Beaches near New York
New York isn't exactly known for its nature reserves and grassy dunes. The Big Apple is the central hub for stock brokers, investors, and the daily grind. Skyscrapers like the Empire State Building are the familiar sights of New York City's skyline. This doesn't mean that you can't get away from it all!
A weekend getaway to a New York City island beach can get your gears turning for a new week like nothing else. New York's beaches are mostly sandy and the summers don't get extremely hot. You can expect a pleasant day at the beach anywhere from May to September. It can get chilly before or after that period, but the beaches will be less crowded too!
In those cooler months, you can try out some other fun nearby activities, though. A good walk in the park or a trip to the amusement park is always fun! The winter brings a different experience from the beach months when the Christmas decorations come out. New York knows how to make every season feel special!
Top 4 Beaches in New York
Want to know what the best beaches in New York are? Whether it's beach season or not, these locations will leave you breathless. Take a look at our top 4 picks for New York City beaches, with honorable mentions to Orchard Beach, Brighton Beach, and Manhattan Beach:
- South Beach
- Coney Beach
- Riis Beach
- Rockaway Beach
1. South Beach
South Beach is one of the most popular spots on Staten Island. It's free just like other beaches in New York! From Lower Manhattan, take the number 5 bus and it'll take you right to the beach. It's about a forty-five-minute ride. When you get off, the first thing you'll see is the Fountain of the Dolphins.
Picture a stunning stretch of golden sand and sunsets with a fantastic view of the Verazzano Bridge! That's what you can expect from South Beach. If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of city life, this calm and peaceful peace of Heaven is what you need! Just remember to bring your own umbrella and beach mat, cuz you can't rent anything here.
What you can do is take a walk down Franklin D Roosevelt Boardwalk. It'll lead you to beach volleyball courts, softball fields, and playgrounds for your kids, all the way to Midland Beach. You can also fish on one of the piers! Don't worry about restrooms or showers cuz they've got those covered! There aren’t a lot of places to eat or drink though, so make sure to pack a lunch or two.
Make the most out of your day at South Beach
Looking forward to a trip to Staten Island, but don't know where to leave your luggage? Don't worry about it. Check out where you can leave your bags and what's most convenient for you! Don't miss out on a day of fun while worrying about storage locations!
2. Coney Beach
Named after Coney Island, Coney Beach is a popular tourist and weekend getaway destination. If you’re coming from Prospect Park in Brooklyn, take the Q train and you'll be there in forty minutes. When you get off, it's just a 5-minute walk to the beach.
When you get there, you'll see why it's one of the more popular spots. You'll find calm waters, sandy beaches, and a view of a clear blue ocean. Lots of New Yorkers and tourists come here for the long stretches of golden sand that meet blue waves and the Riegelmann Boardwalk. They also come here to fish off the Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier and enjoy the Luna Park which we're gonna tell you more about!
The Coney Island Luna Park has everything you could want. Thrill seekers can enjoy rides like the Sling Shot, Thunderbolt, and Cyclone, while those less brave can check out the arcade games and shops to pick up a keepsake from their visit to Luna Park. And the best part? It’s open all year round! Make sure to also stop by the New York Aquarium and Ocean Wonders: Sharks, our personal favorite!
3. Riis Beach
Looking for a fantastic view of the endless Atlantic Ocean or a peaceful beach on the Long Island Sound? Riis Beach is it! Your best bet is to take a cab from downtown Brooklyn or drive to Jacob Riis Park. It'll take you about forty minutes, but it has a huge parking lot. Just a heads up—the ticket will run you twenty dollars.
Riis Beach is just next to the Park, so just take a stroll through. It's a long beach and one of the calmer ones on the Rockaway Peninsula. With the park so close, you get this nature-meets-beach vibe. This makes it a pretty chill spot compared to Coney Beach, perfect for a romantic getaway with your partner. Plus, there are plenty of picnic areas and picnic tables for a homemade lunch in nature.
Don’t forget to bring umbrellas and extra towels because there aren't any renting options. You’ll find paddleball and handball courts, a golf course, and a playground for your children. There's also the Bathhouse, a historical landmark from 1932 that's set to be restored. Fort Tilden Beach is within walking distance, just like its baseball and rugby fields. If you’re looking for a calmer experience, Riis is the one for you!
Make the most out of your day at Riis Beach
The Rockaway Peninsula is a long way from Brooklyn, huh? Don't worry! Take a breather at the beach while Bounce takes care of your stuff. Forget the hassle of lugging around things you don't need for that day! Check out our nearby luggage storage spots to see where you can store your bags in our care.
4. Rockaway Beach
Here’s another long public beach with white sand on the Rockaway Peninsula. Among the NYC beaches, this one has the whitest sand. You can take the A train from Downtown Brooklyn, then switch to the S train at the end of the line. You'll be there in about an hour! When you get off the train, the beach is right in front of you—it's a straight shot down the street!
This one’s also free beach, but sadly with no renting options, so don't forget that umbrella. It has a lot of jetties and a lot of room for you to stretch your legs. You’ll get an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean while you relax, swim, or take a walk on the Rockway Beach Boardwalk.
Hike, cycle, or skate your way along the beach and through the park. Take a break at Rippers, a burger joint with top-quality burgers. This place never disappoints, and it’s only ten to twenty dollars per person! If you're looking for something a bit fancier though, check out La Cevicheria. It's a Peruvian restaurant that won’t break the bank, and we recommend trying their seafood options! So if you're craving a snack, a stroll in the park, or a fun day at the beach, Rockaway is the way to go!