This clean beach on the Atlantic Ocean features wide stretches of soft sand, a 5.5-mile boardwalk, playgrounds and a vibe so cool it was featured in a Ramones song.

* Ride the waves at the city’s only legal surfing beach (67-69 Street) with private, semi-private & group surf lessons & camps for kids & adults  with Skudin Surf or Locals Surf Camp (whose owners run a great cafe/coffee shop a  few minutes inland).

* Visit nearby Fort Tilden, a decommissioned army base with WWII artifacts and cool art.

* Free parking lots at  11th to 15th Street  and 95th Street; also free street parking. Or arrive in style via ferries ($2.75) that depart frequently from Wall Street/ Pier 11 & Sunset Park (or take the subway).

🌭 Find some of the best food in NYC at the concessions, especially the one at 97th Street. Get excellent burgers at Rippers on 86th Street and an array of food and drink at Riis Park Beach Bazaar. A block inland at Rockaway Beach Boulevard (aka Restaurant Row) dine outdoors at Bungalow Bar or pick up inventive pizzas at Whit’s End.