15 Best New York Beaches

New York City certainly does not have a reputation as a beach town, but the city’s 14 miles of public beaches offer the residents wonderful spots for cooling off and a bit of summer fun on the sand during the sweltering hot months. After the season, they are perfect for jogging, taking a dog for a romp, biking, beach yoga, or quiet hours of fishing off the pier. From Coney Island to Orchard Beach, there’s a stretch of sandy beaches and cooling waves that reaches the entire length of Manhattan. While Rockaway Beach just past JFK Airport is claimed to be the most popular, Jones Beach and Long Beach are strong competitors and each beach neighborhood has its own claim to fame. Photo: demerzel21/Fotolia

Bayshore Waterfront Park is located in the city of Port Monmouth on Jersey’s northern shore, next door to Monmouth Cove Marina. The park has been established to protect the magnificent coastal landscape of Sandy Hook Bay, with miles of sandy beaches, coastal shrublands, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and massive dunes as well as wonderful views of the Manhattan skyline across the bay. There is a fishing pier always full of hopeful fishermen and a number of picnic areas scattered throughout the park. The beach is wonderful for long walks, games of Frisbee or volleyball, or just soaking up the sun on a nice warm day. In the heart of the park is the Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, located in one of the oldest houses in the region. The center offers exhibits on the ecology of Sandy Hook Bay and the history of the Seabrook-Wilson House in which the center is located. Photo: Pavlo/Fotolia

Romantic Getaway, Places to Visit, things to do with kids near me & beaches near me: Places to Visit in Ohio, Things to do in Texas, Things to do in Florida

Brighton Beach, one of Brooklyn's liveliest neighborhoods, is known as "Little Odessa" for the large Russian and Eastern European communities that settled in the area. The large, wide sandy beach is lined with a popular, always busy boardwalk that is friendly and laidback, mostly catering to locals. During the day, it is the place to watch people passing by, go for a swim, or soak in the sun. In the evening, a number of brightly lit nightclubs are noisy and busy with partygoers. Don’t bother bringing food when coming to Brighton Beach, the boardwalk is lined with ethnic restaurants large and small selling interesting and delicious eats. Photo: viii/Fotolia

Vacation Ideas: Things to do in Los Angeles, Things to do in Alabama, Things to do in San Diego, Things to do in North Carolina, Romantic Weekend Getaways in CA, Places to visit in Vermont, Places to visit in Washington State

Cherry Grove Beach is located on Fire Island, the 32-mile-long and ¼-mile-wide barrier island between the south shore of Long Island and the Atlantic Ocean. The island is known as the home of three wonderful parks: On the west side is Robert Moses State Park, on the east is Smith Point County Park, and the rest of the island is a national park and a wilderness preserve. Fire Island is also a home to 17 communities that live in a green, car-free environment with only about 400 permanent residents. Surrounded by fine white sand, the island is a popular destination for sun worshipers and its population grows during the summer to 20,000, not counting the day visitors. Photo: Vinh/Fotolia

Vacation Ideas: NC day trips, Places to visit in Connecticut, Best Things to Do in Montana, Things to Do in Maine, Things to Do in Connecticut, LA, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Iowa

Coney Island has almost 3 miles of sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for warm summer weekends. The beaches are well organized for active recreation, with nets for handball, beach volleyball, and basketball. There is an annual professional AVP volleyball tournament on the beach in the summer. There are also several kids’ playgrounds and a number of amusement rides. The boardwalk is lined up with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Off-season, when the water is grey and cold, Coney Island offers the New York Aquarium and the Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink, or you can watch the Minor League Brooklyn Cyclones play ball at MCU Park. Photo: natian/Fotolia

You are reading "15 Best New York Beaches Today" Back to Top or Closest Weekend Vacations with Kids, Trip finder, Getaways near me & Scenic places near me

Vacation Ideas: Best beaches in North Carolina, Sanibel Island Florida, Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Tennessee, Things to do in Virginia, Romantic Weekend Getaways in from Chicago, Places to visit in Southern California, Things to do in Kentucky, Things to do in Louisiana

