The top beaches in New York City feature stunning sand and unmatched opportunities for people-watching.

In the hustle and bustle of New York City, it's comforting to know that cool breezes and refreshing waters are just a train ride away.

Four out of five boroughs in New York City have fantastic and well-loved beaches (sorry, Manhattan), while the beautiful shores of Long Island and the Jersey Shore make for an easy day trip. Whether you seek surf, sand, a lively scene, or all of the above, you’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy those warm summer days.

Here are the finest beaches in and around NYC.

The top beaches located within New York City.

1. Coney Island and Brighton Beach, Brooklyn

Located at the southern tip of Brooklyn, Coney Island was established as a resort in the 1800s, and by the early 1900s, its amusement park rides attracted visitors from all five boroughs. Although its expansive beach may not be the cleanest, the boardwalk offers fantastic opportunities for people-watching.

Just steps from the shore, Luna Park features thrilling rides and games. Don’t miss the Cyclone, a historic wooden roller coaster from 1927 that stands as a New York City icon. For a fun indoor option or a break from the heat, visit the nearby Coney Island Museum to learn about the area's vibrant past, or check out the NY Aquarium, also close by.

A short walk along the beach or boardwalk leads you to Brighton Beach, a more relaxed alternative with locals mingling, exercising, and enjoying the seaside atmosphere.

Planning tip: After soaking up the sun, venture off the Brighton Beach boardwalk for a delicious Russian or Ukrainian meal (with vodka) in the neighborhood often referred to as Little Odessa. Don't miss the Uyghur dumplings at Kashkar Cafe, a personal favorite.

2. Jacob Riis Park and Fort Tilden, Queens

Jacob Riis Park, a sprawling 'people’s beach' on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, attracts numerous day visitors with its expansive boardwalk, art deco pavilions, diverse food vendors, and miles of sandy shoreline. At the easternmost point, you’ll discover a vibrant LGBTIQ+ community, featuring everything from fit bodies to body-positive advocates and lively drag parades, all set to the backdrop of booming pop music.

Beyond the sun-bleached remnants of a former military base, Fort Tilden Beach remains relatively peaceful, likely due to the trek required to reach the shore. Trails wind through the sandy dunes, offering a slice of nature amidst the city. Thanks to its secluded location, Fort Tilden boasts a tranquil beach free from overwhelming crowds and chaos.

3. Rockaway Beach, Queens

Rich in diversity, easily accessible, and surprisingly picturesque, the Rockaways embody the essence of New York, attracting an impressive five million visitors annually. On the sandy shores, you'll encounter a vibrant mix of people, with thousands of New Yorkers trading the heat of the city for refreshing ocean breezes on warm days.

A bike path runs the entire length of the Boardwalk, which was beautifully rebuilt after the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The path leads past a designated surfing beach and along an area off-limits to swimmers, where seabirds gather amidst the stunning dunes.

Planning tip: You don’t need to dive in to soak up the atmosphere along the 5.5-mile Boardwalk, where the excitement gathers around three concession pavilions. Try arepas at Caracas (located at Beach 105th St) or fresh fish at La Cevicheria (Beach 97th St), while party-goers enjoy live music at Rippers (just east of Beach 90th) until late at night.

4. Orchard Beach, the Bronx

Opened in the 1930s and dubbed the 'Riviera of New York,' Orchard Beach is the Bronx's sole beach. This lively destination is anything but tranquil, which is exactly what makes it great. Expect playgrounds, snack stands, and groups blasting reggaeton and merengue along the promenade, with thousands of sunbathers filling its 1.1-mile stretch throughout the summer.

Planning tip: If you're driving (public transport can be tricky), make sure to include a visit to nearby City Island for dinner. This quaint fishing village has a distinctly New England vibe, and you can’t beat the fried shrimp and clams at popular spots like Tony’s Pier and Johnny’s Reef.

