It’s beach season in New York City, and mass transit will whisk you away to any of the below options. Each of NYC’s beaches has a different vibe and unique offerings, so see what fits your mood and staycation needs to help you choose the destination for you.
NYC beaches opened on Saturday, May 25, 2024, with lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
BRIGHTON BEACH
Brighton Beach, or “Little Odessa,” will deliver more than the typical day at the beach. You’ll find a ton of dining options right under the elevated tracks, with a lot of Russian and Central Asian cuisine to choose from. You’ll also be able to enjoy a nice, serene walk on the boardwalk here, but if you're looking for more action check out the beach volleyball courts.
CONEY ISLAND
If lounging in the sun all day and enjoying the standard beach amenity of the majestic ocean isn’t enough for you, then perhaps you will be interested in the beach at Coney Island. Beyond the basic beach stuff, you’ll also find a lively boardwalk, historic (and new) amusements, a ballpark to take in a Brooklyn Cyclones game, an old wooden rollercoaster, and all the seaside food spots you can dream of—check out a full guide here. The vibes here are both good and old timey, so grab your bloomers and get to the train.
ROCKAWAY BEACH
Here we have what was, in the early 20th century, referred to as “New York’s Playground." In recent years there’s been a bit of a Rockaway renaissance, and that old nickname would certainly fit once again. You’ll find sand, sun, and plenty of dining options to help sate any craving. This is your best option for a beach staycation--even if you only go for a few hours, you’ll feel like you’re a world away from the city.
Note: As part of the NYC Parks Department's resiliency program, 10-15 blocks of Rockaway Beach will be closed at any given time on a rolling basis, moving westward from Beach 116, and moving eastward from Beach 143. Over 70 blocks of beach will be open, and the whole boardwalk will remain open.
JACOB RIIS
Want a little more seclusion from the masses at Rockaway Beach? Then head to Jacob Riis, which is nearby but will require either a quick bike ride from the subway in Rockaway, or a bus transfer (on the Q22). This spot is a favorite amongst New Yorkers and is often referred to as “the People’s beach”. Here you’ll find art deco treasures along with a pitch and putt golf course and more. And if you’re up for a walk, you can head over to Fort Tilden which is next door and offers more nature, along with a beach of its own.
ORCHARD BEACH
Once known as “the Riviera of the Bronx,” Orchard Beach is the only beach in the borough, and as such is a hot spot in the summer. It offers the benefit of being close to City Island as well, which will compliment your trip to the beach nicely. Head there, once you’re done taking in the rays, for some top notch seafood.
Note: You will have to transfer from the subway to the bus, which will drop you in City Island. The beach is about a 20 minute walk from there.
MANHATTAN BEACH
Right next to Brighton Beach, you can find its quieter neighbor, Manhattan Beach. Located within Manhattan Beach Park, there's sand and waves if you're looking for a swim, but there are also two baseball diamonds as well as courts for basketball, volleyball, handball and tennis, making it a perfect destination if you're looking for a full day of outdoor activity. And while Manhattan Beach is smaller than Brighton Beach, it's usually less crowded, giving it a more relaxed feel. Getting there will require taking the train and the bus, but it's worth it if you want some seclusion on your beach day.
Subway
Take the subway to either Sheepshead Bay or Brighton Beach, then transfer to the B1 or B49 bus
For those seeking more distance from NYC, check out our guide to Fire Island and Long Island beaches.
For more transit information when visiting NYC beaches, head to MTA.info
This guide has been updated for 2024
