan tribe who sold the Rockaways to the Dutch. Twenty short years later, in 1664 the English fought and took it over forming New York.
In the 19th century, the Far Rockaways became an increasingly popular summer destination. Remember this was long before the MTA, so beach goers went out on horse-drawn carriages or horseback! A steam powered ferry also sailed from Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn.
A few years after that in the 1880s, the Long Island Rail Road even added a stop though present day Atlantic Terminal. Who knew it was so old?!
And now in 2023, we're still using the same means of transport people did 150 years ago! Wild!
That light reading aside, you're here to find out how to have a relaxing day on the beach. Transportation on the weekends can be tricky, so be sure to check the schedules before leaving. And most importantly, make sure you board the A train TO JFK/FAR ROCKAWAY. There are multiple A line routes and you need to get on the correct one, otherwise you're going to end up in a very wrong place. Once on, there are a couple different beach choices. You'll notice that it's very popular to switch to the S train Shuttle at Broad Channel. However, since its already a bit of a ride, we always opt to stay on the train, avoid another transfer and go just one stop further to Beach 67th Street - Arverne by the Sea
The beach here tends to less busy than those off the S shuttle as well. Before heading to the beach, we normally go to Stop and Shop located at 70-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd, just a block from the subway for pre-made sandwiches, chips or beer/water. There is also a Dunkin Donuts/ Baskin Robbins, Tiki Bar and cute cafe named Cuisine By Claudette we've tried.
Once on Far Rockaway Beach, lather up that sunscreen and spend the day relaxing. Beach 67 is a popular spot for surfers, with spots you can rent boards from or even take lessons. Because of this, you are not allowed to swim in the water. It's always freezing IMO though so no big loss - plus I like watching the surfers as free entertainment.
Look out for the Nutcracker and Italian Ice vendors for a cool treat.
When your skin has had enough and the sun starts to set, its time to head back to the station for your return trip.
Hot tip: Google Maps is pretty accurate, so make sure to check train times and time your arrival with an upcoming train! Your beach day in NYC is now complete!
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