By: Mansi Tanna By: Mansi Tanna | August 14, 2024 | Lifestyle,
Rockaway Beach
Ah, summer in the city. It's a wondrous, magical time full of life and activity. The Big Apple is bustling like never before—but it's also very hot.
Next time you're looking to beat the heat, why not hit the beach? New York City might not be known for its beaches, but that doesn't mean there isn't beauty right around the corner.
If you are looking to host a small gateway with friends and family, or a day trip to just rejuvenate, want to tan on a nude beach or seek a thrill ride adventure, these are the five NYC beaches for the perfect summer.
See also: The 11 Best Ice Cream Shops in NYC
Queens / Website
Located on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, this beach is the perfect combination of fun and relaxation. This beach is crowded with food trucks, bars and shops. If you're a surf enthusiast, you must check out the Rockaway Surf Club. The cultural event space, restaurant and bar is devoted to the love of surfing and is decorated with the work of artists, musicians and writers. This nearly six-mile beach draws the attention of many and is the perfect beach destination to ride the waves.
To get there: Take the A train to get to either Beach 67th Street or Beach 90th Street stations. You can also use the NYC ferry system, or get a round trip ticket for the Rockaway Beach Bus which runs through the weekends.
Long Island / Website
Jones Beach is one of the longest beaches in New York. Located on sunny Long Island, this beach is a sandy oasis. It is ideal for families with an array of activities from minigolf to ball courts, shuffleboard, and a swimming pool. The annual summer concerts at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre have welcomed icons Gwen Stefani and Dave Matthews, among others, and are a go-to for all music fanatics. Many features features of this beach are inspired by great works of art. The bathhouses and water tower at the entrance is inspired by St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and are designed to give the beach a European atmosphere. It is also located near the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Centre, which offers educational tours. Plus, the boardwalk is perfect for long walks with your favorite person, playlist or podcast.
To get there: Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to the Freeport Stop and hop on the n88 bus to Jones Beach, which is only a 20 minute drive.
Brooklyn / Website
Every New Yorker has heard of Coney Island. Perfect for fun-seekers of all ages, this famous spot makes the perfect day trip for families looking to enjoy the summer together. It has been described as the “city’s playground," and is known for its amusement park with thrilling rides, bars and restaurants, and of course the beautiful sandy beach. It is definitely one of the liveliest places to visit over the summer, and it invokes nostalgia in adults, too. Essential stops include: Nathan's Famous hot dog stand, the aquarium, Williams Candy, and the Coney Island Circus Sideshow.
To get there: It is pretty easy to commute to Coney Island from the city. All you have to do is Take the D, Q, N, or F train to Stillwell Avenue.
New Jersey / Website
This breathtaking beach was once the site of a military base and was used by soldiers frequently in the early '70s to take a dip in the nearby surf. It is a “clothing optional” beach, with an area especially for those who love to sunbathe nude. Here, you can enjoy the lower Manhattan skyline, take a hike and also bird watch. According to reviews, it is also an extremely clean beach with a lot of parking space.
To get there: The best way to get here is by driving yourself. It is a two-hour drive from Manhattan, so make it a road trip with friends, family and a glorious tan.
Fort Tilden / Website
This is the perfect beach if you're looking to escape the crowd and an ideal location for a little you time. Fort Tilden Beach is a three-mile stretch of clean sand and natural abundance. It is an isolated beach, and even on weekends you can get 50 yards to yourself.
To get there: This secluded gem is accessible by taking the Q35 bus at Avenue and Flatbush Avenue to the Rockaway Point Blvd. stop, then walk a few minutes to Fort Tilden Beach. Google maps is suggested.
Photography by: Hayley Pfitzer / Unsplash