Located on Rockaway Peninsula, Fort Tilden is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. This decommissioned military structure is surrounded by reclaimed natural areas and some of the best beaches in New York. The beaches have no lifeguards, but are perfect for walking, fishing, building sand castles, or splashing in the shallows. There are lovely trails crossing the park and rangers offer tours and programs. There is a rich local wildlife that has made its home in the lush maritime forest thriving along the Atlantic shore as well as close to the fort's freshwater pond. There is an observatory deck on top of Battery Harris East with a historical gun site offering spectacular views of New York Harbor and Jamaica Bay. Photo: viii/Fotolia

"15 Best New York Beaches" Back to Top or More Famous Landmarks, Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Food near me, Activities, Fall Honeymoon, Downtown Wedding Venues

Free things to do near me: Places to Visit in Illinois, Alabama Vacation, Things to Do in Maryland, Things to Do in New York, Things to Do in Houston, Romantic Weekend getaways in PA, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Florida, Fun Things to Do in Michigan, Best Things to do in Philadelphia

Jacob Riis Park is a lovely 88-acre seaside park in Queens, on the southwest side of the Rockaway Peninsula. It is located at the foot of the Marine Parkway–Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, next to Fort Tilden. It is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Called "The People's Beach," this large sandy beach is popular for surfing, beach games, soaking up the sun, and cooling down in the waves. Its famous 1932 art deco bathhouse is part of New York history, and today it is a landmark and an exhibition space. The beach has a number of facilities such as a pitch and putt golf course and various ball courts. Beautiful walkways and boardwalks run along the huge sandy beach, offering locals and visitors free space to enjoy the sand. Photo: demerzel21/Fotolia

"15 Best New York Beaches Cool Points of Interest" Back to Top or Best Towns and Historic Cities for Travel, Popular day trip ideas, Farmers Markets, Places to eat near me, Living & Vacation Deals

Vacations: Romantic weekend getaways in Maine, from Houston, Things to Do in Chicago, Places to visit in Virginia, Anniversary trip ideas & places to go, Places to Visit in New York, Weekend getaways from San Diego, Most beautiful places in the world, Weekend getaways for couples

The famous 2,400-acre Jones Beach State Park has over 6.5 miles of fantastically fine white sand beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on Long Island’s south shore. The park is designed on the ocean liner theme and has a number of facilities for activities, such as swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, fishing, and playing mini golf, basketball, or shuffleboard. There are frequent concerts at Jones Beach Theater. The Jones Beach Nature Center has permanent and temporary exhibits on the marine environment. There are several kids’ playgrounds and a network of trails for long strolls out of season.

More New York ideas: mountains, Staten Island, Upstate NY, caves, amusement parks, lakes, Vestal, amusement parks, attractions Photo: David Biagi/Fotolia

"15 Best New York Beaches" Back to Top or More Family Weekend Trips, Excursions, Nearby Restaurants, Cool Vacation Spots & Fall Destination Facts

Fun Romantic Weekend Getaways, Beach Resorts, Wedding Venues: Romantic weekend getaways in Indiana, Romantic weekend getaways from Atlanta, Places to Visit in NM, Places to Visit in ME, Things to do in Miami, Birthday, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Virginia, Things to Do in New Mexico, Spa resorts near me, Places to Visit in Wyoming, Things to Do in Naples, Pink Sand beaches, Things to Do in Colorado

Long Beach is located on Long Beach Barrier Island, the westernmost barrier island off Long Island's south shore, protecting Long Island from the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1880, Long Beach is one of the oldest beaches in New York. The beach is 3.5 miles of soft white sand and is very popular with sunbathers, surfers, boogieboarders, boaters, and swimmers. The boardwalk is over 2 miles long and is popular for people watching from one of many benches as well as walking, riding a bike, roller-skating, or watching the endless ocean and the miles of sand. For rainy days, there is a popular four-screen cinema. Photo: viii/Fotolia

