It's sugar-coated shabbyness. I have been there in wintertime, all the rides and attractions were closed, but it´s still nice to have a walk on the beach or spot some funny looking storefronts and vintage-looking rollercosters. A perfect backdrop for photoshootings, a gem for friends of vintage typography. On 4th of july hot dog eating contests are held here (they actually do that!).

Beautiful cafe / shop with objects and goods for the home. A place to spend some time in, chill, sip your coffee and buy some things.

It's a bar with live Jazz music, random furnitures, and bunch of games like pool, ping-pong, chess, and etc. The place is filthy, disorganized, and fun.

Secondhand works of fiction, film & philosophy sold in a shop with gatherings & special events.

This is a pro tip, but also a summer tip, take the ferry from Lower Manhattan to Rockaway and spent the day. The beach is great and the area is impossible to gasp that it's 30 min from Manhattan (without traffic) - Eat as many tacos you can, cause it's the best in the state of New York!