New York City’s Best Beaches
Summer is right around the corner. Many people do not realize how close they are to beaches while living and visiting New York City. You can reach most beaches without a vehicle and are less than 90 minutes from the city. Summer is fast approaching, grab your best bathing suit and get your beach bag ready to visit one of the following top beaches near NYC.
Orchard Beach. Only beach in the Bronx, and only the beach near NYC that permits nudity in certain parts. Orchard Beach, a man-made beach, is located in Pelham Bay Park. Like many beaches near the city it is not the cleanest water, stick to sunbathing. It is easiest to take the bus here but if you have a car there is plenty of parking.
Brighton Beach. Just east of Coney Island in Brooklyn, Brighton Beach is in a community of Russian and Ukrainian immigrants and decedents. Eat Russian cuisine on the boardwalk and don’t forget the walk west to Coney Island along the beach so you can ride the Cyclone. A nice NYC beach with clean sand most of the time.
Manhattan Beach. Take the bus from Brighton Beach or Coney Island to Manhattan Beach Park to visit Manhattan Beach and less crowds. Come early to claim a BBQ pit. Wear sandals, I have found broken glass amongst the sand from time to time.
Centerport Beach. This beach charges a fee for non-residents of $15. Free for Huntington residents.
Coney Island Beach. One of the great beaches of old. Surrounded by New York Aquarium, amusement rides, Cyclone Roller Coaster, Nathan’s Hotdog, and Brooklyn Cyclones baseball. A simple train ride to the end of F and you are there.
Rockaway Beach. A public beach located in Queens on the South Shore of Long Island. Rockaway Beach is the largest urban beach in the US with miles of beachfront.
Long Beach. A favorite of many New Yorkers. You must purchase a beach pass if over 13 during the spring and summer months. Passes cost $12 per day in 2010, but that fee will change from year to year. Season passes available as well. Long Beach has free concerts in the summer too.
Jones Beach @ Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, NY. Parking will cost you $10 a day as of 2011. Everything from fishing permits to mini golf offered at Jones Beach State Park. Get a season pass if you plan to go often. Alternatively take the summer LI Bus to Jones Beach.
Coopers Beach. Coopers Beach is one of the cleanest and nicest beaches near NYC. It is the main beach located in Southampton and rarely overcrowded. You will need a car to get here. Parking is around $30-$40 per day. Coopers Beach is free to residents.
