Snapshots
You can discover traditional boardwalks, little coastal villages, surf scenes, and white sandy beaches that will make you forget about the chaos of city life within two hours of New York City. The best beaches near New York City are a must-visit! Some of these places are even inside the five boroughs. Whether you're a native or just visiting, a day at the beach in New Jersey, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, or Long Island is a great way to cool down this summer. We would never turn down a weekend retreat, but any of these beach stretches would be perfect for a day excursion from the city. Most may be reached by using public transportation, although a rental vehicle may be necessary for some.
When you're in the Big Apple, make sure to visit the best beaches near NYC!
Fort Tilden Beach
Even on a summer weekend, you'll have at least fifty yards of beach to yourself at Fort Tilden Beach, New York City's best-kept secret and a lifeguard-free three-mile length of pristine sand, trees, and grassy dunes. We recommend riding a bike to Fort Tilden Beach, as commuting by car or tube is nearly impossible! But do not miss one of the top 10 beaches in New York!
Robert Moses State Park, Long Island
Robert Moses State Park is a 5-mile stretch of gentle sand that makes you forget you're in the middle of the concrete jungle that is New York City. This is one of the best beaches in New York! Spread down a blanket and umbrella in front of the glistening shoreline, or pull out your picnic basket and grill some hot dogs and hamburgers at one of the picnic spots. Enjoy the peace of the beaches without the crowds; some locations even prohibit radios, and if you're lucky, you could even see a surfer. If you're feeling adventurous, there's an 18-hole golf course located directly on the lake. Getting to Robert Moses State Park from Penn Station is as easy as taking the LIRR to Babylon and then getting out at Robert Moses State Park on the Suffolk bus. Make sure you do not miss out on the best beaches near New York City!
Jones Beach, Long Island, New York
Imagine the traditional American beach, and one of the best beaches in NYC! At its most iconic, Jones Beach on Long Island is a summertime setting on 6.5 miles of white sand. City dwellers and their families stake out spots first thing in the morning, armed with coolers full of beach gear and expanding entourages as the day progresses. Additionally, the beach is accessible; sand wheelchairs are provided for free, and visitors may rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. Non-swimmers won't be bored with the pool, beach volleyball, pickleball, and other activities available on site. And for those evenings, there will be a plethora of fun outdoor concerts, including Millennial and Gen X singers such as Pitbull, Alanis Morisette with Joan Jett, Avril Lavigne, and Maroon 5. The majority of tourists drive there; however, the LIRR and buses are also options. Truly one of the best beaches around New York!
The Bronx's Orchard Beach
Did you notice how "The Riviera of New York" sounds? That's the name given to the Bronx's artificial beach on Long Island Sound by New Yorkers: Orchard Beach. This is one of the most iconic and best beaches in NYC! Built in the 1930s, the crescent-shaped beach provides breathtaking views of City Island from its slightly longer than a mile length. Grab some food from one of the many beachside concession stands or bring your picnic. If you are tired of lounging on the beach, you can always stroll down the hexagonal boardwalk or shoot some hoops on one of the 26 nearby courts.
Coney Island in Brooklyn
With its overcrowded beaches and waves, a summertime photo of Coney Island is likely to resemble chaos! But there are still several things that every New Yorker should do: visit the Brooklyn boardwalk, eat Nathan's hot dog, ride the Thunderbolt roller coaster at Luna Park (or at least watch other people ride it), and find a space on the shore. And if you're a tourist who can swing by during the middle of the week without calling in sick, you'll have the place to yourself, make sure never to miss the best beaches in New York!
Long Beach
The ease of transport there is a major selling point for Long Beach. You may get to the beach in no time at all by taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station. Its boardwalk has been improved throughout the years and now offers almost two miles of wonderful walking and riding. There is an entry charge, but the sandy grounds are clean and safe for barefoot visitors. The National Resources Defence Council even classified Long Beach as one of the cleanest beaches in the United States and one of the best beaches in New York.