Key Highlights
- New York offers an impressive variety of beaches, from bustling city shores in four of the five boroughs to serene Long Island getaways.
- Iconic destinations like Coney Island provide a classic summer experience with amusement rides and a lively boardwalk.
- For those who love to ride the waves, Rockaway Beach in Queens stands out as New York City’s top spot for surfers.
- Long Island is home to some of the best beaches, including the famous Jones Beach and the tranquil Fire Island National Seashore.
- Most NYC beaches are free and easily reached by public transport, making a beach day an accessible escape for everyone.
Introduction
When the summer heat settles over New York City, there’s no better escape than the cool breezes and refreshing waters of a nearby beach. You might not think of sandy shores when you picture the city, but a fantastic beach day is often just a train ride away. Whether you’re looking for a lively city beach or a peaceful retreat on Long Island, New York has some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Ready to trade sweltering streets for sun and sand?
Top Beaches in New York: From City Shores to Long Island Getaways
New York is home to a surprising number of excellent beaches, each with its own unique character. The best beaches to visit in NYC depend on what you’re looking for—from the vibrant energy of city shores packed with activities to the quiet, picturesque Long Island getaways perfect for relaxation. You can find everything from world-famous boardwalks to protected natural coastlines.
Let’s explore some of the top spots you can visit. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting, this guide will help you find the perfect beach for your next sunny-day adventure in and around NYC.
1. Coney Island & Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
No list of New York City beaches is complete without the legendary Coney Island. Accessible by subway, this Brooklyn hotspot has been a resort destination since the 1800s. While you can certainly swim and sunbathe on its wide, sandy shore, the real draw is the atmosphere. The area is bursting with activities beyond just swimming.
Walk along the famous boardwalk for incredible people-watching, or get your thrills at Luna Park. Don’t miss a ride on the Cyclone, a historic wooden roller coaster that’s a true city landmark. For a break from the sun, you can explore the Coney Island Museum or the nearby NY Aquarium. Like all beaches managed by NYC Parks, Coney Island is free to access.
Just a short stroll away is Brighton Beach, offering a more low-key vibe popular with locals. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the ocean without the same level of hustle.
- Famous Boardwalk: Perfect for walking, people-watching, and soaking in the atmosphere.
- Amusement Rides: Home to Luna Park and the historic Cyclone roller coaster.
- Year-Round Attractions: Features the NY Aquarium for a fun, educational visit.
2. Rockaway Beach, Queens
Want to “hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach?” The Ramones had the right idea. Located in Queens, Rockaway Beach is a massive draw for millions of New Yorkers each year and is especially known as a haven for surfers, with dedicated areas for catching waves. It’s one of the most accessible beaches in NYC, easily reached via the subway, making it a perfect day trip.
The 5.5-mile boardwalk, beautifully reconstructed after Hurricane Sandy, is the heart of the action. It’s lined with fantastic food vendors offering everything from arepas to fresh ceviche. This family-friendly beach welcomes a wonderfully diverse crowd, from swimmers and sunbathers to families enjoying a day out. With so much space and activity, it truly represents the best of New York.
Whether you’re there to swim, surf, or just enjoy the scene, Rockaway Beach has something for everyone. Lifeguards are on duty daily throughout the summer season.
- Surfer’s Paradise: The only beach in NYC with designated areas for surfing.
- Subway Access: You can get to the beach easily using public transportation.
- Vibrant Boardwalk: Features numerous food concessions and a lively atmosphere.
3. Orchard Beach, the Bronx
Dubbed “The Riviera of New York” when it opened in the 1930s, Orchard Beach is the sole public beach in the Bronx and a fantastic destination for a fun day out. Situated on the Long Island Sound in Pelham Bay Park, this 1.1-mile, crescent-shaped beach is the place to be for a lively, energetic atmosphere. It’s less about quiet solitude and more about celebration.
This beach park offers excellent amenities for a full day of fun. You’ll find playgrounds for kids, various sports courts, and plenty of picnic areas for families and groups to gather. The promenade buzzes with energy, often filled with the sounds of reggaeton and merengue as thousands of beachgoers enjoy the sun.
The water quality is regularly monitored to ensure a safe swimming experience. If you’re looking for a beach with a vibrant social scene and great facilities, Orchard Beach is a top choice.
- Extensive Amenities: Includes playgrounds, picnic areas, and snack bars.
- Sports Facilities: Offers basketball, volleyball, and handball courts.
- Lively Atmosphere: Known for its festive vibe with music and crowds.
4. South Beach & Midland Beach, Staten Island
For a more tranquil beach experience within city limits, head to Staten Island. South Beach and Midland Beach offer a welcome respite from the chaos of more crowded shores. From South Beach, you can sunbathe with a stunning view of the Verrazzano Bridge. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, made of wonderfully creaky wooden planks, connects both beaches.
Midland Beach tends to be the quieter of the two, making it an excellent choice if you’re seeking a less crowded spot. Beyond swimming, the area is perfect for other activities; you can bike along a scenic trail, go fishing from the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier, or play tennis. You can even cycle here from the Staten Island Ferry via a path through historic Fort Wadsworth.
