Are you looking for the best and fun beaches in New York?? Here’s the list with all the travel information that you need to plan a family tour.
New York is one of the most famous and attractive states in the world. It welcomes millions of visitors annually to see its iconic landmarks, sensational cities, museums, nature parks, mountains, waterfalls, and beaches.
Especially, New York features breathtakingly beautiful beaches with endless water activities. Such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, windsurfing, boating, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, playing beach volleyball, building sandcastles, and more.
The most attractive New York beaches are Brighton Beach, Coney Island Beach, Jones Beach State Park, Long Beach, Orchard Beach, and Cooper’s Beach.
Let’s discover the complete list of the best and fun beaches in New York. Add them to your bucket list.
Beaches in New York
1. Beaches in New York: Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
Brighton Beach is a fantastic beach located near Coney Island Beach in Brooklyn, New York. Since Coney Island Beach is always crowded, visit Brighton Beach at first.
Also, Brighton Beach is known as “Little Odessa” as there are strong Russian and Eastern European communities.
Being one of the favorite local beaches, Brighton Beach is backed by delicious restaurants, hotels, and other tourist attractions.
This beach is suitable for any kind of beach activity, including sunbathing, swimming, boating, building sandcastles, and more.
On the other hand, it features many restaurants and splashy nightclubs that serve delicious Russian cuisine, seafood, and whatever you like. Also, you can enjoy Vegas-style entertaining performances at most of these restaurants.
Another reason for the popularity of Brighton Beach, it features all the beach facilities, including ADA-accessible facilities, clean restrooms, attentive lifeguards, and more.
And most importantly, Brighton Beach always offers you incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, especially during sunset.
So, that’s why you should start your New york beach tour from Brighton Beach.
Address: 601 Riegelmann Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY 11235, United States Phone: (718) 946-1350
Looking for the best things to do in New York City?? Here’s the list.
Beaches in New York
2. Beaches in New York: Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn
Looking for a more secluded beach?? Manhattan Beach is within walking distance from Brighton Beach.
Being a lovely summertime destination, Manhattan Beach has a friendly atmosphere to spend a fun beach day with your family and friends.
Also, it has pristine clear waters and a well-maintained shoreline; beach lovers visit here for swimming, sunbathing, playing sports, and picnicking with family.
Located on the east end of the Brooklyn Peninsula, Manhattan Beach features beach sports courts, including tennis, basketball, volleyball, handball, and baseball. Therefore, this beach is ideal for sports lovers.
During summer, you can catch free movies playing on big screens in the parking lot.
But, the only drawback of Manhattan Beach for budget-friendly travelers is its expensive parking fee. Therefore, it is good to walk or use public transportation to get there.
Address: Oriental Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11235, United States Phone: (212) 639-9675
Beaches in New York
3. Beaches in New York: Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn
Coney Island Beach is undoubtedly the most popular beach in New York. Located at the tip of Brooklyn, you can easily access Coney Island Beach by using subway trains.
This fantastic beach features two amusement parks with exciting roller coasters, a sensational boardwalk, plenty of restaurants, a renowned aquarium, and many other tourist attractions.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement & Kiddie Park, Luna Park, and the Cyclone Roller Coaster are more highlighted when it comes to amusement parks on Coney Island Beach.
Another iconic feature of Coney Island Beach is its delicious hot dog stalls, including the iconic Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. It was opened in 1916 and still hosts the famous annual Hot Dog Eating Contest in July.
On the other hand, Coney Island Beach is perfect for any kind of water activity and beach sports. Such as swimming, boating, sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, playing basketball, surfboarding, and more.
And also, the beach features many entertaining events, especially during the summer. For example, you can experience firework shows, beach parties, live musical shows, the largest art parade in the United States, Mermaid Parade, and numerous food events.
Since New York Aquarium is located close to Coney Island Beach, you can visit there with your kids. Being the oldest aquarium in the United States, it features thousands of sea creatures from all over the world (18 species of sharks).
So, plan your summer trip to Coney Island Beach.
Address: Corbin Pl. to W. 37 St., Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY 11224, United States Phone: (718) 946-1350
Beaches in New York
4. Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh
Jones Beach State Park is located in the hamlet of Wantagh on Jones Beach Island, a scenic barrier island linked to Long Island.
This 6.5 miles of scenic beach features white sand, crystal clear waters, and beach amenities, including well-trained lifeguards, picnic areas, showers, and clean restrooms.
Therefore, it welcomes millions of visitors annually for swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, surf fishing, boating, playing beach volleyball, throwing a frisbee around, and building sandcastles.
Jones Beach State Park also features a 2 miles boardwalk with Art Deco bathhouses, mini-golf courses, shuffleboard, and other fun activities.
This beach park offers so much for entertainers, such as summer concerts at the Northwell Health outdoor arena, where you can catch performances of your favorite artists.
Another beautiful thing to catch in Jones Beach State Park is the Bethpage Air Show which features admirable performances of the United States Navy’s Blue Angels.
