Beaches Near New York City

Nestled along Jersey’s northern shore in Port Monmouth, Bayshore Waterfront Park offers a peaceful coastal escape with a whole lot of character. With beaches, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and sweeping dunes, this park is perfect for long walks, family picnics, and soaking in the unbeatable views of the Manhattan skyline across Sandy Hook Bay.

Highlights:

• Scenic beachfront perfect for walking, sunbathing, or playing beach games
• Fishing pier popular with locals and visitors alike
• Picnic areas scattered throughout the park
• Nature trails through coastal shrublands and dunes
• Bayshore Activity Center with ecology and history exhibits

Pro Tip:

Stop by the Seabrook-Wilson House to learn about the area’s history and ecology—then grab a seat by the water for sunset views you won’t forget.

Bayshore Waterfront Park, 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758

Nicknamed "Little Odessa", Brighton Beach is one of Brooklyn’s most colorful and culturally rich neighborhoods. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or people-watching along the bustling, laid-back boardwalk. It's mostly a local scene by day—but by night, it lights up with music, dancing, and neon from the area’s iconic nightclubs.

Highlights:

• Spacious beach with ocean swimming and sunbathing
• Boardwalk lined with Russian and Eastern European restaurants
• Chill local vibe by day, party scene by night
• Great for people-watching and beach strolls
• Strong cultural roots and vibrant neighborhood energy

Pro Tip:

Skip the packed lunch—bring your appetite and explore the boardwalk for pierogis and other delicious Eastern European eats you won’t find anywhere else.

Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Tucked away on Fire Island, Cherry Grove Beach is one of those serene, sun-soaked spots that feels like a total escape. This barrier island—just 32 miles long and a quarter-mile wide—is home to fine white sand, charming beach communities, and a peaceful, car-free vibe. Cherry Grove itself is known for its inclusive, welcoming atmosphere and relaxed pace.

Highlights:

• Beautiful, soft-sand beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming
• Car-free community—walk or bike everywhere
• Surrounded by Robert Moses State Park, Smith Point, and a national preserve
• Laid-back, LGBTQ+ friendly beach destination with great summer energy
• Summer population swells, but it never loses its easygoing charm

Pro Tip:

Fire Island is accessible only by ferry—plan ahead and pack light. Once you’re there, everything’s walkable, and the beach is always just a few steps away.

Cherry Grove Beach, Fire Island, New York, USA

One of NYC’s most iconic summer spots, Coney Island serves up nearly 3 miles of classic sandy beach perfect for swimming, sports, and soaking up the sun. From volleyball and handball courts to amusement rides and a bustling boardwalk, this place is all about fun, energy, and a touch of nostalgia.

Highlights:

• Almost 3 miles of sand with plenty of space to spread out
• Volleyball, handball, and basketball courts on the beach
• Host of the annual AVP pro volleyball tournament
• Amusement rides, arcades, and kids' playgrounds
• Boardwalk packed with shops, cafés, and classic eats

Pro Tip:

Even off-season, there’s plenty to do—check out the New York Aquarium, hit the Abe Stark Ice Rink, or catch a Brooklyn Cyclones game at MCU Park.

Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Romantic Beaches

Tucked away on the Rockaway Peninsula, Fort Tilden is a hidden gem in the Gateway National Recreation Area. This former military site has been reclaimed by nature, offering peaceful, uncrowded beaches, scenic trails, and a glimpse into local history—all with some of the best views of New York Harbor and Jamaica Bay.

Highlights:

• Quiet beaches perfect for walking, fishing, or just soaking it all in
• No lifeguards—ideal for calm splashing or peaceful shoreline time
• Nature trails through maritime forest and along the dunes
• Ranger-led tours and seasonal programs available
• Historic Battery Harris East with an observatory deck and WWII-era gun site

Pro Tip:

Climb up to the Battery Harris overlook—it’s one of the best panoramic views of the NYC skyline and surrounding waters you’ll find anywhere in the city.

