Need a quick beach escape from the city hustle? I’ve been there—and honestly, finding a little coastal calm just outside NYC was one of the best decisions I made one hot summer weekend.
I discovered refreshing beaches where I could kick off my shoes, feel the ocean breeze, and unwind without traveling too far. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous day trip or a low-key weekend away, I think you’ll love how easy it is to cool off on these inviting shores. Trust me, once you’re stretched out on the sand with the skyline far behind you, you’ll be so glad you made the escape.
Highlights:
Best Beaches Near NYC:
Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk
I caught the A train with a beach towel and a coffee, and by the time I hit the sand at Rockaway, I felt like I'd entered a different state entirely. The surf was dotted with wetsuits riding clean waves. I walked the boardwalk until the smell of sea salt gave way to sizzling fries.
I ate at Rippers, right on the beach — their burger was messy and perfect, wrapped in wax paper and dripping with charred flavor. The crinkle-cut fries had just enough salt to match the ocean air.
Jacob Riis Park
There’s something about Riis that feels like summer from another era. Art deco buildings, massive stretches of sand, and families camped under umbrellas like they were settling in for the long haul. I loved how the boardwalk hummed with life, but the beach still had space to breathe.
I grabbed a slice of margherita pizza at Riis Park Beach Bazaar — thin crust, bubbling cheese, and the tang of fresh tomato that felt as classic as the setting.
Fort Tilden State Park
Getting to Fort Tilden meant climbing through dunes and sea grass. It felt wilder than any other beach that day. No lifeguards, no vendors — just the rustle of reeds and distant sound of waves. I stayed until late afternoon when the sun tilted low, painting everything gold.
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach felt like stepping into a different country. Russian signs, bakeries with golden pastries, and the smell of smoked fish floated from corner markets. The beach was packed in the best way — full of loud conversation, chess games, and kids leaping over foam crests.
Lunch was from Volna on the boardwalk. I ordered pelmeni — little dumplings bobbing in broth, rich and savory. It was a warm, briny contrast to the ocean breeze.
Coney Island
I walked from the subway and heard the roar of the Cyclone before I saw the beach. It’s a place where the sand competes with neon and hot dogs, but I didn’t mind. I walked the boardwalk, dodged a few pigeons, and ended up on a bench watching the tide come in under rollercoaster screams.
Of course, I had a dog from Nathan’s Famous — snappy casing, mustard, and that hint of grill smoke that belongs nowhere but Coney Island.
Orchard Beach
Orchard Beach was alive with music and families. The smell of grilled corn and sunscreen floated through the air. I found a spot by the rocks, stretched out, and watched teens doing cartwheels in the shallows. It was loud, hot, and full of joy.
Manhattan Beach Park - take public transit from from NYC
Just east of Brighton, Manhattan Beach felt quieter. More families, fewer crowds. I walked the path along the edge of the water and watched a group of kids chase after hermit crabs. The waves were gentle, barely a whisper.
Long Beach - a 90-minute drive or train ride from Manhattan
There’s a rhythm to Long Beach — maybe it's the train ride that builds the anticipation, or the boardwalk that stretches like a welcome mat. The sand was soft, the beach wide, and the sound of volleyball games blended with gull cries overhead.
Robert Moses State Park, Long Island
I walked a long wooden path from the parking lot and found a stretch of beach that felt like the Atlantic should: wild, a little windy, and endlessly blue. I saw surfers, joggers, and plenty of folks just letting the waves rinse their feet. It felt like summer with no edits.
Coopers Beach, Long Island
Out in Southampton, Coopers Beach had white sand, calm waves, and rows of striped umbrellas. It felt more refined, sure, but still friendly. I laid back and watched as clouds drifted across the sky like lazy sailboats.
Beaches Near NYC: At a Glance
- Best for nostalgia: Jacob Riis Park, Coney Island
- Quiet escapes: Fort Tilden, Manhattan Beach Park
- Most lively: Rockaway, Brighton, Orchard Beach
- Best food nearby: Rockaway Beach (Rippers), Brighton Beach (Volna), Coney Island (Nathan’s), Long Beach (Brixx & Barley)
- Worth the trek: Robert Moses, Coopers Beach
Jump to a Spot...
- • Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk
- • Jacob Riis Park
- • Fort Tilden State Park
- • Brighton Beach
- • Coney Island
- • Orchard Beach
- • Manhattan Beach Park - take public transit from from NYC
- • Long Beach - a 90-minute drive or train ride from Manhattan
- • Robert Moses State Park, Long Island
- • Coopers Beach, Long Island