Aside from that, the park also hosts softball and volleyball tournaments and a colorful Fireworks show on July 4th.
Jones Beach State Park attracts a massive number of visitors during the peak summer season. So, try to come in early mornings or evenings.
Address: 1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793, United States Phone: +1 516-785-1600
Beaches in New York
5. Long Beach, Nassau County
Long Beach is an attractive beach city in Nassau County, New York. You have to take a 50-minute train ride from Manhattan to get there (on the Long Island Rail Road).
It is really a long beach with soft, white sands and clear waters. So, it is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and catching some waves. Beach chairs and umbrellas are also available for rent.
If you are more into surfing, Skudin Surf Long Beach surf school is located in Long Beach.
And also, Long Beach contains a 2.2-mile wooden boardwalk that features delicious restaurants, including Brixx & Barley Italian restaurant, ice cream shops, and many other attractive spots.
One of the prettiest areas on Long Beach is Ocean Beach Park which has all the beach facilities such as sandy volleyball courts, lifeguards on duty, ramps to launch watercraft, picnic areas, fishing piers, and more.
Especially if you visit Long Beach during summer, you can enjoy free live concerts, art exhibits at the Boardwalk festival, and volleyball tournaments.
So, come along with your family.
Address: 300 W Broadway Long Beach, NY 11561, United States Phone: (516) 431-1021
Beaches in New York
6. Orchard Beach, The Bronx
Orchard Beach is a stunning man-made beach located in Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, New York. Actually, Orchard Beach is the only public beach in the Bronx.
Orchard Beach is an ultimate beach vacation spot for families that features a sun-kissed shoreline, soft sands, blue waters, calm waves, and scenic views.
Since it is one of the safest beaches in New York for kids, come along with your kids. And also, many professional lifeguards are available on this beach.
Aside from swimming, Orchard Beach is perfect for building sandcastles, playing fun games such as splashing, handball, volleyball, and basketball. There are 26 courts of basketball, several playgrounds for kids, and scenic picnic areas for visitors.
Barbecuing is also allowed in these picnic areas.
On the other hand, Orchard Beach has many snack bars that sell tasty hot dogs, fried chicken, onion rings, shish kabobs, nachos, and french fries like foods.
After exploring Orchard Beach, you can enjoy the stunning nature in Pelham Bay Park too. Being the largest park in New York, it offers many hiking trails and bridleways. So, grab that experience too.
Address: Park Dr, The Bronx, NY 10464, United States Phone: (718) 885-2275
Beaches in New York
7. Beaches in New York: Main Beach, East Hampton
The Hamptons are the home and a premium summer destination for celebrities and famous people in the United States. The major reason for that is its fantastic beaches.
For example, Main Beach in East Hampton is one of the top beaches in New York and features clean and soft sands, pristine waters, well-trained lifeguards, quality restrooms, a pavilion, a parking area, and plenty of food stalls.
So, you can enjoy various fun water activities, including kayaking, boating, surfboarding, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, kiteboarding, and making sand sculptures while observing stunning ocean views.
And also, there are many accommodation options within walking distance to Main Beach.
Aside from that, the Main Street near the beach features plenty of shops, restaurants, Home Sweet Home Museum, and an old windmill at Old Hook Mill.
Address: 104 Ocean Ave, East Hampton, NY 11937, United States Phone: (631) 324-0074
Beaches in New York
8. Cooper’s Beach, Southampton
Located 15 miles away from Main Beach, East Hampton, Cooper’s Beach in Southampton stretches for 500 ft along the South Shore of Long Island.
Cooper’s Beach is a quiet beach that offers scenic views, soft sands, clear waters, well-trained lifeguards, snack bars, beach chair rentals, and clean restrooms.
Therefore, it considers one of the best family-friendly beaches in New York.
And most importantly, Cooper’s Beach features a stunning backdrop of historic mansions, sand dunes, and expansive ocean views to have a relaxing beach day with your family.
(But, the parking fee is quite expensive)
Address: 268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968, United States Phone: +1 631-287-3450
Beaches in New York
9. Jacob Riis Park Beach, Far Rockaway
Nicknamed ‘’The People’s Beach’’, Jacob Riis Park Beach is a stunning beach located on Far Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, New York City. (Just three miles from Rockaway Beach)
Jacob Riis Park Beach can be easily reached by catching a local bus, a train, or a ferry. Therefore, it attracts thousands of beachgoers annually.
Once you get there, you can experience its gorgeous and clean beach while swimming, sunbathing, boating, kayaking, and building sandcastles.
And also, the beach features all the beach facilities, including restrooms, showers, a golf center, ball courts, and concession stands.
After experiencing beach activities, you can visit the new Bazaar located near Jacob Riis Park Beach. It offers delicious foods, including the iconic Oaxaca Tacos, Ample Hills Ice Cream, and various drinks at Rockaway Clam Bar. Also, it hosts fun games, live shows, and dance events too.
Here’s an important fact about Jacob Riis Park Beach. There are several sections on this beach. So, if you are with your kids, do not head towards the Bay 1 Area as it is a nude beach.
