New Yorkers, are you ready for some sun, sand, and serious relaxation? After that brutal winter we just endured, it’s safe to say that we’ve more than earned a little Vitamin Sea.
Good news for those who are ready to work on the tan they’ll debut under the fluorescent subway lights very soon: the countdown is on! New York City beaches open for the season on Saturday, May 23rd!
Pack your favorite beach towel and get those snacks ready, it’s time to trade the pavement for the shore. For the afternoon, at least.
🌊 The Beach Lineup: Your Shore-to-Shore Guide
Brooklyn
- Coney Island & Brighton Beach: The world-famous duo! Located from W 37th St to Ocean Pkwy, this is where the action is. High-energy, nostalgic, and bustling. Ride the Cyclone, stroll the boardwalk, and grab some pierogi in Brighton Beach for a more relaxed, local feel.
- Manhattan Beach: Tucked away on Oriental Blvd at the eastern end of the peninsula. Calm and family-oriented. It’s the go-to spot for big family barbecues and locals who want to avoid the Coney Island crowds.
Queens
- Rockaway Beach & Boardwalk: Stretching from Beach 9th St to Beach 149th St, this massive beach is a city treasure. Cool, active, and trendy. It’s the only place in NYC where you can legally surf! Expect great food concessions (hello, fish tacos!) and a vibrant boardwalk.
- Jacob Riis Park (Federal): Located at Beach 169th St (part of Gateway National Recreation Area). “The People’s Beach.” Famous for its stunning Art Deco bathhouse, diverse crowds, and a social scene that feels like one big summer party.
Staten Island
- South Beach: Situated on Lower NY Bay (Father Capodanno Blvd). Scenic and relaxing. It features a beautiful 2-mile boardwalk with incredible views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and a special “Seniors Park” with bocce courts.
- Midland Beach: Just down the boardwalk from South Beach. Sporty and laid-back. It’s home to the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier and plenty of handball and shuffleboard courts for those who can’t sit still.
- Cedar Grove Beach: Located at Ebbitts Street and Cedar Grove Ave. A hidden gem. This used to be a private bungalow colony, so it feels like a quiet, charming seaside village. Perfect for a peaceful book day.
- Wolfe’s Pond Beach: Tucked away on Raritan Bay (Holton to Cornelia Ave). The ultimate “secret” beach. It’s small, secluded, and surrounded by a beautiful park with hiking and biking trails.
The Bronx
- Orchard Beach: Located in Pelham Bay Park on the Long Island Sound. Pure energy! This man-made “Riviera” is famous for its unique crescent shape, 26 courts for sports, and a massive promenade that comes alive with music and food.
🚆 Your Ticket to the Ocean: Transit & Arrival
Getting to the water is half the fun (and saves you the headache of beach-day parking!). Whether you’re a subway surfer or a ferry fan, the city has you covered:
- The “Beach Train”: Take the A train to the Rockaways or the D, F, N, or Q to Coney Island. It’s the classic NYC summer experience—just bring a book for the ride!
- Ride the Waves: The NYC Ferry (Rockaway Route) is basically a mini-cruise for the price of a swipe. Feel the wind in your hair before you even hit the sand.
- Bus It: The Bx29 will take you right to the “Riviera of the Bronx,” Orchard Beach.
For more information, see NYC Parks’ official website.