The 13 Best Beaches Around New York City
Beaches? In New York City? They're no urban legend, and they're not limited to views of concrete slabs or rocky riverbeds (no shade to the East River, but Manhattanites can do much better). Within two hours of the heart of New York—okay, maybe three with traffic—you can find classic boardwalks, tiny seaside towns, surf scenes, and white sandy beaches that will make you forget all about the frenzy of city life; some are even within the five boroughs. As you gear up for summer, consider a beach day in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Long Island, or New Jersey, whether you're local, or simply trying to cool down during a summer visit. All of these sandy stretches work for day trips from the city (some closer than others, depending on where you're staying), though we’d never say no to a weekend getaway, either. Some are accessible by public transport; others will require a rental car.
These are the best beaches in and around New York City.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
AlamySouth Beach, Staten Island, New York
You don’t have to book a trip to Miami to find yourself on a spring break-worthy getaway. Bonus: South Beach is within walking distance of some excellent pizza joints. Staten Island, sometimes the forgotten borough, is an island, after all, surrounded by waterfront that has been manicured for optimal tanning and dips in the Atlantic. From Manhattan, just hop on the Staten Island Ferry and soon enough your toes will touch the sand; then work up your appetite for a quality New York slice with a game of beach volleyball.
Joseph Trentacosti/GettyJones Beach, Long Island, New York
Envision a classic American beach. That’s Jones. The most quintessential of Long Island beaches, Jones is a scene on a 6.5-mile stretch of white sand throughout the summer. Local families and city visitors stake out space early each morning with loaded coolers, every type of beach accessory, and entourages that seemingly grow as the sun warms throughout the day. The beach is accessible, too: free sand wheelchairs are available for use, and lounge chairs and umbrellas can also be rented. On-site beach volleyball, pickleball, a pool, and more attractions can keep non-swimmers entertained. And at night, a slew of danceable outdoor concerts with artists like Maroon 5, Pitbull, Alanis Morisette with Joan Jett, Avril Lavigne and plenty more Millennial and Gen X artists are on the calendar. Most visitors arrive by car, but you can get there via the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and a bus.
Anna K/GettyHither Hills State Park, Montauk, New York
Unless you’re a Hamptons resident, parking out east over the summer can be an expensive nightmare. Whether you’re visiting for the day or longer, Hither Hills in Montauk is the move. Between Memorial Day through Labor Day, just $10 gets you a parking space and access to an extensive beach with surfable waves, fishing areas, plus bathrooms with showers and a concession stand. Beach camping is just $35 a night, the cheapest way to stay in the Hamptons any time of year.
GettyAsbury Park, New Jersey
Asbury Park—so hot right now. Pack a playlist full of Springsteen and take New Jersey Transit (with a changeover at Long Branch) 111 minutes to Asbury, home of a revitalized boardwalk, classic rock at the Stone Pony, a growing foodie scene, and the new Asbury Hotel with its very buzzy rooftop bar (locals love it). If you arrive later in the day, bring your pup to Wonder Bar’s Yappy Hour, where dogs can go off-leash while you enjoy a cocktail.
GettyConey Island, Brooklyn, New York
It’s hard to find a picture of Coney Island in the heat of summer that doesn’t look like a still from Jaws—packed beaches, crowded surf. It can be terrifying. But visiting the Brooklyn boardwalk, eating a Nathan’s hot dog, riding (or watching people ride) the Thunderbolt roller coaster in Luna Park, and carving out a spot on the beach is still an everyone-should-try-it New York experience. And if you are a visitor, able to pop by mid-week without taking off work, you'll have more of it to yourself.
GettySandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area, New Jersey
Those who scoff at New Jersey are missing out. Sandy Hook, a Gateway National Park at the northern tip of the Jersey Shore, has something for everyone: wide, sandy beaches manned by an army of lifeguards; fishing and nature walks; history (the oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S. is more than 250 years old); and the ever-popular nude beach Gunnison. It’s a 45-minute ride on the Seastreak ferry from downtown Manhattan to the beach, with views of the city skyline the whole way.
GettyRockaway Beach, Queens, New York
Rockaway has fully rebounded following the damage of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. And getting there can be the best part: Board the NYC Ferry at Wall Street or Sunset Park for a seaside trip straight to the beach; or drive early when there is still street parking, if you have a car. Claim your sand towel space, rent a surfboard or take a lesson, then stop for snacks at Rockaway Bazaar (there are a plethora of food and beverage vendors along the length of the boardwalk, not to mention local bars and restaurants just blocks from the sand). Spending the night? The Rockaway Hotel is walking distance from the subway and the sea.
GettyOcean Grove, New Jersey
For those seeking some nostalgia with their beachgoing (think, the opposite of Jones Beach concerts or Rockaway’s Insta-worthy hype), Ocean Grove is your spot. This relatively quiet stretch of the Jersey Shore is less than a 90-minute drive from midtown, and couldn’t feel further. A relaxing stretch of beach is supplemented by a boardwalk and two nearby lakes, plus a walkable town with plenty of ice cream (but no alcohol, as the Methodist town is dry) to keep you sated for the drive home.
AlamyKismet Beach, Fire Island National Seashore, New York
Part of the Fire Island National Seashore, Kismet Beach is a quick ferry trip from Bay Shore (which is itself a 45 minute train ride from Jamaica, Queens), or a short walk after driving to Robert Moses State Park. Vehicles aren’t allowed on most of Fire Island, making it the perfect getaway for those sick of city traffic. Kismet is often less densely populated than nearby Robert Moses, with low crashing waves and plenty of fresh air.
GettyOrchard Beach, The Bronx, New York
This mile-long, half–moon slice of Pelham Bay Park is the Bronx’s only public beach, and it’s popular for it. Long known as the “Riviera of New York,” Orchard Beach comes with snack bars and picnic areas, two playgrounds, and 26 courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball. When the sun dips out, drive to nearby City Island for a seafood feast.
GettyLong Beach, Long Island, New York
Rebuilt in 2013 post-Hurricane Sandy, the Long Beach boardwalk is just one reason to take the easy 50-minute train ride from Manhattan. The surfable waves are another. Keep in mind that a day pass onto the beach will cost you $12, but you can check lirr.org for occasional One-Day Getaway deals that include a rail ticket, beach pass, and coupon to participating local vendors all for $22. Either way, the laid-back out-of-city feel makes the price worth it.
Jennifer Hyslip/GettySteps Beach, Nantucket, Massachusetts
An extravagant day trip? Maybe. But New Yorkers can avoid bridge and tunnel traffic by hopping on an early (and often not too expensive) flight out of JFK or LGA airports, relaxing on board for less than an hour from runway to runway, and then hopping on a WAVE shuttle or calling an Uber to the beach. At Steps, lush greenery greets visitors into the sandy oasis with a gentle surf, opportunities to snorkel and great swimming. The limited parking and wooden steps make the beach a more exclusive experience, though nearby Jetties Beach is also a great option. Pack a picnic or stop in town for provisions. Heading back, the tiny airport requires arrival no more than 45 minutes before boarding, and you’ll be back in New York quicker than you could navigate the from Riis Beach to Times Square.
GettyGreenwich Point Park, Connecticut
An hour and a half drive or quick Metro North trip from Grand Central, this 147.3-acre park and beach is the best way to enjoy the high taxes of Greenwich, Connecticut, without paying them yourself. Non residents are charged a $9 day fee to enjoy manicured sandy areas, pavilions, grills, picnic tables, a saltwater fishing area, a dog area and more.
