Rockaway Beach maintains its legacy of being the perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of NYC. All along the boardwalk, there’s plenty of opportunities to indulge in tasty bites (Caracas outpost, anyone?) and booze. Even when the tide’s too high to hang out on the beach, this destination is the best place to relax, hang, and catch some sun and local culture. Searching for an art-filled pre-Fourth of July getaway or just looking to casually take in some culture while worshipping the sun like a true creative of leisure? Here are a few of our selections:
One of the most accessible art installations at Rockaway Beach can be viewed by strolling down the boardwalk. 14 Sculptors Inc. On The Rock is a 15-site, 16-artist, and 17-sculpture exhibition of works lining the Shore Front Parkway. The most instagrammable moment is Christina Jorge’s The Last Mermaid, a kinetic mermaid sculpture made of upcycled chip bags.
The Rockaway Photo Expo, presented by The Rockaway Times and on view through July 4th, is an annual art competition of some of the best amateur (and professional) photographers in the area. On view on the boardwalk from Beach 17th to Beach 116th Street Already through several rounds of public voting, the winner of the competition will be announced July 2.
Rockaway Beach Surf Club serves up not only the best tacos via permanent outpost Tacoway Beach (must-eat combo: fish tacos and fresh watermelon juice with a side of their seasoned cukes), but also an ever-evolving roster of artful happenings. Coming up this summer: Yana Toyber | Sacred Salt, an exhibition of photographs by the acclaimed NYC-based photographer Yana Tyober with a portion of the proceeds to benefit The Surfrider Foundation NYC Chapter’s Youth Program. The show will open July 14th.
From walking down the boardwalk to eating tacos in one of the coolest joints near the beach, Rockaway Beach is a year-round creative community and a destination for city-slickers to absorb art like a true local. And it’s only a train-ride away.
