If the sudden uptick in sidewalk Aperol spritzes, ferry reservations, and “beach this weekend?” group chats are any indication, another iconic NYC summer is officially on the horizon.
And with Memorial Day Weekend finally here, there’s another seasonal milestone New Yorkers eagerly await every year: the reopening of the city’s public beaches.
Beginning tomorrow, May 23, NYC’s beaches officially reopen for the summer season! And while New Yorkers have no shortage of shoreline options, there’s one beach destination that continues to feel like the city’s ultimate summer escape without ever technically leaving it: the Rockaways.
Stretching along Queens’ southern coastline, Rockaway Beach has long been NYC’s beloved surf-and-sun oasis. And right next door features a wellness destination where you can hear iconic artists play right next to the ocean: The Rockaway Hotel and Spa.
Located just about an hour from Manhattan by ferry, subway, or car, the hotel has become synonymous with elevated summer living, pairing buzzy rooftop energy and resort-style amenities with the relaxed atmosphere that makes the nearby beach feel worlds away from Midtown.
And this summer, the property is leaning all the way into the season with an expanded lineup of programming, wellness events, live music, new food offerings and more.
Here’s what to look out for at the iconic beachside destination this summer.
The Rockaway Summer Concert Series
Music lovers can skip the massive stadium crowds and opt for a seaside breeze instead. The hotel’s highly anticipated Summer Concert Series kicks off on May 24th, and follows all summer long with an action-packed lineup.
- May 24 (6 PM): The Bogmen with Kendra Morris
- June 18 (7 PM): Pinback with Hasco Enjoyments
- June 25 (7 PM): Wilderado with Sam Burchfield
- June 26 (6 PM): Fortunate Youth with Joe Samba & Quasi Kings
- June 28 (6 PM): The Budos Band & Delicate Steve
- July 11 (6 PM): The Heavy Heavy with Mt. Jones
- July 12 (6 PM): Marcos Valle
- July 16 (7 PM): Stephen Day with Fia James
- July 17 (7 PM): Magic City Hippies with EMEFE
- July 18 (6 PM): Allah-Las with Rahill
- July 19 (6 PM): Thee Sinseers
- July 31 (7 PM): Cimafunk
- August 1 (6 PM): Babe Rainbow
- August 7 (7 PM): Neal Francis with Pearl Charles
- August 14 (6 PM): The Record Company & Donavon Frankenreiter
- August 16 (6 PM): The 502s
- August 28 (6 PM): Ripe
- September 6 (6 PM): Badfish
Summer Wellness Week (July 20–24)
Mark your calendars for a five-day health sanctuary. In late July, the hotel will host its curated Summer Wellness Week, featuring daily fitness classes led by top-tier NYC instructors.
Attendees can expect premium brand gifting, sweat-inducing workouts, and health-forward menu specials crafted across all the hotel’s restaurants to fuel your body post-workout.
Revamped Summer Menus
In a massive win for pastry lovers, neighborhood staple Rockaway Beach Bakery has officially taken up residence on the hotel’s first floor. The new in-house bakery serves up her famous from-scratch pastries, baked goods, and premium coffee, the absolute perfect pre-beach fuel.
The hotel’s remaining culinary hotspots are also debuting fresh menus tailored for warm-weather dining:
- Margie’s: The property’s main restaurant serving elevated American fare from breakfast through dinner.
- The Rooftop: The ultimate destination for sunset views, craft cocktails, and light bites overlooking the Atlantic.
- The Pool House: Offering breezy, casual poolside snacks to keep you satisfied while you sunbathe.
World-Class Spa and Sauna Amenities
Even if you can’t make it for Wellness Week, the hotel’s full–service spa is open all season. Guests and day-trippers can book signature massages, advanced facials, and specialized body treatments.
Outdoors, the relaxation continues with a heated pool and the hotel’s signature cedar barrel saunas. Non-guests can access the pool deck and saunas by snagging day passes starting at $60 per person.
Summer days are calling, NYC! Pack your sunscreen, cue up the beach playlist, and we’ll see you on the ferry! 🌊🍹☀️
