NYC Beach Guide
Published 05/17/2021
New York City has 14 miles of sand. You read that right—there are plenty of places to hit the beach in the City. From Memorial Day weekend (starting the Saturday before the last Monday in May) until just after Labor Day (early September), our beaches are open to the public and staffed with lifeguards between 10am and 6pm—with one exception, noted below. So leave the city heat behind, grab your sunblock and a towel, and head out to relax at these sandy spots throughout the five boroughs.
1
Brighton Beach
1
Just to the east of the Coney Island boardwalk lies this stretch that’s popular with the local Russian community. Smaller and more intimate than its neighbor, this beach gives off a homey vibe. Take a break from surf and sand to sample Eastern European fare (the area is known as “Little Odessa”) in restaurants along the boardwalk—look between Brighton 4th and Brighton 6th Streets for outdoor dining with an ocean view.
2
Orchard Beach
2
Park Dr
This mile-long Bronx oasis stands as the borough’s only public beach. It’s located within Pelham Bay Park, the City’s largest public park, and was known as “The Riviera of New York” when it opened in the 1930s. Stop by to stroll along the seaside promenade, cool off in the Long Island Sound, sample from a variety of snack bars and kick back in the picnic areas.
3
Coney Island
3
Surf Avenue
This popular Brooklyn beach is full of nostalgic charm. Aside from its three miles of sand, it features a famous boardwalk lined with beachside food options like Nathan’s Famous and access to Coney Island’s amusement park rides. Check out the old-school Luna Park, historic Deno’s Wonder Wheel and the New York Aquarium before venturing off the boardwalk for a dip in the Atlantic. Sports fans will enjoy taking in a Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball game.
4
Manhattan Beach
4
Oriental Blvd.
Originally founded as a private resort for Manhattan’s elite (hence the name), this Brighton Beach neighbor now welcomes all visitors to its sandy shore. The beach is on the quiet side compared to its Brooklyn counterparts, and locals and day-trippers populate its playgrounds, barbecue areas and numerous sports fields.
5
Plumb Beach
5
East Bound Belt Pkwy
This breezy inlet in Sheepshead Bay is a favorite for kiteboarders and windsurfers, and there’s a launch for kayaks too. The beach is also known for being a major breeding site for horseshoe crabs in May and June; visitors are asked not to disturb the courting crustaceans. There is a distinct lack of conveniences and no lifeguards on duty—heed the warnings to be extra cautious in the face of the challenging wind and tides.
6
Jacob Riis Park
6
157 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Nicknamed “the People’s Beach,” this smaller cousin of Rockaway tends to be less crowded, as it’s tucked farther southwest on the Rockaway Peninsula and has a more expansive swath of sand from promenade to shore. It’s still bustling, though, with ball courts, a pitch and putt course, and plenty of food vendors. The eastern section of Jacob Riis has been known as a gay community beach since the 1940s.
7
Rockaway Beach
7
Beach 2nd St (to Beach 149th St)
The 5.5-mile boardwalk has been rebuilt and nearby streets are dotted with dining options, making this a popular beach destination. You can even hop on the subway to get there. Rockaway Beach is the longest stretch of sand in NYC, home to playgrounds, sports fields and a host of beach eats. It’s also a haven for surfers year-round thanks to its impressive waves; in fact, you’ll find the City’s only legal surf beaches here, from 67 to 69 and 87 to 92 streets. Want to catch some waves? You can rent boards and gear, or splash out for surfing lessons if you’re a novice. Watch our video for surf inspiration.
8
Cedar Grove Beach
8
Cedar Grove Avenue at Ebbitts Street
Cedar Grove in New Dorp, Staten Island, was privately owned and maintained by a beach bungalow community for almost a century. Now it’s a public beach—and a family-friendly, tranquil spot to soak up the sun. It joins three other beaches as part of Great Kills Park, an area full of wildlife and wetlands. Nearby, enjoy one of the island’s top Italian dining options in New Dorp.
9
Midland Beach
9
Father Capodanno Blvd
Family-friendly Midland Beach shares the 2.5-mile Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk with South Beach, and it’s typically quieter than its neighbor. The sea turtle fountain is a hit with the beach’s young visitors, while handball and shuffleboard courts keep the grown-ups busy.
10
South Beach
10
Father Capodanno Blvd
One of Staten Island’s two main beaches, South Beach is noted for picturesque views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, its Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier—one of the City’s largest—and a beach park for seniors with activities such as bocce ball and chess. You can also cycle along a scenic trail or jog the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, which it shares with neighboring Midland Beach. The entrance to the beach is marked by a fountain with bronze dolphins.
11
Wolfe’s Pond Park
11
Holton Ave (to Cornelia Ave)
Part beach, part wildlife reserve, this spot is a favorite for bird-watchers and for visitors interested in the park’s rich array of animal, plant and marine life. Explore the hiking trails, hit the playground with the kids or simply chill out on the Raritan Bay beachfront—a calm, secluded strip of sand.