Rockaway Beach Opinions (Freeport, Long Beach, Fire Island: appointed, high school, buses) - New York City - New York (NY) - City-Data Forum

nycangel · 07-01-2012, 02:45 PM

Looking to head to a beach, in all my years here have never been to Rock away beach. I like to actually go in the water so the fact that surfers go there I'm hoping the water is nice. For those who have been, how did you like it?

Chava61 · 07-01-2012, 04:37 PM

I was there many years ago and I found the beach itself to be very small.

Kefir King · 07-01-2012, 05:15 PM

Do Riis Park instead...it's kinkier.

crapmanjoe · 07-01-2012, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nycangel

Looking to head to a beach, in all my years here have never been to Rock away beach. I like to actually go in the water so the fact that surfers go there I'm hoping the water is nice. For those who have been, how did you like it?

Actually just back from there today. It's a nice beach but pretty crowded and there isn't a whole lot of food/drink options out there.

Water is v nice, I was surprised at how not cold it was.

nycangel · 07-01-2012, 05:58 PM

Thanks Crapmanjoe. I'm hoping a weekday it won't as busy.

KK, is that the nude beach?

FOReverxpeace · 07-02-2012, 12:16 AM

I feel like the water is just as dirty as Coney Island...maybe just a bit cleaner. But no matter what, you won't be able to find crystal clear, blue water in NYC beaches. I will say this though, I feel like Rockaway Beach is more popular among high school kids, so there are a lot of fights and a lot of drama.

Kefir King · 07-02-2012, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nycangel

Thanks Crapmanjoe. I'm hoping a weekday it won't as busy.

KK, is that the nude beach?

Some is, some isn't. Most is not.

But if you can get access to a car, there is nothing to beat Sandy Hook.

likeminas · 07-02-2012, 07:49 AM

If you mean the water being nice as in clear and not dirty, you might be disappointed.
I have a boogie board, so I go to Rockaway beach from time to time. The waves, and the surfer's section are the main drag, IMO.
Other than that, I would go with KK's advice and go to Riis park.
it's less crowded and I think the water is cleaner too.

Kefir King · 07-02-2012, 04:02 PM

For CLEAN water you will need to go farther afield, like Fire Island or Belmar, NJ.

Also consider Jones Beach but the commute is tough without a car. LIRR to Freeport anf then the #88 bus to the beach.

For just sand, take a subway to Coney Island...probably the easiest.

My doorman swears by Orchard Beach in the Bronx but I've never been.

geoking66 · 07-03-2012, 12:01 AM

Long Beach is probably cleaner, and that's only an hour or so from Penn via LIRR (and almost directly at the beach, no extra buses or whatnot needed). Note, they'll charge you for it.