In the wake of last week’s Manhattanhenge, it’s safe to say that many New Yorkers have spectacular sunsets on their minds.
While an event like that is fleeting—and finding the perfect vantage point in our favorite concrete jungle isn’t always easy—NYC is surrounded by spots that provide those dreamy, glowing horizons that scream summer.
If you are looking to escape the city grid for an evening, some of the region’s best coastal views are waiting on Long Island’s South Shore. Accessible via a quick train ride, Long Beach offers a spectacular nightly show thanks to its unique westward-facing shoreline.
What to Know: Long Beach
Known affectionately as “The City by the Sea,” Long Beach is a vibrant oceanfront community located on a barrier island just outside the city limits. It features a historic, bustling 2.2-mile boardwalk that was entirely rebuilt to be stronger and more resilient.
During the day, it is a haven for surfers, volleyball players, and sunbathers. But as day turns to night, the atmosphere shifts into a relaxed coastal evening ritual. Unlike many East Coast beaches that face strictly south or east, Long Beach juts out in a way that gives onlookers a front-row seat to unobstructed golden hours.
Optimal Sunset Viewing
To get the absolute most out of your trip, timing and location are key. Because the beach faces slightly southwest, the sun dips directly over the ocean horizon during the peak summer months, casting brilliant pink, orange, and purple hues across the water.
- The Boardwalk Benches: The elevated boardwalk runs from New York Avenue to Neptune Boulevard. Grab a seat on one of the many ocean-facing benches about 30 minutes before twilight to watch the colors change.
- Ocean Beach Park: If you prefer your toes in the sand, set up a beach blanket near the central beaches (around Riverside or Edwards Boulevard). It is the perfect spot for a sunset picnic.
- The West End: For a slightly quieter experience, head down toward the West End neighborhood. The beaches here are a bit more residential, and the nearby trendy eateries make it easy to grab a bite right after the sun goes down.
How to Get There from NYC
The best part about Long Beach is that you don’t need a car—or the headache of traffic—to get there. It is one of the most transit-accessible beaches in the metropolitan area:
- Catch the LIRR: Board a Long Beach Branch train from Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, or Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn (approx. 50-minute ride).
- Save with a Package: If heading out during the day, buy the LIRR “Beach Getaway” ticket at a station kiosk to bundle your round-trip fare with discounted beach admission.
- Ride to the End: Take the train to the very last stop (Long Beach Station), right in the heart of town.
- Walk to the Sand: Exit the station and walk straight south down Edwards Boulevard for four blocks to reach the boardwalk.