The warm weather is officially here and luckily, there are tons of beaches in NYC where you can cool off and cool down! And after opening much later in the summer the past few years, most NYC beaches will officially reopen this weekend, May 28 for the unofficial start of summer: Memorial Day Weekend. Starting this weekend, lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
As for the city’s outdoor pools, expect these to open for the season on June 28, right after school gets out. Hours for those are from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. daily.
Not sure where to head to enjoy the sunshine? Look no further. Here are the best beaches in NYC to consider for a relaxing summer day.
1. The People’s Beach at Jacob Riis Park, Queens
Where: 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd
This oceanfront beach with landscaped walkways is clean and offers lots of room for spreading out. There are also plenty of dining options around the beach including Rockaway Clam Bar, the Riis Park Beach Bazaar and so many more!
2. Coney Island, Brooklyn
Where: On Atlantic Ocean, from W. 37th Street to Ocean Parkway
This iconic NYC beach boasts three miles of sun and sand, and there are usually volleyball and basketball courts open for getting active. Plus, for a little thrill in your life, you can ride on the world-famous Cyclone, and of course chow down on a hotdog from Nathan’s! If you’re looking for the perfect beach day mix of sun, sand, and entertainment, Coney Island can be one of the best beaches in NYC for that.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Metered street parking
3. Orchard Beach, The Bronx
Where: On Long Island Sound in Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
Orchard Beach is The Bronx’s only public beach, and is a man-made beach that was constructed way back in the 1930s. It is 1.1-miles long and 115 acres, and boasts a promenade, a central pavilion, snack bars and more. Since being revamped a few years ago, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset on the boardwalk or even take a hike in the wooded surroundings.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Parking lot: $8 Monday – Friday for cars and vans, and $10 on weekends and holidays. Parking is $13 on weekdays, weekends, and holidays for buses, trucks, and commercial vehicles.
4. Rockaway Beach, Queens
Where: On Atlantic Ocean, from Beach 9th Street, Far Rockaway, to Beach 149th Street, Neponsit
Rockaway Beach is a surfer favorite (and the city’s only legal surfing beach!) and offers lots of concessions. Located all along the Rockaway peninsula, there’s also a thriving boardwalk with bicycle and skate paths.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Free parking lots at B. 11th to B. 15th Street and B. 95th Street, plus free street parking
5. Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
Where: On Atlantic Ocean, from Ocean Parkway to Corbin Place
If you want to try something that might be a little less crowded than Coney Island Beach, Brighton Beach is right next door. It’s in a neighborhood known as “Little Odessa” for its Eastern European eateries and shops.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Metered street parking
6. Fort Tilden, Queens
Where: Center Rd, Breezy Point
This spot at Breezy Point is a bit more under-the-radar and secluded, but there is no swimming allowed as there are no lifeguards on duty. So stick to sunbathing or fishing! The nearest parking is at Riis so it’s a little bit of a walk (or you could bike), but you’ll also beat the crowds. There is also the historical element of the Fort, which dates back to 1917, which you can climb to the top of for panoramic views of the beachfront.
*No parking
7. Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn
Where: On Atlantic Ocean, Oriental Blvd., from Ocean Avenue to Mackenzie Street
Don’t let the name of this one fool you, it’s actually in Brooklyn (just east of Brighton & Coney Island, to be precise). It’s a bit calmer, often drawing locals with more family-friendly vibes.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Parking lot: $7 Monday – Friday and $22 weekends & holidays.
8. South Beach, Staten Island
Where: On Lower New York Bay, from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field, Midland Beach
This beach on Staten Island has stunning views of the Verrazano Bridge. There’s also a boardwalk, scenic bike trails, a fishing pier, and a special park designed for senior citizens.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Free parking lots
9. Midland Beach, Staten Island
Where: On Lower New York Bay, from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field, Midland Beach
Midland Beach is right next to South Beach, on the other side of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, and is usually a bit less crowded. There are also tennis and shuffleball courts, plus a sea turtle fountain for kids.
*Accessible with beach mats and/or beach wheelchairs
*Free parking lots
10. Wolfe’s Pond Beach, Staten Island
Where: On Raritan Bay and Prince’s Bay, Holton to Cornelia Avenues
Wolfe’s Pond Beach has been called “the city’s best-kept secret.” It’s quite a smaller than others on Staten Island, but is also lesser-known and therefore quiet without many crowds.
*Free parking lot
