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- beaches
- nyc area
The East Coast definitely has some stretches of sand certainly worth bragging about. Here are some of our favorite beaches to visit in and around the NYC area.
Jones Beach State Park
1000 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793
Originally only accessible by car, you can now reach this beach via the LIRR, plus a shuttle bus. Slightly less developed, it is best to come prepared with snacks and all other beach necessities. But the trip will certainly be well worth it to walk along the white sand beaches and swim in the pristine, blue water. For other activities, enjoy a show at the amphitheater or explore bike paths, a swimming pool, or the nature center.
Manhattan Beach Park
760 Oriental Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Manhattan Beach Park
There's nothing like going to the beach in the summer, and Manhattan Beach Park is perfect for all those warm-weather activities like picnics, tanning, and swimming. Bookended by playgrounds, and including spots to play tennis, volleyball, basketball, and handball, this park has plenty of room for all types of active outdoor fun.
Brighton Beach
From Ocean Parkway to Corbin Place, Brooklyn, NY
Brighton Beach
From Ocean Parkway to Corbin Place, Brooklyn, NY
Brighton Beach is only a stone's throw from Coney Island but is usually much less crowded and has a bit more of a relaxing vibe. Aside from the sun and sand, this is a great place to come for Russian and other former Soviet-bloc restaurants, stores, and nightclubs.
Robert Moses State Park on Fire Island
Robert Moses Causeway, Babylon, NY
Fire Island is a known summer destination, and seeing Robert Moses State Park can be a rewarding visit. Climb up the 200-year-old Fire Island lighthouse for panoramic views, go on a nature hike, or bike around for full-blown exploring. The island, as well as the park, offers plenty of recreational activities to keep you busy for a whole weekend and beyond.
Cooper's Beach
268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968
Cooper's Beach
Extending 500 feet along the South Shore, Cooper’s beach is particularly enticing due to its distance from the City. Because it’s a little further out than more accessible beaches, a trip here feels like a magical mini-getaway. Rent an AirBnB or a stay at a cozy hotel and spend the weekend exploring the soft sand beach. The historic mansions that run along the waterfront induce images of a Gatsbian world and will have you feeling equally as posh.
Sandy Hook Beach
Sandy Hook Beach, Hartshorne Dr, Highlands, NJ
Sandy Hook Beach
Sandy Hook Beach, Hartshorne Dr, Highlands, NJ
Who wants to catch some rays in the concrete jungle when you can lay out on an actual beach? New Jersey’s Sandy Hook is a gorgeous, unbelievably close option with peaceful, immaculate vibes. The beach is pet-friendly with nearby waterside spots to eat. Getting here is simple: just hop on the Seastreak ferry and head directly to the shore.
Orchard Beach
Pelham Bay Park (Orchard Beach Rd), Bronx, NY 10464
Once referred to as the “The Riviera of New York City”, Orchard Beach is a small oasis burrowed in the northeast section of the Bronx. Still a popular hot spot today, the Beach sits on the Long Island Sound and has a stretch of sand where local residents love to post up and relax all day. The energy here is pure Bronx authenticity, meaning the music will be bumping and spirits high. When you need a break from the heat, enjoy a walk through the thicket of trees surrounding the beach. For even greater adventures, bring your bikes with you for a quick ride over to the nearby City Island.
The People's Beach At Jacob Riis Park
157 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Queens, NY 11694
The People's Beach At Jacob Riis Park
Run by the National Parks Service, Jacob Riis is exceptional due to its smaller crowds and cleaner beaches. The Art Deco Bathhouse there, built in the 1930s, is a unique historic artifact, and the clothing-optional beaches to the far east offer an escape to fearless nudists. A hip Riis Bazaar has cool pop-ups, eats, and events to keep you entertained as you sit back and relax for the day.
Fort Tilden Beach
Bayshore Blvd W, Queens, NY 11697
Fort Tilden Beach
Bayshore Blvd W, Queens, NY 11697
Serene as can be, Fort Tilden is a hideaway also managed by the National Parks Service. Initially established as a Fort meant to protect naval ships along the New York Harbor, the beach has a deep history that begins with the first World War and extends all the way through the Cold War. Past the natural growing shrubs and tall beach grass, you’ll find left behind remnants such as “abandoned bunkers, derelict batteries, missile sites, and munitions dumps”. The beauty of this beach lies in it allowing for equal parts relaxation and equal parts adventure.
Pier 4 Beach
Brooklyn Bridge Pk Greenway, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Though not a swimmable beach, Pier 4 is unique for its eco-conscious elements. In efforts to maintain the protected habitat, the beach was built from remnants of a bridge that settled along the river. So come take off your shoes, nestle your toes in the sand, and take a walk to explore the native species planted around the beach, look out for the natural tidal pools which showcase the marine life serving to preserve the area.
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