What to do in Rockaway Park, NY

Activities, attractions and tours

A beach at sunset with the sun low on the horizon, waves gently lapping the shore, and a city skyline in the background.
A beach with waves at sunset.
A sunset over a beach with waves and a curved walkway.
A sunset over the ocean with waves crashing onto the shore and two wooden posts standing in the water.
A large wave in the ocean with a clear sky and distant land in the background.

Places to Visit in Rockaway Park

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Rockaway Park, New York while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Rockaway Park attractions from NZ$17, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Rockaway Park tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 52 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Rockaway Park. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Times Square

Times Square may not always be to the locals’ taste, but this busy and energetic area dubbed the “Crossroads of the World” is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. The atmosphere is loaded and chaotic, exuding the energy and diversity for which New York City is so renowned.
Learn more
Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

2. Madison Square Garden

Midtown Manhattan has one of the world’s most famous indoor arenas: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Watch the NBA New York Knicks, NHL New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty or your favorite big-name concert performers at this huge venue.
Learn more
A cityscape with prominent skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, and a large circular building with a dome.

3. Central Park

New York may be known as the city that never sleeps, but visitors should never overlook the calm and tranquillity offered by the famous Central Park. Situated in the heart of New York between the Upper West and Upper East Side neighbourhoods, this beautifully conceived green space covers 6% of Manhattan, providing woodland, lakes and charming landscaped gardens. The park, which opened in 1857, was conceived by design duo Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmstead. The latter also responsible for projects such as the Stanford University Campus and the Niagara Reservation in Niagara Falls.
Learn more
A tree-lined road with blooming pink flowers, a cyclist, and a historic building in the background.

4. Rockefeller Center

To many, the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan between 48th and 51st Street epitomises New York of the 1930s, but it is also the face of the modern city. Known for being at the centre of the city’s annual holiday celebrations, with its outdoor ice rink and magnificently illuminated Christmas tree, it is also a year-round destination with top entertainment and attractions.
Learn more
A tall, beige skyscraper with many windows, surrounded by palm trees and other buildings.

5. Grand Central Terminal

This bustling transport hub serves over 750,000 visitors, both commuters and tourists alike and is an absolutely must-see venue when visiting New York. Designed by the firms Reed & Stem and Warren & Wetmore, this magnificent building’s architectural style is a triumph, and it houses a large number of shops and restaurants.
Learn more
A historic building with ornate architecture and a modern glass skyscraper in the background.

6. Broadway

Broadway is called the “Great White Way” for the dazzling lights surrounding the popular Times Square portion of this avenue. Take a moment to look in all directions from your spot at the center of Times Square. Every December 31, about 1 million people crowd into this space to watch the 12-foot (3.6-meter) ball drop from One Times Square in celebration of the New Year.
Learn more
A busy urban street with yellow taxis, pedestrians, and tall buildings with illuminated signs.

7. Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium has been one of New York City’s iconic destinations for almost a hundred years, ever since the original was built in 1923. The team’s new home, constructed at a cost of $2.3 billion, is the most expensive stadium ever built, but manages to include both deluxe amenities and many references to the Yankees’ long history. Enjoy a typical New York experience by hopping on the subway northward, ready to spend an afternoon watching America’s pastime.
Learn more
Yankee Stadium with a crowd of people in front.

8. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, standing at an impressive 93 metres from the ground to the tip of the torch, is perhaps the most easily recognisable of all of New York’s iconic attractions. The figure of Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, was gifted to the United States by France in 1886 to commemorate the American Declaration of Independence. This landmark is often credited with embodying the most fundamental American values, including the freedom and opportunity offered in the “New World”.
Learn more
The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island with a clear sky.

9. Empire State Building

The Empire State building is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the New York skyline. So much so, that the city has gained the nickname Empire State, a connection equal to that of Big Ben to London or the Eiffel Tower to Paris. It was the tallest skyscraper in New York for 40 years, a title it took over from the Chrysler Building when it opened officially in 1931.
Learn more
The Empire State Building surrounded by other skyscrapers in New York City.

What to do in Rockaway Park


Stay near popular Rockaway Park attractions

Our guide on where to stay in Rockaway Park

Find the best Rockaway Park areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Belle Harbor

Belle Harbor might not have many top sights, but Jacob Riis Park and Gateway National Recreation Area are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Neponsit

While visiting Neponsit, you might make a stop by sights like Jacob Riis Park and Rockaway Beach.


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Rockaway Park

Frequently asked questions

Is Rockaway Park worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Rockaway Park is visit Coney Island Beach. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's family-friendly attractions and nature.
How do I spend a day in Rockaway Park?
Kick your day off with a visit to Coney Island Beach and New York Aquarium. Then, explore different parts of Rockaway Park for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rockaway Park?
Coney Island Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Rockaway Park and deserves a place on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Rockaway Park?
Three days will give you enough time to check out the leading city highlights, like Rockaway Beach, Plum Beach and Dead Horse Bay beach. The average stay in Rockaway Park is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, New York isn't far away.
Is Rockaway Park a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to see and do in Rockaway Park. Several top attractions, such as Dead Horse Bay beach and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Rockaway Park's best neighbourhoods, Broad Channel is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Belle Harbour is 0.32 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Rockaway Park with kids?
Deciding what to do in Rockaway Park with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or little ones, there are loads of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Rockaway Park for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Rockaway Park for adults including Green-Wood Cemetery and Cypress Hills National Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Rockaway Park?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Rockaway Park is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without getting your cash out. Rockaway Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.