Beaches in New York: Where are the most beautiful beaches?

May 5, 2025 New York Info Comments Off

New York is best known for Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. But did you know that you can also go to the beach? In this blog we take you to the most beautiful beaches in New York. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim or walk along the coast – there is something for everyone.

Are there any beaches in New York where you can swim?

Yes, definitely! Despite the skyscrapers and busy streets, New York has surprisingly many beaches where you can swim. Especially in the summer, it’s great to escape from the city and take a refreshing dip. In addition, most beaches have lifeguards, making it safe for young and old alike.

A number of popular beaches in New York are set up specifically for swimmers. They have demarcated swimming areas and clean facilities. In addition, many beaches are easily accessible by subway or bus, making it extra attractive to tourists.

Where do people in New York go to the beach?

New Yorkers know exactly where to be on a hot summer day. Most locals flock to Brooklyn, Queens or even The Bronx. In fact, these boroughs have the most beautiful beaches in New York. Some choose the tranquility of Rockaway Beach, while others prefer the vibrancy of Coney Island seek out.

In addition to sunbathing and swimming, there is often room for sports, hiking and even surfing. This makes the beaches a popular weekend destination for residents and tourists alike.

Top 5 beaches in New York

New York has more to offer than skyscrapers and museums. Scattered throughout the city are surprisingly beautiful beaches where you can relax, swim and enjoy the sea. Below are our top 5 beaches in New York – each with its own atmosphere, character and unique experience.

1. Coney Island Beach

Coney Island is perhaps New York’s most famous beach. It is located in Brooklyn and is easily accessible by subway. This beach has a long boardwalk, an amusement park and many food stalls. You can not only sunbathe there, but also enjoy a hot dog at Nathan’s Famous.

The water here is pleasant in summer and you are allowed to swim in designated areas. There are also lifeguards present. The many amenities make it ideal for families. Just keep in mind that it can be crowded on weekends.

2. Rockaway Beach

This beach is located in Queens and is popular with surfers. It is one of the few beaches in New York where you can actually wave surf. The atmosphere is relaxed and it is less touristy than Coney Island.

In addition, Rockaway Beach is well maintained and clean. There are showers, restrooms and eateries along the boardwalk. The wide sandy beach invites long walks and the view of the ocean is beautiful. Highly recommended for those who love peace and nature.

3. Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is right next to Coney Island, but is a lot quieter. It is known as “Little Odessa” because of the large Russian community that lives here. As such, you will find many Russian stores and restaurants.

The beach itself is wide and clean, and you can swim well. There are less tourist crowds, which makes for a relaxed atmosphere. Ideal if you want to taste the local culture AND enjoy the sea.

4. Orchard Beach

Located in The Bronx, Orchard Beach is the only public beach in this borough. It has a crescent shape and is surrounded by nature. This makes it one of the most unique beaches in New York.

There are sports fields, picnic areas and a boardwalk with food stalls. Swimming is allowed and lifeguards are present. Orchard Beach is especially popular with area families and has a lively but friendly atmosphere.

5. Manhattan Beach

Not to be confused with the beach in California! Manhattan Beach is located near Brighton Beach in Brooklyn. This beach is quieter than Coney Island and has mostly local visitors. It is clean and well maintained.

There are sports fields, playgrounds and BBQ areas. The atmosphere is friendly and the beach is ideal for a relaxing afternoon. Here, too, you can swim in secured areas. In short: a nice place for those who want to escape the crowds for a while.

Our experiences with beaches in New York

During several trips to New York, we deliberately took the time to visit several New York beaches. Our goal was to get a good idea of the quality, accessibility and general amenities of these locations.

In general, beaches are easily accessible by public transportation, which is a big advantage for tourists and residents without cars. Most beaches were clean and offered adequate facilities, such as showers, toilets and places to eat. In addition, the busier beaches often have supervision in the form of lifeguards, which contributes to safety.

Rockaway Beach stood out for its natural setting and relatively quiet atmosphere. This beach is ideally suited for visitors who want to avoid the crowds. Coney Island, on the other hand, offers plenty of entertainment but is often very crowded, especially on weekends. Brighton Beach stands out for its cultural character and culinary offerings, while Manhattan Beach and Orchard Beach are especially appreciated for their quiet location.

Overall, we can conclude that New York beaches are a valuable addition to a city break, provided you tailor your choice to your personal preferences. Each beach has its own characteristics and target audience, so there is a suitable option for almost everyone.

Our 5 tips for visiting New York's beaches

Based on our experience, we share 5 practical tips for visiting the beach in New York.

1. Take the subway

Most beaches are easily accessible by public transportation. This is often faster and cheaper than taking a cab or car.

2. Hit the road early

Especially on weekends, it can get crowded quickly. If you go early, you will have the best spots on the beach and can enjoy quiet time.

3. Check the weather

Although it is usually warm in summer, sometimes sudden showers can occur. Check the weather forecast in advance.

4. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen

Some beaches have few stores. So make sure you are well prepared.

5. Choose the beach that suits you

Want peace and quiet? Then head to Manhattan Beach or Rockaway. Prefer something to do? Then Coney Island is the best choice.

Edward and Raziye

Authors New York Info

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