When the summer heat hits, there’s nothing better than escaping the city for a day at the beach.
Luckily, you don’t have to travel far to find soft sand, ocean waves, and a perfect spot to lay out your towel.
Whether you’re in the mood for a lively boardwalk with roller coasters and hot dogs or a quiet stretch of sand with hidden trails, there’s a spot near NYC waiting for you.
From classic beaches to hidden gems across the river, these are the best beaches you can reach in under an hour from NYC—no plane ticket required.
1. Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach in Queens is NYC’s top surfing spot, with the only legal surfing beaches between 67th to 69th, and 87th to 92nd Streets.
Located just an hour from Manhattan by subway or ferry, this huge stretch of sand runs for about seven miles.
It has a lively 5.5 mile boardwalk with taco stands, ice cream shops, and plenty of space to bike or skate.
You can also stop by Margie’s at the Rockaway Hotel for a great meal.
2. Sandy Hook Beach, New Jersey
If you’re up for a quick ferry ride from Manhattan, this beach is an easy escape with quiet shorelines, bike trails, and even a historic lighthouse.
This stretch of the Jersey Shore is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, so it’s clean, undeveloped, and full of nature trails where you might spot deer or osprey.
If you want a beach day without the crowds, head to Gunnison Beach—New Jersey’s only clothing-optional beach.
You can also check out North Beach for calm waters and great views of the NYC skyline.
Bring a bike to explore the seven-mile path along the peninsula or swing by the old military forts for a little history.
3. Coney Island Beach
For a beach day with nonstop energy, Coney Island is the spot, combining classic boardwalk fun with a wide sandy shoreline.
Located in Brooklyn, this beach is famous for its old-school amusement park rides, including the legendary Cyclone roller coaster and the Wonder Wheel, plus plenty of carnival games and fried food.
After a swim, grab a hot dog from Nathan’s Famous, catch a sideshow, or just stroll the boardwalk and take in the street performers and lively crowds.
If you’re visiting during the summer, try and catch the Friday night fireworks at Luna Park or a baseball game at Maimonides Park (home of the Brooklyn Cyclones).
Check the schedules before visiting so you can time it right.
4. Long Beach
If you want a beach that’s clean, chill, and easy to reach by train, Long Beach on Long Island is a solid choice.
Just a 50-minute ride from Penn Station on the LIRR, this beach has soft sand, gentle waves, and a four-mile boardwalk perfect for biking, jogging, or just soaking up the ocean views.
There’s a small fee to access the beach in summer, but it’s worth it for the relaxed vibe and well-maintained shoreline.
After a day in the sun, grab a craft beer at Bright Eye Beer Co. or head to LB Social, which has a variety of appetizers, such as grilled octopus, and lamb sliders.
5. Jones Beach
For a classic New York beach day with tons of space to spread out, Jones Beach is the way to go.
Located on Long Island, about an hour from the city, this massive beach has 6.5 miles of shoreline, plus volleyball courts, mini golf, and a long boardwalk for walking or biking.
It’s part of Jones Beach State Park, so there’s no boardwalk full of restaurants, but you can pack a cooler or grab food from one of the concession stands.
If you’re up for some live music, check out the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, an open-air concert venue right by the water that hosts big-name artists all summer long.
6. Long Branch Beach, New Jersey
If you’re looking for a beach with a more upscale feel then this is the place to go with plenty of high end shops and restaurants to sample.
This beach has paid access in summer, but you get clean sand, calm waves, and easy access to restaurants and shops at Pier Village.
You can spend the day swimming and sunbathing, then grab a table at McLoone’s Pier House for seafood with an ocean view.
For a more low-key vibe, head to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park just north of the main beach—it’s a great spot to unwind with fewer crowds.
7. Brighton Beach
Right next to Coney Island but way less chaotic, Brighton Beach is perfect for a laid-back beach day with amazing Eastern European food just steps from the sand.
This Brooklyn beach has the same wide shoreline and ocean views as its famous neighbor, but the crowd is more local, and the vibe is more relaxed.
After swimming, head to Brighton Beach Avenue for fresh-baked bread from a Russian bakery, or try the dumplings from Café Kashkar.
You can also grab a meal at Tatiana, a boardwalk restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and late-night entertainment.
If you’re up for a walk, you can follow the boardwalk all the way to Coney Island for rides and hot dogs or stay put and enjoy the quieter stretch of sand.
8. Midland Beach, Staten Island
For a beach day without the crowds, this peaceful spot offers plenty of space to stretch out.
Located along Staten Island’s eastern shore, it has calm, shallow water, a long stretch of sand, and a paved promenade that connects to South Beach, perfect for biking or rollerblading.
One of the coolest features here is the sea turtle fountain, a fun splash area for kids, plus fishing piers where you can cast a line and try your luck.
If you get hungry, check out the nearby boardwalk concessions or head to Arka Mediterranean Cuisine, which offers a selection of traditional and modern Mediterranean dishes.
9. Asbury Park Beach, New Jersey
If you want a beach with a mix of sun, music, and history, Asbury Park Beach has it all.
This shore town is famous for its live music scene, with the legendary Stone Pony hosting concerts just steps from the sand, plus a retro boardwalk filled with quirky shops and cool murals.
You can spend the day swimming, then grab a bite at MOGO for Korean tacos or hit up the Silverball Retro Arcade to play vintage pinball machines.
Take a walk past the historic Convention Hall or check out the downtown area, where you’ll find coffee shops, record stores, and some of the best pizza around at Porta.
10. Manhattan Beach
If you’re looking for a quiet beach without the crowds, Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn is a hidden gem with a more local feel.
Tucked away past Brighton Beach, this smaller stretch of sand has calm waters, picnic areas with barbecue grills, and plenty of shady spots under the trees.
It’s a great place for a relaxed day of swimming and sunbathing, plus there are handball and tennis courts if you’re up for a little activity.
Since there aren’t many food options right on the beach, bring a picnic or stop by nearby Sheepshead Bay for fresh seafood at Randazzo’s Clam Bar before heading home.
11. Riis Beach at Jacob Riis Park
If you want a beach with a little more personality, Riis Beach at Jacob Riis Park in Queens has a fun, laid-back crowd and a historic boardwalk.
Known for its lively atmosphere, this beach draws a mix of locals, surfers and sunbathers.
It was historically a clothing-optional beach and, although this law was changed in 1983, certain parts of the beach are still unofficially clothing optional.
If you’re up for exploring, take a walk toward Fort Tilden, an old military base with hidden trails, abandoned bunkers, and some of the quietest stretches of sand in the city.
12. Fort Tilden Beach
For a more off-the-grid beach day, Fort Tilden is the place to be as it offers unspoiled sand, hidden trails, and fewer crowds.
Unlike the busier beaches nearby, this former military site has no lifeguards, no concessions, and no boardwalk—just a wide-open shoreline and peaceful dunes.
You’ll need to bike or walk a bit to get there, but the quiet, natural setting makes it worth the effort, especially if you’re looking for a more secluded stretch of sand.
While you’re there, climb to the top of Battery Harris East, an old WWII-era bunker with panoramic views of the ocean and the NYC skyline.
13. Orchard Beach
If you’re up for a Bronx beach day, Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park is a lively spot with a fun, family-friendly vibe.
This man-made beach stretches for a mile along the Long Island Sound, with calm water, plenty of picnic areas, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball.
The promenade is lined with snack stands offering a variety of foods.
On weekends, you’ll often find music playing and groups dancing on the sand.
Since it’s part of Pelham Bay Park, you can also explore nearby hiking trails or take a short walk to City Island for some of the best seafood in the city.
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