Come summer, New York City turns into a biological soup of weird smells, inexplicable brown puddles, and 9 million people sweating in unison. But evolution is within reach. New York has enough waterfront to provide every kind of beach escape, from the after work sandy beer to the weekend solitary retreat.
Here are 10 New York beaches to visit this weekend.
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Come summer, New York City turns into a biological soup of weird smells, inexplicable brown puddles, and 9 million people sweating in unison. But evolution is within reach. New York has enough waterfront to provide every kind of beach escape, from the after work sandy beer to the weekend solitary retreat.
Here are 10 New York beaches to visit this weekend.
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RELATED: The 50 Coolest Places in NYC Right Now
Ditch Plains
Flying Point Beach
Robert Moses Beach
Where: Robert Moses Causeway, Babylon, N.Y.
How to get there: LIRR to Babylon
If you want to be left alone and take in the natural coastal beauty of New York without a lot of distractions, Robert Moses Beach is it. Its relative remoteness on the western end of Fire Island draws people looking for a quiet alternative to the Jones Beach mayhem.
Jones Beach
Where: 1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, N.Y.
How to get there: LIRR to Freeport
Jones Beach is easily accessible, massive in size, and in close proximity to millions of New Yorkers, which is why it’s insanely packed every day. It’s a goldmine for people watching and is Nassau County’s version of the Jersey Shore. It’s also home to the beach’s namesake summer concert series.
Rockaway Beach
Where: Beach 1st St., Far Rockaway to Beach 149th St., Neponsit
How to get there: A train to Beach 90th St.
If you ever see a guy on the A train holding a surfboard while you’re on your way to work, he’s either just been or is going to Rockaway. It’s the only true surf spot in the five boroughs and has a decent, easily accessible break with tons of history. It’s also a kick-ass Ramones song, but for our MetroCard money, Rockaway is for surfing.
Though the beaches boardwalk is still being rebuilt post-Sandy, the surf is still as great as ever. And—important side bar—Rockaway Taco is still in business.
Brighton Beach
Where: Brighton Beach, Brightwater Ave., Brooklyn
How to get there: B or Q Train to Brighton Beach
Like a trip to the Black Sea, a visit to Brighton Beach wouldn’t be complete without Speedos, Russian cuisine, and vodka. It’s known as much for the food and local flavor as it is for the beach, so make sure you exercise moderation in your intake.
Coney Island
Where: Surf Ave. at Atlantic Shore, Brooklyn
How to get there: D, F, or Q Train to Coney Island Stillwell/Surf Ave.
Coney Island is in limbo right now, stuck somewhere between its 19th-century heyday, recent derelict kitsch, and future Disney World makeover. Like everything in New York, it was better before you heard about it, but that’s no reason not to go. It’s still got the boardwalk, it’s still got the Cyclone roller coaster, and it’s still got Nathan’s classic hot dogs.
Water Taxi Beach
Gunnison Beach
Where: Route 36, Sandy Hook, N.J.
How to get there: New York Beach Ferry to Sandy Hook
This is a nude beach—what you do on your time is your business. Still, it’s a beautiful stretch of sand, and if you hate wearing clothes, it’s just about the only place you won’t get arrested for sunning your manhood.
South Beach
Where: Father Capodanno Blvd. & Sand Lane, Staten Island
How to get there: Staten Island Ferry to a bus, but ideally by car
This beach combines with Midland Beach and features bocce courts, ballparks, and barbecue areas along its 2.5-mile boardwalk. If sun, sand, and saltwater aren’t enough to keep you sated this summer, you can always go skateboarding—they have a small park here as well.