Fort Tilden, Rockaway Peninsula, Queens, New York, USA

Known as "The People’s Beach," Jacob Riis Park Beach is an 88-acre oceanfront gem on the southwest edge of Queens’ Rockaway Peninsula. Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, it’s a classic New York City beach with plenty of space, historic charm, and fun activities for everyone—from surfers and sunbathers to families and sports lovers.

Highlights:

• Wide sandy beach perfect for swimming, surfing, and games
• Famous 1932 art deco bathhouse turned exhibition space
• Pitch-and-putt golf course and ball courts
• Boardwalk and walkways with stunning ocean views
• Located right near Fort Tilden and easily accessible via the Marine Parkway Bridge

Pro Tip:

Grab lunch from a local vendor or pop-up near the bathhouse, then stroll the boardwalk or explore the historic site before hitting the surf.

Jacob Riis Park Beach, Rockaway Peninsula, Queens, New York, USA

Sprawling across 2,400 acres on Long Island’s south shore, Jones Beach State Park is one of New York’s most iconic beach destinations. With 6.5 miles of soft white sand and a classic boardwalk vibe, it’s built for beach lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a full day by the sea. The park even has an ocean liner–inspired design for extra vintage charm.

Highlights:

• 6.5 miles of pristine beach along the Atlantic
• Boardwalk with food stands, mini golf, shuffleboard, and basketball
• Swimming areas, fishing spots, and scenic walking trails
• Frequent live shows at the Jones Beach Theater
• Jones Beach Nature Center with fun and educational exhibits
• Playgrounds for kids and off-season walking trails

Pro Tip:

Check the event calendar—concerts at the beach theater are a great way to cap off a sun-soaked day. And bring your binoculars—there’s great birdwatching along the quieter trails.

Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, Long Island, New York, USA

Scenic Beaches

Set on the westernmost barrier island off Long Island’s south shore, Long Beach is one of New York’s oldest and most beloved beach towns. Founded in 1880, it offers 3.5 miles of soft white sand that draw sunbathers, surfers, swimmers, and beach lovers of all kinds. Whether you’re hitting the waves or strolling the scenic boardwalk, Long Beach is an easy favorite for a beach day close to the city.

Highlights:

• 3.5 miles of beach perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing
• 2+ mile boardwalk great for biking, walking, and people-watching
• Popular spot for boogieboarding and boating
• Benches along the boardwalk for oceanfront relaxing
• Rainy day backup: four-screen local cinema nearby

Pro Tip:

Bring your bike or rent one locally—cruising the boardwalk with ocean views on one side and classic beach-town energy on the other is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Long Beach, Long Island, New York, USA

Just 12 miles from Manhattan, Manhattan Beach is a classic Brooklyn summertime escape. Once a private resort, it’s now a laid-back, family-friendly beach with soft white sand, space to spread out, and a cool, almost Mediterranean vibe—minus the pebbles. It’s also one of NYC’s less crowded beaches, making it a great spot for a more relaxed beach day.

Highlights:

• Soft, clean sand with a peaceful atmosphere
• Two large playgrounds and shady picnic areas
• Baseball diamonds, volleyball, tennis, basketball, and handball courts
• Perfect for families and weekend beachgoers looking to avoid the crowds
• Easy access from Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn

Pro Tip:

Pack a picnic and bring a ball or racket—this beach is as much about relaxing as it is about getting active on the courts or fields.

Manhattan Beach Park, Brooklyn, New York, USA

A local favorite on Staten Island, Midland Beach offers soft sand, great views of the Verrazzano Bridge, and a little something for everyone. Whether you’re here to cool off, go for a stroll, or just kick back, this beach keeps it fun and relaxed. And yes, kids will love the iconic sea turtle fountain—it’s basically a guaranteed splash zone.

Highlights:

• Sea turtle fountain and playground for kids
• Handball and shuffleboard courts
• Part of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk—shared with South Beach
• Great for walking, biking, or rollerblading along the shore
• Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier for kayaking, fishing, or taking in the view
• Seniors’ park with chess tables, bocce courts, and shaded benches

Pro Tip:

Start your beach day at Midland, then walk the boardwalk to South Beach for a change of pace—there’s plenty of room to explore without ever leaving the shoreline.

Midland Beach, Staten Island, New York, USA