Best day trip from Arlo NoMad: Rockaway Beach (and other options)
Yes — the easiest beach day from Arlo NoMad is Rockaway Beach: you can reach it by NYC Ferry in about 45 minutes or by subway (A train) in roughly an hour. If you prefer alternatives, Coney Island, Long Beach (via LIRR), and seasonal Sandy Hook ferry service are viable day-trip options from Manhattan.
In this guide
Why Rockaway Beach is the top day trip from Arlo NoMad
Rockaway Beach is Queens’ main public surf-and-sand destination and the only official surfing beach in New York City. It’s a straightforward option for a Manhattan-based day trip and works well for groups that want a beach plus boardwalk food and casual bars.
From Arlo NoMad you have two common ways to get there: the NYC Ferry (about 45 minutes from midtown piers) or a subway ride on the A train (around an hour). The ferry is often faster and gives a water commute, while the A train is direct if it fits your schedule and budget.
- Ferry: ~45 minutes (midtown pier to Rockaway piers) — seasonal schedules can vary.
- Subway: A train from Manhattan to Rockaways — about 1 hour depending on connections.
- What to expect: surfing, a boardwalk, casual food stalls, and lifeguarded swimming in summer (lifeguard status varies by season).
| Option | Typical travel time from Arlo NoMad | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NYC Ferry | About 45 minutes | Water route; seasonal schedules; offers skyline views |
| Subway (A train) | About 1 hour | Direct and frequent; subject to service changes |
| Combined train + bus or rideshare | Varies | Useful if ferry/subway schedules don’t match your plans |
How to plan the trip from Arlo NoMad
Start the day from Arlo NoMad at 11 East 31st Street. If you prefer a relaxed morning, grab coffee and a pastry at the hotel's Bodega (fresh pastries and barista drinks served 7am–2pm) before you leave.
Check ferry schedules ahead of time if you plan to use NYC Ferry; the ferry can sell out on busy summer weekends. If you take the subway, check the MTA service status for the A line.
- Bring sunscreen, a towel and a change of clothes — Arlo NoMad does not provide beach gear.
- Plan return times around evening subway/ferry schedules; ART NoMad rooftop service is seasonal and requires reservations if you plan to return for sunset views.
- If traveling with family, confirm which rooms (for example, Room (Bunk) or Terrace Room) will meet your group’s needs before you leave the hotel.
| Before you go | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Check ferry/MTA schedule | Avoid delays and crowded return trips |
| Pack sun protection & water | Limited shade on the boardwalk |
| Reserve rooftop or dinner at NoMad Diner on return | Popular evening spots can fill up |
What to do at Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach offers a long stretch of sand, a pedestrian boardwalk with snack stands and casual restaurants, and a beach culture that includes surfing. Rental shops on the peninsula offer boards and lessons seasonally (availability varies).
You can combine a beach visit with a short walk to the Rockaways’ local shopping and casual dining, or time your trip around events and pop-ups that happen along the boardwalk in summer.
- Swim and sunbathe — watch for posted lifeguard times in season.
- Surfing and lessons — the Rockaways are the city’s main surf spot.
- Boardwalk food — expect casual, seasonal offerings: tacos, burgers, ice cream.
| Activity | Typical season |
|---|---|
| Lifeguarded swimming | Summer months (seasonal) |
| Surf lessons | Late spring through early fall (shops seasonal) |
| Boardwalk festivals/pop-ups | Primarily summer |
Other day-trip beaches and seaside options
If you want alternatives to Rockaway, Coney Island is reachable from Manhattan by subway in about an hour and offers an amusement area and boardwalk atmosphere rather than open-surf beach conditions. Long Beach on Long Island is reachable via the Long Island Rail Road without a car and provides a wide Atlantic beach and boardwalk.
Sandy Hook in New Jersey runs a seasonal ferry from Manhattan in summer months and has expansive beaches; schedules and seasonality vary, so check operators before you go.
- Coney Island: boardwalk, amusement parks, Nathan’s-style food stands.
- Long Beach: LIRR access, broad sand and a continuous boardwalk (rail schedules required).
- Sandy Hook: seasonal ferry service from Manhattan; check operator schedules.
| Destination | How to reach from Arlo NoMad |
|---|---|
| Coney Island | Subway (about 1 hour) |
| Long Beach | Long Island Rail Road (under 1 hour from Penn Station depending on train) |
| Sandy Hook | Seasonal ferry from Manhattan (check schedules) |
Return to Arlo NoMad — food and rooftop options
After the beach you can return to Arlo NoMad and freshen up in any room type — guests often choose an Essential Room, City Room, or Room (Sky) depending on bed configuration and needs. The hotel offers in-room high-speed WiFi included with your stay if you need to check schedules or make reservations.
For dinner or a post-beach drink, NoMad Diner serves elevated American comfort-food classics and is open for weekend brunch and dinner with posted hours. ART NoMad, the rooftop cocktail lounge on the 31st floor, is seasonal and reservations are recommended if you plan to go there at sunset.
- NoMad Diner hours vary by day; check current posted hours before heading there.
- ART NoMad rooftop is seasonal; reservations are recommended and service is weather permitting.
- If you have a late return, BARlo on the 2nd floor offers evening cocktails Tuesday–Saturday.
| On-site option | Typical hours (see hotel for current times) |
|---|---|
| NoMad Diner | Breakfast, lunch, dinner windows (hotel lists detailed daily hours) |
| ART NoMad (rooftop) | Opens from 4pm; seasonal and weather permitting |
| BARlo | Evening cocktail bar (Tuesday–Saturday nights) |
Practical tips and accessibility
Arlo NoMad is family friendly and the primary guest must be at least 21 to check in. If you’re travelling with children, note that some hotel rooms have outdoor spaces that may not be suitable for young kids — contact the hotel directly to confirm a suitable room.
Arlo NoMad offers concierge and tours assistance that can help with ferry or transit directions and ticketing. The hotel does not have an on-site pool, and beach gear like umbrellas or chairs is not provided by the property.
- Bring cashless payment methods — Arlo NoMad does not accept cash for hotel charges.
- Pet travelers: the hotel allows up to two dogs or cats (each under 75 lbs) per room for a fee; register pets at the front desk on arrival.
- Check MTA and ferry advisories on the day of travel for schedule changes.
| Hotel detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Check-in age | Primary guest must be 21+ |
| Bodega | 24-hour market; pastries and barista service 7am–2pm |
| Fitness access | Partnered New York Sports Club nearby for gym access |
