Fire Island Has New York’s Best Lgbtq+ Beaches
Accessible only by ferry, the car-free Fire Island another barrier island, situated east of Jones Beach is a welcome change from the gridlock on the rest of Long Island. The boat will take you directly to a number of destinations across the 32-mile-long island, but if its your first visit, get off at Ocean Beach, a quaint village with postcard-ready storefronts and restaurants, for an easy entry into island life. Whether youre vacationing here for Pride or seeking out LGBTIQ+ communities year-round, Cherry Grove and the Pines are where you want to be for house shares, bars, and a thriving pickup scene, head to Kismet and for a slower, family vibe, check out Saltaire.
Coopers Beach Southampton A Clean New York City Beach You Cant Miss
Last but not least, Coopers Beach in Southampton is a popular beach near NYC thats lauded for its pristine shoreline dotted with historic mansions. This is a small beach thats only open from May through September, but its known for exuding that luxurious air that youd expect from the Hamptons.
15. Coopers Beach, Southampton, a clean New York City beach you cant miss
As the main beach of Southampton Village, Coopers Beach is next to the towns historic market and offers public restrooms, spray showers, beach umbrellas, and chair rentals. Lining the Atlantic Ocean, this clean NYC beach invites families and city dwellers to get their feet wet and enjoy the surf. Swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding are permitted, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer.
After enjoying the sea, head into town for something to eat and take a walk through the scenic streets lined with elaborate mansions and historic inns.
- Where to stay: Southampton Inn
I hope this guide helped you figure out where to go for your next beach vacation in NYC. Be sure to download this map with all the best beaches in NYC and the accommodations that I mentioned.
If you have any questions or youd like to recommend a beach town near New York City, leave me a comment below and Ill get back to you. Have a safe trip!
5% off
Seneca Lake State Park
Seneca Lake State Park is on the shores of Seneca Lake. Seneca Lake is always worth a visit to check out the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, go on a Finger Lakes wine tour, and/or stop by some of the top-rated wineries in the Finger Lakes. Seneca Lake State Park is worth the visit specifically because its always fun. There is a Sprayground and multiple playgrounds. The playgrounds might be for the kids but the Sprayground is for all. Its $8 to park in the summer. There are lifeguards, restrooms, and a couple of marinas.
Geneva, one of our favorite small towns in Upstate New York, is right next to the park, so its also close to lots of lodging and restaurants. Any of the beaches in the Finger Lakes are worth a visit on your New York State beaches road trip, but make sure you stop at Seneca Lake State Park to soak in some perfect summer lake vibes.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does It Cost To Travel To New York
Prospect Park Dog Beach
With its fur dripping wet from the water and panting from running on the beach, your dog will be the happiest pet on Earth when visiting Prospect Park Dog Beach. It feels like the Twilight Zone since this beach actually prohibits humans instead of pets! Pets finally have a place to call their own.
Save time from wandering Prospect Parks 585 acres and enter via 95 Prospect Park West to arrive at the dog beach. Although its an artificial lake, the natural scenery of lush trees surrounds the coastline. Also, unlike other beaches, its designed with paved ground to stand on instead of sand.
Dogs at Prospect Park Dog Beach intermingle while exploring the shallow water or sniffing around the shore. The dog beach is fenced in to let them safely enjoy the beach without a leash.
Prospect Park has several other pet-friendly activities to check out after the beach. Dogs can be off-leash at designated areas of Prospect Park like the Kensington Dog Run and Long Meadow from 6-9 AM and between 9 PM 1 AM.
Address: 95 Prospect Park West Brooklyn, NY 11215
The South Beach Staten Island
South Beach is a beautiful beach located on the East Shore of Staten Island, New York City. It is close to some of New Yorks best attractions, like Coney Island, Staten Island Ferry, and Rockaway Beach, making it a great attraction.
South beach has two sections, one for swimming and the other for sunbathing. Restrooms and changing rooms are available, along with activities such as baseball, handball, shuffleboard, and roller hockey.
You can visit the beach from 10 am to 6 pm, which makes it perfect for people who want to spend their whole day at the beach without worrying about any time constraints. The best months to visit South Beach is from May September, as it gets too cold during the winters.
It is accessible by car or public transportation. Due to limited parking spaces, it might be better to park elsewhere and walk to South Beach instead.
You May Like: How To Obtain Arrest Records In New York
Main Beach East Hampton
Along with Cooper’s Beach, Main Beach has regularly topped the list of the nation’s best beaches. This oasis in East Hampton is within walking distance to many accommodations in the area.
Main Beach offers bathrooms and lifeguards. At the Pavilion, relax in the shade, find a locker to store items, get refreshments, and grab a bite to eat at the snack bar. There are plenty of shops and restaurants on Main Street to explore, as well as local attractions like Home Sweet Home Museum and an old-fashioned windmill at Old Hook Mill.
If you are staying in the area, bike to the beach to avoid the hefty parking fee of $30. Kayak, surfboard, and paddleboard rentals are available from outfitters in town some even offer lessons if you decide to hone your skills on the water.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boardwalk And Beach Staten Island
As part of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt boardwalk and beach area, South Beach and Midland Beach extend 2.5 miles from Staten Island’s Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field’s Gateway Recreational Area.