"15 Best New York Beaches this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top or Romantic Places to live, September Last Minute Travel, Beach Vacations, Photos and Map of Conference & Wedding Destinations near my location

Family vacation Spots near me, weather: Day trips from NYC, CA, Romantic weekend getaways in Vermont, Things to Do in Newport Beach, Things to do in the Poconos, Places to visit in Idaho, Things to do in Iowa, Things to do in Delaware

Only about 12 miles from Manhattan, Manhattan Beach is a popular Brooklyn summertime destination when the weather melts the asphalt and the families pack their picnic baskets and head to the beach. It is one of New York’s less crowded beaches and was originally conceived as private and exclusive. Today it is free of charge and popular for its two large playgrounds, soft white sand, and two large baseball diamonds. On the eastern border, the park also has tennis, basketball, volleyball, and handball courts. The beach has a vague Mediterranean feel, except that its fine sand is so much better than regular Mediterranean pebbles. Photo: Victoria Lipov/Fotolia

"15 Best New York Beaches & Things to Do near Me Today" Back to Top or Best Restaurants near me, Images of Hotels, Discounts, Boutique Hotels, Inn & Bed and Breakfasts

Fun places near me & How far is: Things to Do in Palm Springs, Spiritual Retreats, Romantic weekend getaways in Kentucky, Cheap beach vacations, NY vacations, Places to visit in New Jersey, Places to visit in South Carolina, Things to Do in Northern California

Midland Beach is a popular Staten Island sandy beach with wonderful views of the Verrazzano Bridge. One of its most famous attractions is the sea turtle fountain, which kids love and run through endlessly. Besides the kids’ playground, the beach park also offers handball and shuffleboard courts. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk is shared with South Beach next door, making it easy to go from one beach to another. While the boardwalk is great for walking, biking, or rollerblading, the beach is great for kayaking, swimming, or fishing off the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier. A seniors’ park on the beach has chess tables, bocce courts, and a number of benches. Photo: Andrea Wilhelm/Fotolia

"15 Best New York Beaches & Destinations this Weekend" Back to Top or Free Beaches near Me, Dog Friendly & Known for Attractions this month

Family vacation Spots near me: Things to Do in the Catskills, Things to Do in Provincetown, Things to Do in Tulsa, CA, Things to Do in Hampton, Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Things to Do in Mystic, Things to Do in Milwaukee

Orchard Beach is the only public beach in Bronx, on the Long Island Sound, and when it was created in the 1930s, it was called "The Riviera of New York." The lovely 115-acre beach, which is more than a mile long, has a hexagonal-shaped promenade, two playgrounds, picnic areas, 26 courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball, and a central pavilion with a number of restaurants, snack bars, food stalls, and souvenir shops. Orchard Beach is still a popular spot on a hot summer’s day, with thousands of sun worshippers enjoying the cooling waters, soft sand, and one-of-a-kind spectacular view of the city. Photo: misumaru51shingo/Fotolia

"15 Best New York Beaches" Back to Top or Romantic Wedding Ideas, Honeymoon, Anniversary Ideas, Getting Married & Romantic Places

Weekend getaways: Things to Do in Memphis, Things to Do in Chattanooga, Things to Do in Naples, Things to Do in Key West, Things to Do in Columbia SC, Things to Do in Asheville, Things to Do in Davenport, Things to Do in Brooklyn, Things to Do in Las Vegas, Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Robert Moses State Park is located at the westernmost end of Fire Island, easily accessible from the Babylon train station or by car. This lovely beachfront park has lifeguards on duty during the season and the beach is packed with visitors during the summer. Surfing and surf-fishing are very popular, as are swimming, volleyball, picnicking, strolling along the water, and making sandcastles. There are scenic picnic areas scattered around the park, with grills and picnic tables. There is an 18-hole pitch and putt golf course open between April and mid-November. There is also a large volleyball court east of Democrat Point, a spot popular with surfers and fishermen. It has 4x4 drive-on access and faces both the Atlantic and the Fire Island inlet. Photo: viii/Fotolia