5. South Beach, Staten Island

At this stretch of beach south of the Verrazzano Bridge on Staten Island, you'll witness a vibrant mix of New York's unique charm. Deeply tanned seniors lounge in beach chairs, seemingly unfazed by playful children and Jehovah's Witnesses handing out pamphlets along this 2.5-mile stretch of sand, which might just be the finest in New York City. Enjoy a swim with a stunning view or take a stroll or bike ride on the boardwalk, crafted from charmingly creaky planks.

Planning tip: Biking to South Beach from Manhattan is easy, thanks to the Staten Island Ferry and a new bike path from the North Shore via Fort Wadsworth. Avoid the crowded on-ramps to the massive Verrazzano Bridge by cycling beneath it instead.

The best beaches near New York City

6. Long Beach, Long Island

Located on the South Shore of Long Island, Long Beach is just an hour away from Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road. However, the atmosphere at Ocean Beach Park (admission fee applies) feels worlds apart, with only the bustling crowds serving as a reminder of its proximity to the city.

Spanning miles, this beach is among Long Island’s finest, perfect for families with numerous playgrounds and a variety of activities including surf lessons, bike rentals, and a 2.25-mile boardwalk to wander.

7. Asbury Park, New Jersey

A short train ride from Penn Station takes you to this rejuvenated resort town, which boasts a revamped beachfront promenade, new hotels, and a lively atmosphere, making it a standout beach destination in the area. The expansive sandy shore and inviting waves attract both sunbathers and surfers (admission fee required), while Boardwalk vendors serve up treats like salt-water taffy, fried dough, ice cream, and frozen cocktails.

Planning tip: Asbury Park boasts rich cultural offerings. Stick around for a performance at the iconic Stone Pony, where legendary New Jersey musician Bruce Springsteen launched his career.

8. Fire Island, Long Island

Take a ferry to the serene, 32-mile-long Fire Island for a refreshing escape. For first-timers, the boat ride from Bay Shore to Ocean Beach reveals a charming village filled with picturesque shops and eateries. Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines are popular among the LGBTIQ+ community. For lively house shares and bars, check out Kismet; Saltaire provides a more relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere.

9. The Hamptons, Long Island

Renowned worldwide, Long Island’s East End attracts a vibrant summer crowd, complete with trendy restaurants and upscale boutiques. However, it’s the stunning beaches of the villages known as the Hamptons—with their pristine dunes and magnificent waves—that originally made this area so desirable.

Southampton’s exquisite beaches (Coopers Beach is a favorite) draw an affluent crowd. In the ultra-exclusive Sagaponack, Sagg Main offers a spacious, clean shoreline with lifeguards, concessions, restrooms, and showers. Among East Hampton’s beaches, Main Beach stands out as the most popular, while Two Mile Hollow offers a more laid-back atmosphere, known as a longstanding gay beach. Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett has a lively vibe without being overwhelming, and Indian Wells can attract quite a crowd. For a peaceful retreat, visit the Atlantic Double Dunes Preserve and the Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge.

Planning tip: Parking at the beaches in the Hamptons is scarce and typically reserved for those with annual town permits. (Avoid parking without one; towing is a real possibility.) For a hassle-free experience, consider taking your bike on the LIRR and riding to the beach from the station.

10. Montauk, Long Island

Situated at the farthest eastern point of Long Island (and New York State), Montauk can become quite a lively scene during the peak summer season, yet it retains its charmingly relaxed vibe in the off-peak months.

Family-friendly Kirk Park Beach features public restrooms and lifeguards on duty. To connect with the surfing crowd, claim your spot at Ditch Plains, just east of the village center. Hither Hills, recognized as one of New York’s top ten state parks for biodiversity, is less crowded than the town beaches, and you can reserve a campsite for an overnight stay if you wish. For a more secluded oceanfront experience, lace up your hiking shoes and explore the Amsterdam Beach Preserve, where a peaceful wooded trail leads to bluffs with ocean views and a rocky beach far from the crowds. (Just be cautious of ticks.)