Ultimate Guide to New York City Beaches

Amidst the towering skyscrapers, it can be easy to forget that Manhattan is an island and New York City is surrounded by water. This geographical reality provides a variety of options for beach-goers.

During the hot summer months, retreat to one of New York City’s many beaches – an ideal way to enjoy a day or weekend during your northeast vacation. The best part is that access to all beaches in New York City is free.

It’s essential to remember that swimming at NYC beaches is only allowed when a lifeguard is on duty. Lifeguards are present from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day each year, ensuring safety from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, including Sundays.

Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn

This famous beach is home to the renowned Mermaid Parade every June, making it a “must-see” for first-time visitors wanting to experience the ocean. Nearby, you can find the Original Nathan’s hotdog stand and enjoy freak shows and carnival rides when you want a break from relaxing in the sun.

Accessing this popular tourist destination is easy via the Coney Island-bound B, D, F, N, and R subway trains to Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island. Because of its popularity, Coney Island offers numerous amenities, including public shower houses, a mile-long boardwalk, and even an aquarium. In 2018, a rooftop bar and restaurant opened on the top floor of the shark exhibit, adding to the beach’s appeal.

Brighton Beach, Brooklyn

Brighton Beach provides a spacious atmosphere with a boardwalk a short distance from the busier Coney Island. Here, you will notice a higher concentration of locals, primarily individuals of Russian and Eastern European descent, as Brighton boasts one of the largest such communities in the eastern United States.

Take the B or Q trains to Brighton Beach or simply continue walking east from Coney Island after passing the aquarium. Additionally, the Brighton Beach neighborhood offers authentic Eastern European cuisine from several markets, delis, and restaurants. If you walk a little further, you can reach the more secluded Manhattan Beach Park.

Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, Queens

Considered one of the best beaches within the limits of New York City, Rockaway Beach offers ample space to relax with significantly less foot traffic than Coney Island. Additionally, it features a boardwalk and is home to the only two stretches of shoreline in NYC suitable for surfing.

Rockaway Beach spans from Beach 1st Street in Far Rockaway to Beach 149th Street in Neponsit. Flying into John F. Kennedy International Airport? Rockaway Beach is just a 10-minute cab ride away. For those coming from Manhattan, subway or ferry service is necessary.

From Manhattan, take the Rockaway Parkway-bound A train to Broad Channel at any time. Alternatively, you can board a New York Beach Ferry from Pier 11 on Wall Street, available only on Saturdays and Sundays for $30 round-trip. The ferry option allows you to sit on the top deck with a glass of rosé, relaxing before reaching the sandy shores.

Jacob Riis Park, Queens

For those who don’t mind venturing a little further, Jacob Riis Park is also on the same island as Rockaway Beach, located approximately half a mile past the train station. This beach is among the cleanest in the NYC area and features a clothing-optional area near Breezy Point Beach, which is accessible by passing through Fort Tilden Park.

Jacob Riis Park also boasts a new food market offering some of the best cuisine in New York City, including crab cake sandwiches, barbecue, and famous Ample Hills Ice Cream.

You can reach Jacob Riis Park by taking the A train to Broad Channel and boarding a local bus toward the western (Manhattan) side of the island, or by utilizing the New York Beach Ferry to Riis Landing and then walking down to the park.

Three Beach Areas on Staten Island

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach stretches for two and a half miles in the South Beach and Midland Beach neighborhoods of Staten Island. With plenty of art, amenities, and spacious beaches featuring smaller crowds, this beach is an exceptional spot for families visiting the city.

To access this destination, take the R train to the 86th Street Station, where you’ll transfer to the S53 bus to Sand Lane and Hyland Boulevard, then switch to the S52 Bus to Father Capodanno Boulevard and Sand Lane, where the beach boardwalk begins. The entire journey from Manhattan takes about an hour and a half.

Wolfe’s Pond Park also offers a wonderful beach, allowing visitors to explore the nearby wildlife preserve and open space. Take the S78 to Tottenville at Cornelia and Highland Boulevard or the Staten Island Transit subway to Huguenot Avenue for access.

Another highlighted destination is Great Kills Park, featuring four beaches: New Dorp Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, Oakwood Beach, and Fox Beach. You can reach Great Kills Park by taking the S76 to Oakwood Beach and then transferring to the S86 to Ebbitts Street and Cedar Grove Avenue.

Orchard Beach and Promenade, the Bronx

Many visitors to New York City are unaware that the Bronx possesses its own beaches. Orchard Beach, located within Pelham Bay Park, is the most attractive beach and features a lovely promenade along the water.

To reach this public area, take the 6 train to its northernmost stop. During the summer, you can access Orchard Beach via the Bx12 and Bx5 buses, or during the winter via the Bx29 to the City Island Circle.

Jones Beach State Park, Long Island

One of the most popular beaches in the New York area, Jones Beach features six miles of soft sandy shores and a boardwalk. Expect ample beach amenities such as lockers, seating, a swimming pool, mini-golf, and shuffleboard areas. Keep in mind that the Jones Beach amphitheater hosts concerts throughout the summer season.

Located in Wantagh along Ocean Parkway, Jones Beach is accessible only by car, boat, or bike. Therefore, plan ahead if you intend to visit this sought-after Long Island destination, either by renting a car or preparing for a costly taxi ride.

Long Beach, Long Island

If you are in search of a Long Island beach that is accessible via public transit, Long Beach can be reached by taking the Long Island Railroad to the Long Beach Station. Bear in mind that this beach, unlike NYC beaches, charges a $12 access fee for adults and children over 13 years old.

Fortunately, the boardwalk is free and hosts several permanent and seasonal shops, including an ice cream parlor. Arts and crafts festivals, along with vendor events, frequently occur throughout the summer. Additionally, umbrellas and chairs are available for rent at various locations on the beach.

Wildwood State Park

Located on the north shore of Long Island, approximately 80 miles east of Manhattan, Wildwood State Park features a two-mile stretch of beach regarded as one of the most secluded and picturesque beaches near the city.

To reach this serene destination, take the Long Island Expressway to exit 68, head north on Route 46 to Route 25A east, and finally exit left onto Sound Avenue, turning left at the traffic light onto Hulse Landing Road, where you will find the park entrance shortly thereafter.

Orient Beach State Park

As the name indicates, Long Island is indeed quite long. At the northeastern tip, 118 miles from Manhattan, you will discover the 363-acre Orient Beach State Park. The swimming season opens in late June and runs until early September, providing access to four nationally recognized lighthouses: Orient Point Lighthouse, Plum Island Lighthouse, Long Beach Bar Lighthouse, and the Cedar Island Lighthouse.

To reach Orient Beach State Park, journey along the north shore around 100 miles from Manhattan via the Long Island Expressway (Route 495). Near the end of the island, merge onto Route 25 east, which ends in Orient at the park. Nearby restaurants and accommodations allow for an overnight stay if desired.