Both beaches are accessible via public transit, offering a peaceful escape with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the ocean air.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy beautiful sights of the Verrazzano Bridge while you relax.
- FDR Boardwalk: A 2.5-mile boardwalk ideal for walking, running, and cycling.
- Quieter Alternative: Generally less crowded than beaches in Brooklyn or Queens.
5. Jones Beach State Park, Long Island
Located on the South Shore of Long Island, Jones Beach State Park is one of the region’s most famous and popular coastal destinations. It boasts 6.5 miles of pristine white-sand beach along the Atlantic Ocean, drawing millions of visitors each summer. The park is renowned for its excellent facilities and sheer size, ensuring plenty of space for everyone. While the park is open year-round, swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, typically from Memorial Day weekend to mid-September.
The park is much more than just a beach. Its iconic 2-mile-long boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and other attractions include mini-golf, shuffleboard, and the Northwell Health Theater, which hosts major concerts.
Getting to Jones Beach is convenient, even without a car. You can take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Freeport and connect with a bus that takes you directly to the park.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | South Shore of Long Island |
| Key Attraction | 6.5 miles of white-sand ocean beach |
| Main Amenity | A 2-mile-long boardwalk with various concessions |
| Accessibility | Reachable by car or a combination of the Long Island Rail Road and a bus |
6. Fire Island National Seashore, Long Island
For a truly unique escape, take a ferry to Fire Island, a 32-mile-long barrier island off the coast of Long Island where cars are blissfully absent. This destination, managed by the National Park Service, offers a refreshing change of pace from the typical beach day. The experience begins with a relaxing boat ride from the mainland.
Fire Island is a collection of distinct communities, each with its own vibe. Ocean Beach is a quaint village with charming storefronts and restaurants perfect for a first-time visitor. For a vibrant LGBTIQ+ scene, head to Cherry Grove and The Pines. Meanwhile, communities like Saltaire offer a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
Because it’s a protected area, there are rules to preserve its natural beauty. For example, dogs are generally not permitted on the oceanfront beaches during the peak season from March 15 to Labor Day. [1]
- Car-Free Environment: A peaceful getaway accessed only by ferry.
- Diverse Communities: Offers everything from lively party scenes to quiet family villages.
- Natural Beauty: A protected national seashore with beautiful dunes and coastline.
7. The Hamptons & Montauk, Long Island
The Hamptons and Montauk, located on the eastern end of the South Shore of Long Island, are world-famous for their stylish summer crowds and beautiful beaches. While the area is known for its sceney restaurants and boutiques, the pristine dunes and glorious waves are the original draw for beachgoers.
From the tony crowds at Coopers Beach in Southampton to the more relaxed vibe at Main Beach in East Hampton, there’s a stretch of sand for every taste. For a quieter experience, you can find tranquility at nature preserves like the Atlantic Double Dunes Preserve. Surfers flock to Ditch Plains in Montauk for some of the best waves in the region.
Parking can be a challenge, as it’s often restricted to residents with permits. A great alternative is to take your bike on the Long Island Rail Road and pedal from the station to the beach for a stress-free day.
- Stunning Shoreline: Known for pristine dunes and beautiful ocean waves.
- Variety of Scenes: Home to everything from trendy social spots to quiet, natural beaches.
- Surfer Hotspot: Ditch Plains in Montauk is a premier destination for the surf crowd.
Family-Friendly Activities and Amenities at New York Beaches
Many New York beaches are incredibly family-friendly, offering much more than just sand and surf. Beyond swimming, you’ll find a wide range of activities and amenities designed to keep visitors of all ages entertained. These features transform a simple beach day into a full-day adventure, making them perfect destinations for families.
From dedicated play areas for children to sports facilities for active teens and adults, these beaches are equipped to provide a comfortable and fun experience. Let’s look at some of the common amenities that make a day at the beach enjoyable for everyone.
Playgrounds, Sports Courts, and Picnic Areas
Thinking about what to do besides swim? Many New York beach parks offer excellent amenities that cater to every interest. These facilities ensure that beachgoers have plenty of options for fun, whether they’re in the water or on the sand. Orchard Beach and Midland Beach, for example, feature dedicated playgrounds where kids can safely play.
For those looking for more active recreation, you can often find a variety of sports courts. Many beaches offer facilities for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and handball, providing a great way for New Yorkers to stay active while enjoying the fresh air. Planning a full-day outing? Look for beaches with designated picnic areas and barbecue spots, like Manhattan Beach, to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
These amenities make the beach a versatile destination for everyone, not just swimmers.
- Playgrounds: Safe and fun play areas for children are available at many beaches.
- Sports Courts: Facilities for tennis, volleyball, and basketball are common.
- Picnic and Barbecue Areas: Designated spots perfect for enjoying a meal by the shore.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York’s beaches offer a diverse array of experiences, from the lively atmosphere of Coney Island to the serene beauty of Fire Island. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a peaceful escape, there’s a perfect beach waiting for you. Each destination has its unique charm, making it easy to find a spot that suits your mood. So grab your sunscreen, pack your beach gear, and head out to enjoy the sun and surf! Don’t forget to share your favorite beach moments with us!