Best Beaches in NYC
NYC beaches are open and a great way to cool off when temperatures become hot. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, or just looking for a way to chill with friends and family, these beaches in New York are a quick subway, ferry, or bus trip away!
Jacob Riis Park Beach is a wider beach than its neighbors and has been dubbed as ‘the people’s beach” because of its easy access to public transportation.
Beach goers can enjoy the sand and water, the variety of concession stands, and New York City’s only legal surfing beach at Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk! Rockaway is a neighborhood on the Rockaway peninsula in the borough of Queens and it is one of the finest and most fun beach towns – and completely free!
Known as NYC’s best-kept secret and lifeguard-free three-mile stretch of clean sand, trees, and grassy dunes, you can get 50 yards of beach all to yourself at Fort Tilden Beach. Formerly a military site that overlooks the approach to New York Harbor, it is a great option to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
Jones Beach is a gigantic six-mile beach on Long Island that is well-manicured, lively, and extremely ideal for families. There is mini golf, ball courts shuffleboard, and even a swimming pool – and music fiends: Nixon at Jones Beach Theatre sees big names every summer.
Hop on the LIRR from Penn Station or Grand Central and you can wind up at one of Long Island’s biggest draws – Long Beach. With a two-mile boardwalk, you can walk or blissfully bike down the path. National Resources Defense Council ranked Long Beach among the cleanest beaches in the United States!
Orchard Beach is the Bronx’s only public beach, spanning 1.1 miles and 115 acres. It is known for its unique crescent shape and spectacular views of City Island. It was created in the 1930’s and still remains one of the most popular beaches in New York to date.
Known as one of the quietest beachfronts, Robert Moses State Park is pretty crowd-free when wanting to escape the city sun. This beach checks off all the criteria for an excellent beach day attracting nearly 3.8 million visitors annually.
Coney Island is the most well-known Brooklyn landmark. A beach that has stuck around for many generations, there is plenty to do here that can keep any age busy all day. Take a spin on the Cyclone or grab a hotdog from the delicious Nathan’s Hot Dogs that will make for a great beach day!
If you are in the mood for a soothing, hassle-free beach experience, Staten Island’s Midland Beach is the perfect destination. Part of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach, this spot is known for its fishing pier and bike path, also home to handball and shuffleboard courts.
Just a subway ride away, Brighton Beach is a great beach to cool off at this summer. Similar to its neighbor, Coney Island, Brighton Beach offers more actual swimmers and sunbathers not looking for as much of a trilling beach day.
Originally created in 1877 as a summer resort, Manhattan Beach is within walking distance of Brighton Beach, on the east end of the same Brooklyn peninsula. It is now a popular destination for family picnics and barbecues. Not to mention there are also tennis, basketball, and handball courts as well.
Adjacent to Staten Island’s Midland Beach is South Beach! South Beach has new fountains and playing fields after Hurricane Sandy, and a great two-mile long wooden boardwalk. You can lie on the sand and listen to the music of the Back to the Beach concert.
