Best beaches near New York City
Quick insights
- New York City has public beaches in four of its five boroughs, many reachable by subway, bus or ferry.
- Rockaway Beach offers the city's only surfing spot, while Coney Island pairs a boardwalk with classic amusement rides.
- When choosing a beach, it may help to compare transportation options, amenities and activities .
New York City summers can swelter, and when they do, the nearest beach to New York City can feel like a lifeline. While the Hamptons and the Jersey Shore may get plenty of attention, a beach day can be closer than you might think. Whether you're living in NYC or just visiting, a quick escape to the sand can offer a refreshing break. Four of the five boroughs have public beaches accessible by subway, bus or ferry.
Top beaches within New York City
Coney Island and Brighton Beach in Brooklyn
Coney Island draws crowds with its amusement rides and classic summer energy. Beach access is open to the public, and the area can be reached via the D, F, N or Q train to Stillwell Avenue. A short walk down the boardwalk brings you to Brighton Beach, a more low-key stretch where locals stroll the sand and explore the nearby avenue with its markets and food options.
Rockaway Beach in Queens
Rockaway Beach spans roughly seven miles of shoreline with a five-mile boardwalk. It's the only surfing beach in New York City, with dedicated surf zones near Beach 90th Street. The beach can be accessed via the A train to Beach 90th Street or the NYC Ferry from Pier 11.
Jacob Riis Park in Queens
Often called "The People's Beach," Jacob Riis Park offers a one-mile stretch of sand with a historic Art Deco bathhouse. It tends to be less crowded than nearby Rockaway Beach, and lifeguards are typically on duty in summer. The park can be reached via the 2 train to Flatbush Avenue with a transfer to the Q35 bus, or by the NYC Ferry.
Orchard Beach in the Bronx
Orchard Beach is the Bronx's only public beach, a 1.1-mile stretch along the Long Island Sound. The beach includes picnic areas, playgrounds and more than two dozen courts for basketball, volleyball and handball. It can be accessed via the 2 train with a transfer to the Bx12 bus.
South Beach on Staten Island
South Beach offers two miles of shoreline along the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, with a boardwalk and bike path. Visitors can fish or kayak from the nearby Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier. The beach can be reached via the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan, then the S81 or S51 bus.
Beaches a short trip from the city
If you're willing to travel a bit farther, several beaches within about an hour of Manhattan offer a change of scenery. If you're saving for your next vacation, a day trip can be a budget-friendly alternative.
Jones Beach on Long Island
About an hour from Manhattan, Jones Beach offers miles of shoreline with soft sand and iconic Art Deco architecture. The park includes pools, mini-golf and a nature center. It's a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Driving is the most straightforward option, though bus routes also serve the area.
Sandy Hook in New Jersey
Sandy Hook sits at the northern tip of the Jersey Shore as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. It features wide, sandy beaches with lifeguards, fishing spots and nature trails. A ferry runs from Manhattan to Sandy Hook during summer months, making it a car-free option for a day of sun and surf.
Long Beach on Long Island
Long Beach sits on Long Island's south shore, with a 2.2-mile boardwalk and a wide stretch of sand. The beach includes designated swimming areas, volleyball nets and a surfing section. To get here, you might consider taking the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station to Long Beach station, then walk to the shore. A day-pass fee applies for non-residents in summer.
Comparing beaches near New York City
Choosing the right beach depends on what matters most to you. Location, transportation, amenities and activities all play a role. If you're looking for free or low-cost things to do, many city beaches have no admission fee. It may also help to consider vacationing on a budget for a longer trip.
- Transportation access: Most NYC beaches are reachable by subway and bus, while some offer ferry service. Travel times range from 30 minutes to about 90 minutes.
- Amenities: Some beaches have boardwalks, restrooms, showers and food vendors, while others are more natural with fewer facilities. It may help to check ahead.
- Activities: Surfing is only permitted at Rockaway Beach, while others offer swimming, fishing, kayaking or volleyball.
- Cost: Many city beaches have no admission fee, but some outside the city may charge a day-pass fee.
In summary
The city's shoreline offers more than most people realize, from the boardwalk energy of Coney Island to the wide sands of Jones Beach and Sandy Hook. Most are within reach by public transit, making a day trip possible even without a car. By comparing transportation, amenities and activities, you can find a beach near NYC that fits your plans.
