New York City may be a concrete jungle, but just beyond the skyline lies an entire world of sand, sea, and sun. Whether you're craving the energy of Coney Island, the inclusivity of Cherry Grove, or the solitude of Fort Tilden, these beach escapes offer more than just a break from the noise—they offer a new perspective. Some are just a subway ride away, others a ferry or scenic drive, but all deliver something New Yorkers secretly (and not-so-secretly) dream of: space to breathe.
Best Beaches Near New York City
For Birdwatchers: Bayshore Waterfront Park
Bayshore Waterfront Park felt like a breath I didn’t know I needed. Tucked along the Raritan Bay in New Jersey, the beach was quiet, calm, and gently kissed by the tide. The Manhattan skyline shimmered in the far distance, but here, life slowed down. I remember thinking, “This is the view I didn’t expect—city far away, but peace right here.” A few fishermen cast lines, the breeze rolled in, and everything felt soft.
What I Loved Most: Sitting alone on the boardwalk just after sunrise, with birdsong in the background and the light bouncing off the bay. It was the kind of quiet that seeps into your chest.
My highlights? A stop at The Bagel Hut in Port Monmouth for a toasted everything bagel with scallion cream cheese and a hot coffee. I brought it back to the pier and watched the world wake up.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from NYC: ~1 hour south
- Vibe: Peaceful, local, bayfront
- Highlights: Fishing pier, walking trails, skyline views
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 7 a.m. to dusk
- Address: 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
For Culture lovers: Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach buzzed with life the second I stepped off the Q train. Russian bakeries, beach umbrellas, and the sound of the ocean blended into a rhythm uniquely Brooklyn. The sand was soft, the crowd diverse, and the energy—deliciously unfiltered. I remember thinking, “This is the most real version of summer I’ve ever walked into.” There’s always something happening here, and somehow, it all works.
What I Loved Most: Floating in the Atlantic while the boardwalk pulsed with conversation behind me. Music, laughter, languages—it all rolled together like the waves.
My highlights? A late lunch at Café Glechik. I had the pelmeni dumplings in broth with a side of borscht and rye bread. Hearty, flavorful, and made with love.
Travel Tips:
- Subway Access: Q to Brighton Beach
- Vibe: Lively, multicultural, authentic
- Highlights: Wide sandy beach, boardwalk, local food
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Address: Brighton Beach Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235
For Relaxed vacationers: Cherry Grove Beach
Cherry Grove on Fire Island felt like stepping into a vibrant, open-hearted paradise. No cars, no rush—just boardwalks, bicycles, and laughter echoing from beach houses. The black-and-white striped umbrellas dotted the shoreline like confetti, and everyone was simply...happy. I remember thinking, “This is what it looks like when people can just be.” The breeze felt more generous here.
What I Loved Most: Watching the sunset with sand still clinging to my ankles and the sound of distant music drifting over the dunes. It was pure joy, no filter needed.
My highlights? A cocktail and grilled shrimp tacos at The Ice Palace. Fun, festive, and absolutely delicious under strings of patio lights and open skies.
Travel Tips:
- Ferry Access: Sayville Ferry to Cherry Grove
- Vibe: Inclusive, relaxed, joyful
- Highlights: LGBTQ+ friendly, walkable, clean sands
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Cost: Ferry fare + optional amenities
- Hours: Beach open all day
- Address: Cherry Grove, Fire Island, NY 11782
For Thrill-seekers: Coney Island Beach
Coney Island is where summer grows up without losing its childlike wonder. The sand, the rides, the seagulls, the smell of hot dogs—every sense is engaged. I remember thinking, “This place is chaos and charm, perfectly balanced.” It’s not quiet, but it is unforgettable.
What I Loved Most: Lying back on the warm sand with the sound of the Cyclone roaring in the distance and waves lapping nearby. Nostalgia wrapped in sunscreen.
My highlights? A chili cheese dog from Nathan’s Famous and a fresh lemonade, eaten standing up with mustard on my fingers and not a care in the world.
Travel Tips:
- Subway Access: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave
- Vibe: Iconic, loud, nostalgic
- Highlights: Boardwalk, amusement park, beach performances
- Best Time to Visit: Summer weekends for full effect
- Cost: Free beach; pay for rides and food
- Hours: Beach open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Address: Surf Ave & Stillwell Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
For Solitude seekers: Fort Tilden Beach
Fort Tilden Beach felt like a secret worth keeping. After a short hike through dunes and overgrown paths, I reached a wide, nearly empty shoreline. The ocean stretched endlessly, and not a high-rise was in sight. I remember thinking, “This is what the city doesn’t show you—but I’m so glad it’s here.” It felt wild, real, and beautifully raw.
What I Loved Most: Finding a quiet spot with no one else nearby, hearing only the surf and gulls, and letting the city melt away behind me.
My highlights? I packed a picnic: ciabatta, goat cheese, olives, and cherries. Eating it on a blanket with sand between my toes was better than any restaurant.
Travel Tips:
- Access: Bike or bus via Rockaway; walking required
- Vibe: Secluded, wild, minimalist
- Highlights: Remote beach, nature trails, WWII ruins
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for solitude
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Address: Fort Tilden Rd, Queens, NY 11697
For City daytrippers: Jacob Riis Park Beach
Jacob Riis Park had a vibe that felt both retro and refreshingly open. Art deco buildings framed the entrance, and the beach itself was wide and inviting. Surfers mingled with families, and food trucks lined the boardwalk with smells of tacos and fresh-cut fries. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of summer I wish I grew up with.” It was familiar but fresh.
What I Loved Most: Watching surfers ride the morning waves as I sipped cold brew from a shaded bench. Pure contentment.
My highlights? A stop at Rockaway Clam Bar in the bazaar. I had the shrimp roll with old bay fries and a ginger beer—messy, perfect, and eaten with sandy hands.
Travel Tips:
- Subway + Shuttle Access: 2/5 to Flatbush + Q35 bus
- Vibe: Chill, historic, eclectic
- Highlights: Surfing, boardwalk food, sunbathing
- Best Time to Visit: July and August
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Address: 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Queens, NY 11694
Big beach energy at Jones Beach
Jones Beach was sprawling and structured, the kind of place that was built for summer at full throttle. Umbrellas, volleyball nets, food stalls, and endless sand—everything felt big and bold. I remember thinking, “This is the beach of beach days.” It wasn’t quiet, but it didn’t need to be. It was alive.
What I Loved Most: Watching families splash and play, lifeguards keeping rhythm, and teenagers digging their toes into the surf while passing around watermelon slices.
My highlights? A classic Italian ice from The Boardwalk Café—cherry and lemon swirl—cooling me down just enough to dive back into the heat.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from NYC: ~1 hour via Meadowbrook Pkwy
- Vibe: Energetic, expansive, nostalgic
- Highlights: Lifeguarded beaches, shows, wide sands
- Best Time to Visit: Midweek mornings or late afternoons
- Cost: $10–$15 parking
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Address: 1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793
City in Your Rearview, Ocean in Your Sights
You don’t need to leave the tri-state area to feel like you’ve escaped to someplace far away. From boardwalk snacks to quiet coves, these beaches near NYC are where summer unfolds in its many moods—playful, peaceful, and everything in between. Pack a bag, grab your sunscreen, and take the local’s route to the water. Your perfect beach day is closer than you think.
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