Vacations for Couples, Packages, Offers, Tours, Date Night Ideas around me, Pictures of Romantic Hotels, Fall vacations for seniors, Free things to do in February & Beaches near me: Best Romantic Getaways

Weekend getaways: Things to Do in Ft Lauderdale, Things to Do in Minneapolis, Things to Do in Houston, Things to Do in Austin, day trips from Chicago , Things to Do in Topeka, Things to Do in Norwalk, Things to Do in Frankfort, Things to Do in Cheyenne, Things to Do in Nevada

Rockaway Beach is located on the coast of the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, and while the locals use it all year round, it truly comes alive each Memorial Day weekend. The beach is considered the city’s only legal surfing beach. It has several kids’ playgrounds and the shallow surf is full of kids and their parents cooling off from the city heat. The packed sandy beach is great for long strolls, biking, beach volleyball, and all sorts of other beach activities. Most people just stretch out on the sand and soak up the sun. There is an hourly ferry from Pier 11 that connects the beach to Manhattan near Wall Street, making Rockaway Beach one of the most accessible and cheapest beaches for city residents seeking a bit of refreshment in the summer. Photo: paulbriden/Fotolia

"15 Best New York Beaches" Back to Top or Places to Eat, Excursions, Bucket list, Fun & Cheap Weekend Getaways, What's near me

Trips: Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, Things to Do in Mobile, Things to Do in OKlahoma City, Alabama caves, Things to Do in Northern Virginia, Things to Do in Jim Thorpe, Costa Rica beaches, Things to Do in Washington, DC, Things to Do in Phoenix

The East Shore of Staten Island has been a beach destination for New York residents since the 19th Century. Once called "The Riviera of New York City," the historic 2 mile-long South Beach Boardwalk has been recently restored and now offers new playing fields, fountains, and a lovely, clean, sandy beach with lifeguards on duty. The 835-foot-long Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier, popular with strollers as much as with fishermen, is one of the longest in the city. There is a shady gazebo, a few snack bars, and a restaurant and all enjoy fantastic views of the beach and the ocean. Summer brings regular concerts and the popular annual Back to the Beach festival. Photo: Alexander/Fotolia

"15 Best New York Beaches for Seniors, Locals & Tourists - Essential Restaurants, Favorite Wedding Venues & Hotels" Back to Top or Beautiful places near me, Travel guide & More Pictures of Fun Vacation Spots

Trips: Things to Do in Portland, Things to Do in Fort Worth, New England Beaches, Hilo, Romantic weekend getaways in CT, Things to Do in New England, Vegas wedding venues, Georgia beaches, Things to Do in Carmel, Things to Do in Healdsburg

Gunnison Beach is located in the Sandy Hook part of the Gateway National Recreation Area on the New Jersey Atlantic coast, in Middletown Township. It is managed by the National Park Service. It is New Jersey's, and New York’s, only legal nude or clothing-optional beach. This lovely sandy beach attracts thousands of tourists every summer, and not all of them are nudists. While Sandy Hook has other, more family-oriented beaches, Gunnison is by far the most attractive. During hot summer weekends, as many as 5,000 nudists come to enjoy the sun and the sea. At the entrance to the beach is a small plaza with showers and bathrooms. There are regular food trucks with food and shops offering beach paraphernalia such as umbrellas and chairs. Interestingly, the beach is one of the few that allow alcohol. The nudists share the beach with a large population of endangered native piping plovers, and one part of the beach is reserved for them. Photo: Andrew/Fotolia

"15 Best New York Beaches" Back to Top or Essential Conference Venues & Places to Get Married, Where is the Closest Great Place to Elope

Vacations: Things to Do in Charlottesville, Things to Do in Solvang, San Diego day trips, Things to Do in Lake Tahoe, Things to Do in Kentucky, Things to Do in Bluffton, CA Hot Springs