A day at the Rockaways gets a lot better with Riis Park Beach Bazaar as its basecamp: a stretch of art-deco boardwalk lined with global food vendors, a sprawling beer garden, vintage sellers, an arcade and live music, all free to wander into. It's the rare NYC beach where the eating and drinking rival the swimming, with a laid-back, all-day festival feel. If your ideal summer Saturday is sand, snacks and a cold drink with a soundtrack, this is the destination.
What to expect
The bazaar clusters around the restored bathhouse pavilion and runs along the boardwalk, so you can drift between the beach and the food, beer and vendor stalls. Expect a beer garden, diverse eats, occasional live sets and a relaxed, sun-soaked crowd. Bring your beach gear and make a full day of it.
Good to know
- The NYC Ferry Rockaway route or the Q35 bus both get you close to Jacob Riis Park
- Bring sunscreen, a towel and cash as a backup for smaller vendors
- Weekends are busiest, especially midday; arrive earlier to claim beach space
- The historic bathhouse and boardwalk are worth exploring beyond the food stalls
- The beach here is one of the city's most spacious, with room to spread out
- Family- and group-friendly, with a wide range of food and drink
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Common questions
Is there a cover charge?
No — entry to the bazaar and beach is free; you pay only for food, drinks and goods.
How do I get there without a car?
The seasonal NYC Ferry to Rockaway and connecting buses reach Jacob Riis Park; it's a scenic ride out to the peninsula.
When is it open?
Daily through the summer season, roughly Memorial Day weekend into early fall, with the fullest programming on weekends.
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