Staycation: The Rockaway Hotel + Spa

We love to indulge in a staycation when getting outta dodge is impossible. Our latest pick: The Rockaway Hotel + Spa! Open since 2020, the hotel is located in the heart of Rockaway Beach and is super-family friendly while being super Scandi-cool. 

There are wellness classes and an outdoor heated pool with cabanas, for one. Sound relaxing? Just what a staycay should be! And, if you & the kids are feeling more adventuresome, bust a wave at Locals Surf School, the only designated surfing beach within NYC limits (definite milestone book material!)

If you're not as hang-tenish, then there are movie nights, and even an art museum within the hotel in case the weather gets a case of the drizzles. At the end of an active day, nosh at Margie's, the Rockaway Hotel's restaurant, and  then pop up to the roof to take in the view.

Here are some to do's while you're there:

• Take a nature walk or soak up the sun at Fort Tildon Beach
• Grab a taco at the Tacoway Beach at the Rockaway Beach Surf Club
• Get smore smores at the Riis Park Beach Bazaar 
• Immerse yourself in surf culture
• Head over to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and spy some osprey
• Visit the 47th annual Annual Art Fair Aug 2, 3, 4 for handmade arts & crafts & food!

Photos courtesy of the Rockaway Hotel + Spa, by Kyle Knodell