Just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, these beaches provide endless fun in the sun for people of all ages. There’s even a beach for seniors containing chess tables, benches, and bocce courts.
Beachgoers can take in lovely views of the Verrazano Bridge, jog along the boardwalk graced by The Fountain of The Dolphins, play tennis, go biking, and more.
At Midland Beach, the less crowded option, you can go fishing off the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier, one of the largest in the city. The Sea Turtle Fountain and sprinklers and the playground are a big hit among youngsters.
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy New York Times In Chicago
Jersey Shore And Long Branch
New JerseyThere’s one simple rule to live by here: Go for the beaches and boardwalk stay for the top-notch hooligan watching. From boardwalks and revelry in Seaside Heights to historic homes in Cape May and excellent restaurants in Asbury Park, all that the Jersey Shore has to offer is just a quick and easy bus ride away. Plus, before the Jersey Shore was home to fist-pumping partiers, it served as the summer base for President Ulysses S. Grant, who had a home in Long Branch. If its good enough for USG, its good enough for the rest of us. The area has packages that include transportation and passes to access the beach for around $36, and Long Branch is also home to high-end shops and tons of waterfront eateries.How to get there: The New Jersey Transit bus will get you all over The Shore
Asbury Park Jersey Shore
Bruce Springsteen helped make Asbury Park famous it was the name of his debut LP in 1972. Its a great place for a day by the sea, whether you want to dine or just relax.
There are plenty of sandy areas for the kids to play in.
Walk down the boardwalk, enjoy the restaurants and shopping antiques and retail and the art galleries.
If you are staying over, there is plenty of nightlife.
On the first Saturday of each month, everything stays open late.
The Oyster Festival and Jazz Festival have become special annual events attracting large crowds.
Don’t Miss: Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive In New York
Rockaway Beach In Queens
Another free beach is Rockaway Beach, which is also reached easily via the subway or the East River Ferry in about 90-minutes from Lower Manhattan.
In addition to sea and sand, you can also enjoy a long boardwalk with food vendors and multiple playgrounds.
There are also a baseball field, basketball, volleyball and handball courts, and a skate park.
There are also many events including free Yoga on the Beach, festivals throughout the summer including family-friendly events. See their official website for information
There is also a designated stretch of beach for surfers!
How to get there: Via subway, take the A train to “Broad Channel” and transfer there to the S train to “Rockaway Park-Beach 116th Street” station.
You can also take the NYC Ferry, which is the same price as a subway ride and a lot prettier! Use this to get directions from your point of departure.
Amenities:
- Check the official City website for other information
Food: Rippers for burgers, Connollys for summer drinks like Pina Coladas and, the taco truck called Tacoway Beach. See many more options here.
Where to buy beach essentials: These are all one block from the subway station.
- CVS Drugstore at 88 07 Rockaway Beach Blvd
- Family Dollar Goods 86-01 Rockaway Beach Blvd
- Key Food Supermarket 87-15 Rockaway Beach Blvd
Ditch Plains Beach Montauk
Montauk is one of the most beautiful gems in lower New York. Located all the way at the eastern tip of Long Island, about two and a half hours from New York City, is a swath of beautiful, windswept beaches and small coastal villages.
The beaches of Montauk are among the best beaches in New York, but if you have time for only one then it ought to be Ditch Plains Beach. Two miles from Montauk village, Ditch Plains is popular among surfers and sunbathers alike. In fact, it is one of the best surf destinations on the entire East Coast.
Because the beach is part of the East Hampton Town beaches, visitors will need a beach sticker to park. Those arriving on bike or by foot, however, can enter the beach for free.
Because it’s one of the best beaches in New York, expect crowds in the summer. But offseason is just as beautiful, with infinitely more places to sit and stroll. Everyone in town loves to grab a bite to eat at the Ditch Witch food trucks, so be sure not to miss that when you’re in town.
You May Like: Villa Maria Pizza Bronx Ny
Brighton Beach Best Beach In Nyc
Brighton Beach is a gem and is one of the best beaches in NYC, located on the southern coast of Brooklyn. The neighborhood is bounded by Sheepshead Bay and Manhattan Beach to the north, Coney Island Creek to the east, Jamaica Bay to the south, and Gravesend Bay to the west.
It is a popular summer destination for people from New York City and other Northeastern cities. It boasts an excellent boardwalk, several great restaurants, and an active nightlife scene.
Brighton Beach was named as one of the top 10 beaches in America by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach, who has been called The Nations Top Expert on Recreational Water Quality by The Wall Street Journal.
Brighton Beach is also home to a large Russian community and has served as a backdrop for numerous films and TV shows, including Brighton Beach Memoirs starring Robin Williams.
Long Beach Nassau County
Not quite as famous as the coastal city in California of the same name, Long Beach was hit by Hurricane Sandy a few years ago a rare event, as hurricanes usually hit Mainland USA further south.
The boardwalk and the quality of the surf are two reasons to head for Nassau County.
