The Best Beaches near New York City: From the Rockaways to Long Island

Many great beaches near New York City, from the Rockaways to Long Island. Some of the best include Jones Beach, Robert Moses State Park, and Montauk Point State Park. Each beach has something unique to offer visitors, whether beautiful scenery, great amenities, or various activities.

The 7 Best Beaches in New York

There’s no denying that New York City is one of the best places to live in the United States. But what about when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Well, luckily, there are plenty of great beaches nearby that are perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Here are some of our favorites: The Rockaways: This beach is only a short train ride from NYC and offers beautiful Manhattan skyline views. There’s plenty to do in The Rockaways, including surfing, fishing, and exploring the many food vendors along the boardwalk.

Long Island: Long Island is home to some of the best beaches in New York State. From Jones Beach to Montauk Point, there’s something for everyone on Long Island. And if you’re looking for a little more excitement, you can always head over to The Hamptons for a taste of luxury.

So whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a more extended vacation, check out some of these fantastic beaches near New York City!

Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach is in the heart of New York City’s borough of Queens, a beautiful stretch of sand and surf attracting visitors for over a century. Today, it’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, surfing, and more. Rockaway Beach is situated on the Atlantic Ocean in the southern part of Queens.

It stretches from Seagirt Boulevard in the west to Beach 149th Street in the east and is about two miles long. The beach is accessible via the A train line by taking the Far Rockaway-bound trains (noted on maps as “Far Rockaway – Mott Avenue”). The history of Rockaway Beach dates back to the early 1800s when Native Americans first populated it.

In 1824, “Captain” Richard Woodhull purchased much of present-day Rockaway from the local tribes and built a farmhouse near Beach 88th Street; his family later sold the land to developers who turned it into a seaside resort destination. By 1870, there were several large hotels along with smaller boarding houses dotting the shoreline; horse-drawn carriages transported visitors from nearby Manhattan to enjoy some time by the sea. After a few decades of decline following World War II, Rockaway Beach made something of a comeback in recent years thanks to an influx of new residents and businesses.

The beach has undergone extensive renovations since 2001 and boasts brand-new boardwalks, playgrounds, restaurants, and more. Even though Hurricane Sandy inflicted significant damage on parts of Queens in 2012 (including Rockaway), much has been done to restore this beloved spot by the sea.

Best Beaches in New York

Are you looking for a place to enjoy the sun and waves without traveling too far from home? If so, check out one of these great beaches in New York!

1. Jones Beach State Park: Located on Long Island, this state park is a popular summer destination for New Yorkers. It features 6.5 miles of white sand beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, and more. Visitors can also take a short ferry ride to nearby Fire Island.
2. Rockaway Beach: This beach in Queens is the perfect place to catch some waves or relax on the sand. It’s also an excellent spot for fishing, birdwatching, and people-watching. On hot summer days, get there early to claim your place on the beach!
3. Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk: Coney Island is a classic New York City destination with something for everyone. In addition to its famous amusement parks and carnival atmosphere, it also boasts a 3-mile-long beach and boardwalk. So whether you’re looking for thrills or want to soak up some rays, Coney Island is the place to be!

Best Beaches in Long Island

There are many beautiful beaches on Long Island. Here are some of the best:

1. Jones Beach State Park – This beach is located in Wantagh and features 6.5 miles of white sand beaches, making it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. There is also a boardwalk with restaurants and shops.
2. Montauk Point State Park – Located at the easternmost point of Long Island, this beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning views, and lighthouse. It’s a great place to go hiking, bird-watching, or enjoy the scenery.
3. Robert Moses State Park – This beach is located in Babylon and features 5 miles of sandy beaches. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and windsurfing. There are also several picnic areas and playgrounds nearby.
4. Fire Island National Seashore – This beach stretches 31 miles from Robert Moses State Park to Montauk Point State Park. It’s a popular spot for swimming, walking, biking, and wildlife watching (especially birds).
5. Cooper’s Beach – This beach is located in Southampton and is one of the most popular beaches on Long Island due to its vast expanse of soft sand and clear water, perfect for swimming.

Closest Beach to New York City

There are many beaches in New York City, but Coney Island is closest to the city center. This iconic beach is just a short subway ride away from the hustle and bustle of NYC. Coney Island has something for everyone: its famous boardwalk, carnival rides, and sandy beaches.

Visitors can also enjoy the views of the city skyline from the beach.

Best Family Beaches in New York

Are you looking for the best family beaches in New York? You’ve come to the right place! New York is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and we’ve got the scoop on the best ones for families.

Whether you’re looking for a beach with calm waters perfect for little ones or plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our list of the best family beaches in New York.

1. Jones Beach State Park: Located on Long Island, Jones Beach State Park is one of the most popular beaches in New York. The park offers six miles of sandy beach, hiking trails, a playground, and a boardwalk. There’s also a waterpark perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.
2. Robert Moses State Park: Robert Moses State Park Also located on Long Island, Robert Moses State Park is another excellent option for families. The park has five miles of beachfront, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Plus, there’s a water playground that kids will love!
3. Orchard Beach: Orchard Beach is located in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, known for being one of the city’s busiest beaches. The beach stretches for almost a mile, and plenty of food vendors are nearby if you get hungry. If you want to take a break from swimming, basketball and handball courts are also available.

New York has many beautiful beaches, but Jones Beach is the nicest. It has everything you could want on a beach – soft sand, clear water, and plenty of room to relax. Plus, there are plenty of amenities nearby if you need them.

The most popular beach in NYC is Coney Island. It is located in Brooklyn and is accessible by the A, C, F, N, and Q trains. The beach has a 3-mile-long boardwalk with many shops and restaurants.

There are also two amusement parks, Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park.

This question has no definitive answer, as everyone’s preferences are different. However, some people may enjoy spending time near the boardwalk area, where plenty of shops and restaurants are within walking distance. Others may prefer the quieter, more secluded areas further away from the hustle and bustle.

Whichever part of Rockaway Beach you choose to spend your time, you will have an enjoyable experience.

Many beaches in the New York City area are popular among locals and tourists alike. Some of the most well-known beaches include Coney Island, Rockaway Beach, and Brighton Beach. All these beaches are easily accessible by public transportation and offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Coney Island is perhaps the most iconic beach in NYC. It is home to the world-famous Cyclone roller coaster, an aquarium, arcades, and several other attractions. The vast and sandy beach makes it perfect for sunbathing or playing volleyball.

Rockaway Beach is another excellent option for those enjoying time in the sun. This beach is also home to several restaurants and bars, so visitors can grab a bite to eat or drink while they’re here. Brighton Beach is another popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

This beach is located in Brooklyn and is known for its lively atmosphere.

Conclusion

Summer is the perfect time to hit the beach. But with so many beaches in the New York area, deciding which one to visit can be challenging. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best beaches near New York City.

Starting with the closest beach to the city, The Rockaways is an excellent option if you want to avoid the crowded beaches of Long Island. With its large waves and clean sand, it’s perfect for a day of swimming and surfing. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park.

This man-made beach has calm waters and plenty of space for sunbathing and picnicking. Jones Beach State Park on Long Island is a popular destination for those willing to travel further from NYC. With six miles of coastline, there’s plenty of room for everyone.

And if you get tired of swimming and sunbathing, you can explore one of the many hiking trails in the park. If you’re looking for quieter, head to Fire Island National Seashore. This island off the coast of Long Island is only accessible by ferry and has no cars allowed so that you can disconnect from city life.