The warm weather is officially here and luckily, there are tons of beaches in NYC where you can cool off and cool down! With Memorial Day Weekend coming up, most NYC beaches will officially reopen next weekend, May 25 for the unofficial start of summer! Starting this weekend, lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
As for the city’s outdoor pools, expect these to open for the season on June 29, right after school gets out. Hours for those are from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. daily.
Not sure where to head to enjoy the sunshine? Look no further. Here are the best beaches in NYC to consider for a relaxing summer day.
1. Jacob Riis Park Beach, Queens
This oceanfront beach with landscaped walkways is clean and offers lots of room for spreading out. There are also plenty of dining options around the beach including Rockaway Clam Bar, the Riis Park Beach Bazaar and so many more!
Where: 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd
2. Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn
This iconic NYC beach boasts 3 miles of sun and sand, and there are usually volleyball and basketball courts open for getting active. Plus, for a little thrill in your life, you can visit one of their iconic amusement parks, ride on the world-famous Cyclone, and of course chow down on a hotdog from Nathan’s! If you’re looking for the perfect beach day mix of sun, sand, and entertainment, Coney Island can be one of the best beaches in NYC for that.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Metered street parking
Where: On Atlantic Ocean, from W. 37th Street to Ocean Parkway
3. Orchard Beach, The Bronx
Orchard Beach is The Bronx’s only public beach, and is a man-made beach that was constructed way back in the 1930s. It is 1.1-miles long and 115 acres, and boasts a promenade, a central pavilion, snack bars and more. Since being revamped a few years ago, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset on the boardwalk or even take a hike in the wooded surroundings.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Parking lot: $8 Monday – Friday for cars and vans, and $10 on weekends and holidays. Parking is $13 on weekdays, weekends, and holidays for buses, trucks, and commercial vehicles.
Where: On Long Island Sound in Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
4. Rockaway Beach, Queens
Rockaway Beach is a surfer favorite (and the city’s only legal surfing beach!) and offers lots of concessions. Located all along the Rockaway peninsula, there’s also a thriving boardwalk with bicycle and skate paths.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Free parking lots at B. 11th to B. 15th Street and B. 95th Street, plus free street parking
Where: On Atlantic Ocean, from Beach 9th Street, Far Rockaway, to Beach 149th Street, Neponsit
5. Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
If you want to try something that might be a little less crowded than Coney Island Beach, Brighton Beach is right next door. It’s in a neighborhood known as “Little Odessa,” known for its Eastern European eateries and shops.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Metered street parking
Where: On Atlantic Ocean, from Ocean Parkway to Corbin Place
6. Fort Tilden Beach, Queens
This spot at Breezy Point is a bit more under-the-radar and secluded, but there is no swimming allowed as there are no lifeguards on duty. So stick to sunbathing or fishing! The nearest parking is at Riis so it’s a little bit of a walk (or you could bike), but you’ll also beat the crowds. There is also the historical element of the Fort, which dates back to 1917, which you can climb to the top of for panoramic views of the beachfront.
*No parking
Where: Center Rd, Breezy Point
7. Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn
Don’t let the name of this one fool you, it’s actually in Brooklyn (just east of Brighton & Coney Island, to be precise). It’s a bit calmer, often drawing locals with more family-friendly vibes.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Parking lot: $7 Monday – Friday and $22 weekends & holidays
Where: On Atlantic Ocean, Oriental Blvd., from Ocean Avenue to Mackenzie Street
8. South Beach, Staten Island
This beach on Staten Island has stunning views of the Verrazano Bridge. There’s also a boardwalk, scenic bike trails, a fishing pier, and a special park designed for senior citizens.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Free parking lots
Where: On Lower New York Bay, from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field, Midland Beach
9. Midland Beach, Staten Island
Midland Beach is right next to South Beach, on the other side of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, and is usually a bit less crowded. There are also tennis and shuffleball courts, plus a sea turtle fountain for kids.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Free parking lots
Where: On Lower New York Bay, from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field, Midland Beach
10. Wolfe’s Pond Beach, Staten Island
Wolfe’s Pond Beach has been called “the city’s best-kept secret.” It’s quite a smaller than others on Staten Island, but is also lesser-known and therefore quiet without many crowds.
*Free parking lot
Where: On Raritan Bay and Prince’s Bay, Holton to Cornelia Avenues
11. Jones Beach, Wantagh
Although slight outside NYC, Jones Beach is a nearby beach that gets our stamp of approval. The 6.5 mile stretch of beach is perfect for swimming, lounging, and so much more. Plus, there’s lots more to do too, including mini golf, ball courts, shuffleboard, a swimming pool, and the state-of-the-art Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, which brings in some of the hottest names in music.
Where: Jones Beach State Park, NY
12. Long Beach, Long Island
Voted as one of the cleanest beaches near NYC, Long Beach is a pay-to-visit beach that definitely deserves a day of your time. Long Beach itself is known as the “City by the Sea” thanks to their combination of great oceanside activities as well as their gorgeous waterfront beach. To get there, it’s as simple as taking the LIRR to the Long Beach station that’s just a steps away from the sand.
Where: Long Beach, NY