The Best NYC Beaches To Visit This Summer

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Summer in the city can get hot, but if you know where to go, there are some great beaches for cooling off. We've put together a list of our favorite beaches in New York City so you can enjoy your weekend with family or friends in the city. Visiting a beach is not something we recommend for your first visit to NYC, but if you're visiting family or in NYC, spending a day at the beach is a great way to spend a hot day.

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New York's Best Beaches (Near the City)

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1. Long Beach | Map

Long Beach is at the top of our list because of how accessible it is and how beautiful the beach is. It has the best of everything: 2 miles of pristine beaches, a lively boardwalk, and great restaurants and bars nearby. It's free to stroll along the wide boardwalk that boasts 2 miles of walking and biking bliss and only $15 to enter the well-maintained and barefoot-friendly sandy shore. Since it's only one hour from Penn Station by train, you'll be soaking up the sun in no time!

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2. Jacob Riis Beach | Map

Jacob Riis Beach, often called "the people's beach" for its convenient access via public transportation, offers a unique alternative to the more famous Rockaway Beach nearby. With a noticeably wider sandy shoreline, Riis is a beloved spot for locals, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, often serving as a more accessible option than Fire Island. This historic beach continues to be a welcoming haven for those seeking a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

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3. Jones Beach | Map

If you're seeking a sprawling, family-friendly destination, Jones Beach State Park is the perfect spot. Stretching six miles along the ocean, this park offers plenty of space for sunbathing and playing in the sand with kids. In addition to its expansive shoreline, the park features grassy picnic areas, games like shuffleboard and mini-golf, and hosts concerts from some of the world’s top musicians at the Jones Beach Theater.

The beach is also known for its well-preserved Art Deco architecture from the 1920s, including the iconic water tower and a fully operational bathhouse, evoking the charm of a bygone New York. Located just west of Long Beach, Jones Beach is a two-hour trip from Manhattan, but with 6.5 miles of beachfront and endless, seaside walking trails, it’s well worth the journey.

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4. Cherry Grove on Fire Island | Map

For over half a century, New York’s gay and lesbian crowd has ridden the ferry to cool off at this serene hamlet. Though all of Fire Island’s spots technically share the same beachfront, this area is a bit more laid-back and affordable than the more popular Pines, but there are still plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants tucked among the cottages where you can shoot the breeze and dance. In the idyllic town, murals and mosaics cover the walls, reflecting the skills of artsy regulars.

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5. Rockaway Beach | Map

If you spend the summer months in Brooklyn, there is no way you haven’t heard about Rockaway Beach. Or if you have visited it, certainly you know that it was not just a fluke. The Ramones-approved sprawl may have gained some hipster cache over the past few years, but the draws to Rockaway remain pretty constant: You can’t beat the few-blocks-off proximity to the subway—it’s about an hour trek from downtown to the sand—and the expansive, nearly six-mile-long beach ensures you’ll get some space to yourself. The waves here are also rideable! Hang ten and sign up for surf lessons at the New York Surf School 

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6. Coney Island Beach | Map

Coney Island, located in the southern part of Brooklyn, has been a place of entertainment and fun for almost one hundred years. Today it retains its reputation as one of New York City's (and the world's) most beloved beaches and amusement parks. This neighborhood is filled with things to see and do, from the annual Mermaid Parade and the Cyclone roller coaster to fantastic street art. A two-mile-long boardwalk with arcades, shops, food vendors, and rides provides entertainment for kids and adults alike.

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7. Brighton Beach | Map

If you want to escape the Coney Island crowds and swim in a less densely populated beach environment, head to nearby Brighton. A smaller and quieter beachfront in a neighborhood of the same name, this respite boasts fewer frills than nearby Coney Island but more actual swimmers and sunbathers. Known as "Little Odesa" for its long-standing community of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, including many from Russia and Ukraine, Brighton Beach retains a unique cultural character. Stroll through the area to find a variety of pierogi shops, markets selling traditional Ukrainian foods, and restaurants featuring hard-to-find vodkas.

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8. Orchard Beach | Map

In standard fashion, we saved our favorite for last. Orchard Beach was a favorite growing up. The music and energy were like any other in the city. That was over 30 years ago, and the waters are cleaner now, but the vibe is just as fun. Orchard Beach is the Bronx's only public beach and spans 1.1 miles and 115 acres. With its stunning views of City Island, it remains one of the most popular beaches in New York. The crescent-shaped shore was created by Robert Moses in the 1930s and provides ample space for 26 courts for 3-on-3 basketball, volleyball, and handball games. Although the area lacks restaurants, there are large picnic areas and concession stands selling snacks and lots of music and Bronx-style party vibes on the beach. It's also close to City Island, which has many great restaurants to enjoy after your beach visit.

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Travel Tip: Planning a day at the beach means leaving early from Manhattan. If you want to plan a day at the beach during your trip, we can help with transportation and beach items.

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