Your summer in New York isn't complete without a visit to Rockaway Beach. And it is loaded with fun things to do. A great boardwalk, laid back outdoor pars, shops selling vintage and surfer apparel. Summer is also an excellent time to test your surfing prowess riding some lower waves. Mostly undiscovered by tourists - so don't tell anyone else (but do add it to your personal map by tapping the ♥︎.)

The Rockaways are a popular summertime spot, but surfers flock to Rockaway Beach in particular year-round, as the area contains the only two surf beaches in the five boroughs. But with miles of coastline on the Rockaway Peninsula, there's more than enough room for the non-surfing crowd, too. At Rockaway Beach, for example, there are seven playgrounds, spots for fishing, areas for volleyball and basketball and more, which provide a variety of entertainment for children and adults.

New York City must have a patent on the best summer places. Rockaway Beach - only a ferry ride from the city's center - is your best bet on a summer day. It's where you can go for a sunset drink and summer beats in the evening and surf like a local the following morning. Well worth our award for best summer hang out in the category City Beaches. But truthfully, Rockaway Beach could also be a category all on its own.