Address: 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Queens, NY 11694, United States Phone: (718) 318-4300
Beaches in New York
10. Beaches in New York: Rockaway Beach, Far Rockaway
Looking for a surfing beach in New York?? Rockaway Beach in Far Rockway is a premier surfing destination in New York.
Skudin Surf and New York Surf School are the most recognized surfing schools for beginners.
It features a stunning shoreline, soft sands, pristine waters, and towering waves with all the beach facilities. Such as a boardwalk, restrooms, restaurants that serve delicious fresh seafood, eight playgrounds for kids, picnic areas, barbeque areas, and surfing schools.
Surfers can enjoy adrenaline-rushing time on their boards. And beach lovers can have a fun time with their families while foodies can enjoy Italian, Mexican, and Venezuelan foods on Rockaway Beach, New York.
Address: 1-12, 1-98 Cross Bay Pkwy, Far Rockaway, NY 11693, United States
Beaches in New York
11. Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island
Robert Moses State Park is an 875-acre state park located on Fire Island, southern Suffolk County, New York.
Fire Island is a central barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island. And it is famous for the five miles of stunning beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.
Robert Moses State Park is a perfect bike-friendly beach that offers scenic of the ocean, the island, and the historic Fire Island Lighthouse.
Robert Moses State Park Beach features soft sands, well-trained lifeguards, a marina, hiking trails, beach rental, outdoor showers, picnic areas, grills, an expansive volleyball court, an 18-hole Pitch & Putt Golf Course, and many more.
Therefore, this beach attracts beach lovers for swimming, sunbathing, tanning, fishing, boating, kayaking, picnicking, playing beach sports, and doing countless other fun activities.
On the other hand, the Fire Island Lighthouse is an iconic 200-year-old lighthouse located less than a mile from the Robert Moses State Park. You can hike this nature trail and visit the lighthouse to climb its 192 steps. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the island and the ocean.
Address: 32 Beach Marina Rd, Massena, NY 13662, United States Phone: +1 631-669-0449
Beaches in New York
12. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach, Staten Island
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach on Staten Island’s eastern shore is an attractive recreation area suitable for bird watching, picnicking, sporting, and many other fun outdoor activities.
It features attractive beaches such as South Beach and Midland Beach, just a short ferry ride away from Lower Manhattan. And also, these beaches offer endless fun in the sun for every family member. That’s why Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach attract thousands of visitors.
Especially, Midland Beach is a well-loved and less crowded coastline that features numerous amenities.
For example, there’s a lengthy boardwalk, a golden shoreline, the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier, scenic ocean views, a playground, biking, skating trails, sports courts, picnic areas, grilling areas, food stalls, easy access, and many other facilities.
Therefore, you can experience various outdoor activities, including beach volleyball, tennis, sea kayaking, canoeing, swimming, tanning, fishing, and more.
So, plan your weekend getaway to Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach to grab all of these experiences.
13. Wades Beach, Shelter Island
Wades Beach is a family-friendly and pretty beach located on Shelter Island, New York. (an island at the eastern end of Long Island)
This stony shell sand shoreline features cerulean waters, swimmable waves, attentive lifeguards, picnic areas, clean restrooms, and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
If you are looking for a fun beach day with family, try Wades Beach. It is perfect for swimming, flying kites, building sand sculptures, picnicking, and having a relaxing day.
So, come along with your kids and have fun together.
Address: 114 S Midway Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964 Phone: (877) 893-2290
Beaches in New York
14. Beaches in New York: Amsterdam Beach State Park Beach, Montauk
Amsterdam Beach State Park is a 199-acre scenic and natural state park located facing the Atlantic Ocean in East Hampton, Montauk.
This park is also called the Amsterdam Beach Preserve and features a breathtakingly gorgeous shoreline and landscapes.
Amsterdam Beach State Park is one of the best places in New York to escape from the hustle and bustle and have a relaxing time.
Aside from that, you can experience swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and hiking nature trails in Amsterdam Beach State Park.
Address: Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, United States
Beaches in New York
15. Beaches in New York: Fort Tilden Beach, Queens
Fort Tilden Beach is one of the best-kept secrets in New York. It is a stunning, secluded beach located in Queens.
This charming coastline features gentle waves, breathtaking scenery, swimmable waves, pristine waters, and many other attractive features.
If you like to swim freely, build sandcastles, tanning, picnic, or any other fun beach activity, Fort Tilden Beach is perfect for that.
Address: Center Rd, Queens, NY 11697, United States
Beaches in New York
- Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
- Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn
- Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn
- Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh
- Long Beach, Nassau County
- Orchard Beach, The Bronx
- Main Beach, East Hampton
- Cooper’s Beach, Southampton
- Jacob Riis Park Beach, Far Rockaway
- Rockaway Beach, Far Rockaway
- Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Beach, Staten Island
- Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area, Jersey
- Amsterdam Beach State Park Beach, Montauk
- Fort Tilden Beach, Queens
Beaches in New York