You will need to pay for a pass to get on to the beach for the day, but there are sometimes promotions which include access as well as the transport costs to get there if youre not driving, you will need to take a train.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does A Round Trip To New York Cost
Long Beach In Long Island
From Midtown, Long Beach is the most “traditional” beach that feels like a seaside resort. Though it is not located in NYC, it is less than an hour from Manhattan.
However, there is a price to enjoy this gem. Visitors age 13 and older must buy a $15 ticket to enter the beach at designated beach entrances.
You can save on the cost of admission by purchasing an LIRR Beach Getaway Package.
- Price is $26.75 and includes:
- R/T Rail to and from Long Beach Station
- Discounted admission to the beach
- Participating vendors coupon for a round-trip ride on the Long Beach Bus and discounts at participating vendors throughout Long Beach.
How to get there: Purchase an LIRR Beach Getaway Package at Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, take the Long Island Railroad to the Long Beach Station. The beach is a short walk east, then south.
Amenities: Bathrooms. Showers. Lifeguards are on duty, weather permitting, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Food: Many places along the boardwalk as well as mobile beach carts.
Where to buy beach essentials:
Long Beach Surf Shop at 70 W Park Ave, just one block from the train station
Since you are departing from Penn Station, you can purchase beach items before you board the train if you have the time. There is a Duane Reade/Walgreens drugstore located in Penn Station across from the main LIRR Ticket Counter.
Fire Island Pines New York
Photo: Francois Roux/Shutterstock
Bid NYCs honking horns goodbye on this car-free destination off the Long Island coast. The only way to get here is via ferry from Sayville, and once the boat docks at the Pines Marina, New Yorks bustle seems like a bad dream.
Fire Island became a haven for the queer community in the 1940s, and today, spending a week on the sandbar is a rite of passage for NYCs alphabet mafia. Travelers shack up in modernist pine homes connected by wood-plank footpaths and split their days flitting between pool parties and sunning on the sugary sands of Fire Island National Seashore. At night, crowds gather at the Pavilion and Sip-n-Twirl for cocktails, dancing, and drag shows . Adventurous souls can cruise through maritime forests to Cherry Grove, a neighboring LGBTQ+ enclave.
If youre looking for up-all-night escapades, visit for July 4th or the Pines Party, when circuit queens take over the scene. During the week, white-tailed deer outnumber people, and its best to curl up on the beach with a good book. High season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but consider visiting in early spring or autumn if youre looking for lower prices and peaceful shores.
Recommended Reading: How Much Is A Bus To New York
Montauk Has Beaches For Solitude Surf Crowds And Families
What list of New York beaches would be complete without a mention of the Hamptons? Once a sleepy fishing community at the easternmost point of Long Island, home to artists, surfers, and creative types of all stripes, Montauk now tends to be party central in the peak summer months, though it remains charmingly low-key in the off-season.
Less than two miles from the LIRR terminus is the family-oriented Kirk Park Beach, with public restrooms and lifeguards on duty. If mingling with the surf crowd is more your speed, stake out space on the sand at Ditch Plains, just east of the village proper. One of New Yorks top-ten state parks for biodiversity, Hither Hills is less populated than the beaches in town, and you can book a campsite and stay overnight if youre so inclined. For an even more remote experience, strap on your walking shoes and head for the Amsterdam Beach Preserve, where a gentle, wooded loop leads up to bluffs with ocean views and down to a rocky beach untouched by the masses.
Best Beaches In The New York City Explore The Nature
Best Beaches in the New York City:Every pool and beach has opened this summer after about one year of the period. the best beaches in New York City become hot and sticky. New York beaches are full of tourists in summer to enjoy fun activities and water sports organizing there.
There are many beaches in New York City that suit any type of traveler. There are the best beaches in New York City for Families, Couples, or even singles who are seeking for relaxation from their busy schedules. Most of these beaches offer you an excellent experience rather than sunbathing and swimming. You can enjoy rollercoasters, sea kayaking, or even explore the wilderness, or seaside towns.
Lets have a look what are the best beaches in New York City. All these beaches are free and you can only swim when there is a lifeguard on duty.
Recommended Reading: What To Do In New York On Sunday
Jacob Riis Park Beach Queens Another Beautiful Beach In Nyc
Jacob Riis Park Beach is another beach in Queens, NY that you should check out. This swimming beach is part of Jacob Riis Park, which was built over 100 years ago on the southwestern edge of the Rockaway Peninsula.
A distinguishing characteristic of this beach is its bathhouse, which historically served as the entrance to Jacob Riis Park. It was built in 1932 in the Moorish style, and Art Deco elements were added later. While restoration efforts began in the 1990s, the project was never completed. Along with the bathhouse, Jacob Riis Park Beach has a central mall, a boardwalk, a putting green, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
5. Jacob Riis Park Beach, Queens, another beautiful beach in NYC
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do here, and if you visit during the summer, there will be lifeguards on duty. Restrooms and outdoor showers are easily accessible throughout the crescent-shaped beach, and the easternmost portion of the beach is popular among the LGBTQ+ community, as well as nudists.