NYC & Company features Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Beach this summer as part of Neighborhood x Neighborhood

—In Time for Summer, Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Beach Ready to Welcome New Yorkers and Visitors for a Waterfront Escape—

New York City (June 4, 2014) — NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, today announced Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Beach—spanning both Brooklyn and Queens—as the next destinations to be featured in Neighborhood x Neighborhood. From surfing the waves and kayaking inlets to biking among picturesque scenery and savoring culinary offerings along the boardwalk, the waterfront neighborhoods of Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Beach offer New Yorkers and visitors endless ways to experience the summer in New York City. Accessible by subway, bus, ferry, bike and car, Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Beach are must-visit neighborhoods this summer. For more information on all there is to see and do in Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Beach, visit nycgo.com/nxn.  

“Whether New Yorkers and visitors are looking to relax by the sand and surf, sample treats on the boardwalk or connect with nature, Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Beach feel worlds away from the energy of Midtown Manhattan,” said Marty Markowitz, Vice President of Borough Promotion and Engagement at NYC & Company. “We encourage everyone to visit Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Beach this summer and learn why New Yorkers and visitors return to the communities summer after summer for beachside fun.”

“Must-See Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Beach” Highlights

The following activities, places, venues and more are featured on nycgo.com/nxn.

• Jamaica Bay is full of places to boat for both beginners and experts, and there are several trips offered throughout the summer including canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Fresh Creek Nature Preserve is a perfect place to look for butterflies, birds and fish, and Paerdegat Basin leads into the Bergen Beach section of Jamaica Bay. Kayaks are available to rent from Wheel Fun at Marine Park, an ideal inlet for bird-watching.
• For a wilderness experience, New Yorkers and visitors can camp all year long at the Floyd Bennett campground, Camp Gateway, or at Marine Park during their family camping nights on July 13, 26 and August 30.   
• Jamaica Bay is a favorite spot of bird-watchers, and the Visitor Contact Station at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge offers all the information needed for a day exploring the variety of creatures that call the area home. There are also opportunities and places to fish in Jamaica Bay and catch-and-release programs are offered throughout the summer.
• In Jamaica Bay, visitors can also learn more about the City’s history at Floyd Bennett Field and Fort Tilden. New York City’s first municipal airport, Floyd Bennett Field is home of the newly reopened William Fitts Ryan Visitor Center, which showcases the history of the airport. At Fort Tilden, visitors can explore the batteries and bunkers from its days as a harbor outpost from 1917–1974.
• One of New York City’s most popular beaches, Jacob Riis Park is home to a mile-long stretch of swimmable ocean and also offers visitors a boardwalk, a bathhouse and recreation facilities.
• Rockaway Beach’s ocean setting makes it a popular summer destination for both New Yorkers and visitors. The beaches from 67th to 69th Street and 87th to 92nd Street are better known by surfers for their waves, while the beach at 73rd Street is a popular spot for families.
• Along the Rockaway Beach boardwalk, Rockaway Taco is well known for serving tacos, quesadillas, fried plantain chips and fresh guacamole with a surf shack vibe. Located in the same building as Rockaway Taco, DiCosmo’s Ice serves Italian ices, frozen yogurt and homemade soft serve, while Veggie Island offers smoothies, drinks and breakfast options.
• On the boardwalk at Beach 86th, Rippers serves everything from breakfast burritos and eggs to hamburgers and fish sandwiches. Offering Asian cuisine with a rock and roll feel, Uma’s opened in 2013 at Beach 92nd. Also located on Beach 92nd Street, Thai Rock overlooks Jamaica Bay, and its menu includes authentic Thai dishes.
• A surf shop in Rockaway Beach, Boarders sells surfing equipment and accessories and also offers surfboard rentals. Rockaway Jet Ski provides Jet Ski tours, Jet Ski rentals and kayak rentals. Visitors looking to bike in Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Beach can head to Paul’s Bicycle Shop for bike equipment and rentals.
• A hip and relaxing hotel in Rockaway Beach, Playland Motel has 12 guest rooms, each of which were designed by different, prominent designers. With indoor and outdoor bars and a restaurant, Playland Motel also draws New Yorkers and visitors who are looking to enjoy the summer at Rockaway Beach.

New Yorkers and visitors interested in exploring more of New York City can have a perfect summer stay at one of the City’s hotels. From June 21 to September 1, many hotels throughout the five boroughs are offering increased savings when you book three or more nights. For more information and to book a stay, visit nycgo.com/hotels.

Neighborhood x Neighborhood: The Essential Guide to NYC

New York City is made up of five distinct boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. The Neighborhood x Neighborhood initiative spotlights the affordability and accessibility of these diverse communities, including areas that have seen new hotel development in recent years. Neighborhoods and featured highlights are chosen in collaboration with community leaders and with consideration of NYC & Company’s members.

In order to continue to grow New York City’s tourism industry, Neighborhood x Neighborhood targets repeat visitors, intrepid first-time visitors and New Yorkers seeking new adventures here in their home city. The campaign was designed to highlight the diversity of offerings in New York City’s five boroughs, encourage exploration in areas outside traditional tourist locations and generate economic activity in the featured neighborhoods.

Neighborhood x Neighborhood is produced by NYC & Company and its Presenting Sponsor, Santander Bank, N.A. The sponsorship includes production of taxi videos each month, bus stop shelters and street-pole banners highlighting the selected neighborhoods.

For more information about Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Beach and other things to see and do across New York City, visit nycgo.com/nxn. To read the monthly Neighborhood x Neighborhood press releases and to view B-roll and photos of neighborhood highlights, visit nycgo.com/press. Follow @nycgo_press on Twitter for the latest information about New York City travel and tourism.

For PR, media and communication in Scandinavia/Finland contact:

Elin Norlin, elin@comvision.se, 070 279 86 40  

About NYC & Company:

NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information, visit nycgo.com

Tags: