Beaches In NYC Ranked
When summer hits New York City, the hunt for a patch of sand and a salty breeze becomes a full-time mission. Luckily, you don’t need a car — or a weekend in the Hamptons — to enjoy a solid beach day. With just your MetroCard and maybe a bodega sandwich, you can hop on the subway and find yourself oceanfront within an hour or two. Here are the best beaches in NYC.
Top Beaches in NYC
1. Rockaway Beach (Queens) — The Unofficial Champion
- Subway: A train to Broad Channel, transfer to the S shuttle.
- Why it’s worth it: Rockaway is the gold standard for a reason: miles of sand, real waves (yes, you can surf), decent space to spread out, and an unbeatable boardwalk vibe with local taco stands (hello, Tacoway Beach). It’s busy, but not Coney Island busy — and you can easily wander to quieter stretches.
Tip: Ride your bike there via the ferry for extra breezy points.
2. Brighton Beach (Brooklyn) — Local Charm & Russian Snacks
- Subway: B or Q to Brighton Beach.
- Why it’s worth it: Right next to Coney Island, but feels like its older, calmer cousin. Less carnival, more chill. Plus, you’re steps from fantastic Russian bakeries and supermarkets — grab a pirozhki and a cold drink, then stake your claim on the sand.
Tip: It’s a favourite for families, so weekdays are more peaceful.
3. Jacob Riis Park Beach (Queens) — A Bit Hipster, A Bit Retro
- Subway: 2 or 5 to Flatbush Ave–Brooklyn College, then a bus or bike ride.
- Why it’s worth it: Riis feels a little removed from the city hustle — with a cool Art Deco bathhouse, food vendors, and stretches of sand that attract everyone from queer beachgoers to local families. It’s cleaner than some other city beaches and tends to have fewer crowds than Rockaway’s busiest spots.
Tip: The Riis Park Beach Bazaar food stalls and live music give it an upbeat vibe on weekends.
4. Coney Island Beach (Brooklyn) — The Classic, for Better or Worse
- Subway: D, F, N, or Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.
- Why it’s worth it: It’s iconic — the boardwalk, Nathan’s hot dogs, the Cyclone roller coaster. If you’re in the mood for people-watching, carnival food, and nostalgia, Coney is still a blast. The water’s swimmable but the crowds are real, so don’t expect zen vibes.
Tip: It’s busiest on weekends. Go early or on a weekday to avoid feeling like a sardine.
5. Manhattan Beach (Brooklyn) — Low-Key Family Spot
- Subway: B or Q to Brighton Beach, then a short bus ride or walk.
- Why it’s worth it: Smaller than its neighbours and popular with families and locals who want a quieter beach day. There’s a nice picnic area, barbecue spots, and fewer tourists.
Tip: No boardwalk food scene, so pack snacks.
6. Orchard Beach (The Bronx) — The Bronx Riviera, Love It or Hate It
Subway: 6 to Pelham Bay Park, then a bus.
Why it’s worth it: This man-made beach in Pelham Bay Park has a huge crescent of sand, ball courts, and a lively, boombox-heavy vibe in peak season. The views of City Island and Long Island Sound are pretty, but it can get rowdy.
Tip: Good for a barbecue and people-watching — less for a peaceful swim.
Honorable Mention: Fort Tilden (Queens) — The Wild One
- Subway: No direct subway — you’ll need to bike, bus, or brave a long walk from Jacob Riis.
- Why it’s worth it: If you want a more secluded, undeveloped stretch, Fort Tilden is the hidden gem. No lifeguards, so swim at your own risk — but it feels like you left NYC entirely.
Tip: Pack water and food — there’s nothing for sale once you’re there.
For classic NYC summer magic, Rockaway is hard to beat. For an old-school boardwalk day, Coney is still a must. However, for something a little more off the radar, Riis or Fort Tilden are your best bets — if you don’t mind the trek.
So, pack your sunscreen, skip the Hamptons FOMO, and let the subway carry you to the sand. New York might not be tropical, but it sure knows how to do summer.
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