7 Of The Best Beaches In New York City

When summer hits, NYC gets sweltering hot, so a break to one of the city’s beaches is a must. While the Hamptons gets all the fame for its golden shores, there’s also plenty of nice beaches in New York that are just a quick subway or bus ride away.

From classics such as Coney Island to quieter stretches, here’s seven beaches to take a day trip to this summer.

Best Beaches In New York City

1. Coney Island – Brooklyn

New York City’s most famous summer spot, Coney Island has thrills, sun, surf and the legendary wooden Cyclone rollercoaster. Its world-renowned boardwalk stretches along the sand with views of the Atlantic Ocean. A day spent here on a hot summer’s day is an essential NYC experience.

2. Rockaway Beach – Queens

“We can hitch a ride/To Rockaway Beach”... the infamous Queens beach is popular with everyone, from surfers to swimmers to the Ramones. The beach contains the only two surf beaches in the five boroughs, but there’s plenty for non-surfers too. Cute beach bars and a buzzing vibe make this one of the essential beaches in New York.

3. Manhattan Beach – Brooklyn

Originally founded as a private resort by Manhattan’s elite (hence the name), this Brighton Beach neighbour now welcomes all visitors to its sandy shore. The beach is on the quiet side compared with its other Brooklyn counterparts, but its barbecue areas and numerous sports fields keep it lively. There’s two playgrounds and two baseball fields, plus volleyball, tennis, basketball and handball courts.

4. Orchard Beach – The Bronx

Formerly known as “The Riviera of New York City,” Orchard Beach, the Bronx’s only beach, is still a popular hotspot on a hot day. The beach sits on the Long Island Sound and offers a one-of-a-kind view of City Island. If you need to get out of the sun, take a leisurely walk on the promenade and stop into some of the many shops and food venues.

5. Jacob Riis Park – Queens

This is the little cousin of Rockaway Beach. Home to a restored art deco bathhouse, a pitch-and-putt golf course, ball courts, boardwalks and a mile-long stretch of swimmable ocean, Jacob Riis Park is one of New York City’s most popular beaches.

Jacob Riis is one of the area’s only beaches that can be reached by bus, subway, car or ferry.

6. Cedar Grove Beach – Staten Island

Once privately owned and maintained by a beach bungalow community, this New Dorp locale is the newest addition to NYC’s public beaches and a family-friendly, tranquil spot to soak up the sun. It’s part of Great Kills Park, an area full of wildlife and wetlands.

7. Brighton Beach – Brooklyn

Just to the east of the Coney Island boardwalk lies this stretch that’s popular with the local Russian community. Smaller and more laidback than its neighbour, this beach gives off a homey vibe. Take a break from surf and sand here to sample the area’s signature Eastern European fare in restaurants along the boardwalk.