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Brooklyn Beaches by Train and Bus

1. Coney Island & Brighton Beach

West 37th Street to Corbin Place
Getting there: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue.

Coney Island is arguably the most famous beach in NYC. It's the perfect destination for summertime fun with three miles of the Atlantic Ocean for swimming, sunning, sand-castle building, and a slew of fantastic amusements.

Stroll along the iconic boardwalk; take a spin on the lovingly restored B&B Carousell; get your adrenaline pumping on Luna Park's thrilling rides; or enjoy incredible views from Deno's Wonder Wheel. You can get up close to seafaring wildlife at the New York Aquarium, march in the annual Mermaid Parade in June, and check out the annual sand-sculpting contest in August.

Chow down on an original Nathan's hot dog; eat some of NYC's best pizza at Totonno's, satisfy your sweet tooth at Williams Candy Shop, or catch a minor-league baseball game at the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. If you're looking for less action and more sand and shore, try the adjacent Brighton Beach. Located farther east, this NYC beach has more of a local feel.

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The less crowded Manhattan Beach makes up about five blocks worth of sand and sea on the eastern side of the Coney Island peninsula.

2. Manhattan Beach

Oriental Boulevard from Ocean Avenue to Jaffray Street
Getting there: B, Q to Brighton Beach, then take the B1 bus to Manhattan Beach

This five-block beach on the eastern side of the Coney Island peninsula has a short concrete promenade, designated barbecuing areas, two playgrounds, and usually fewer people than Coney.

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Low tide brings ideal swimming conditions at Orchard Beach. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Bronx NYC Beaches by Train and Bus

3. Orchard Beach

Long Island Sound in Pelham Bay Park
Getting there: 6 to Pelham Bay Park, then take the Bx5 or Bx12 bus to Orchard Beach. Be sure to confirm the schedule before heading out. This bus service is typically offered from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Parking is available for $11-$14 on weekends; $9 on weekdays.

Pelham Bay Park is NYC's largest green space and features plenty of attractions, including this mile-long, crescent-shaped, man-made beach on the Long Island Sound, affectionately nicknamed the "Bronx Riviera." While the Sound doesn't offer the excitement of waves, the calmness of the water is better for little swimmers.

This popular beach in NYC has two playgrounds, a promenade, and a central pavilion with a snack bar that serves hot dogs, hamburgers, and more. There are changing rooms, showers, and bathrooms. Once you tire of sun and sand, hop the Bx29 bus to City Island, which is just minutes away, for a seafood dinner and ice cream.

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Rockaway Beach, where the surf is up in NYC. Photo by Julienne Schaer for NYCGo

Queens Beaches by Ferry, Train, and Bus

4. Rockaway Beach

Beach 9th to Beach 149th Streets
Getting there: A line to Broad Channel, transfer to the S to Rockaway Park-Beach 116th Street, and the sand is just a short walk away. The citywide NYC Ferry also serves the Rockaways at Beach 108th Street and Beach Channel Drive. It leaves from Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Lower Manhattan.

This popular summertime destination offers a great beach, of course, and several playgrounds, including one of our favorite splash pads in NYC, bicycling or strolling along the boardwalk, designated spots for saltwater fishing, and plenty of fun boardwalk eats, from tacos and hot dogs to sit-down casual spots.

Not only that, but the Rockaways are the only location where you can catch a wave in the city. Surfing is allowed between Beach 67th and Beach 69th Streets and between Beach 87th and Beach 92nd Streets. One important note: Construction limits beach access for a 10-15 block stretch of sand all summer long. The work zones rotate, so bookmark the Parks Department page to check closures before you head out.

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Jacob Riis Park Beach is spacious and filled with amenities, including a playground. Photo by Julienne Schaer for NYCGo

5. Jacob Riis Park

Beach 149th Street to Beach 169th Street
Getting there: 2 line to Flatbush Avenue, then take the Q35 bus to Jacob Riis Park. The NYC Ferry offers a shuttle bus from Rockaway landing into the park.

Just west of Rockaway, this pretty spot offers swimming, a playground, a small boardwalk, a concession stand, and a pitch-and-putt golf course. Managed by the National Park Service, Jacob Riis is famous for its restored Art Deco bathhouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It's harder to get to without a car because there's no subway stop, but it's been gaining popularity in recent years, especially with 20-somethings.

If you can swing a weekday visit, you'll find the crowds somewhat lighter—or stay the night by glamping in nearby Fort Tilden.

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South Beach is one of Staten Island's most popular beaches. Photo by Marley White for NYCGo

Reach Beaches in Staten Island by Train and Bus

6. Midland Beach & South Beach

Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field
Getting there: From the St. George Ferry Terminal, take the S51 bus to Father Capodanno Boulevard and Sand Lane.

Touted for their orange-colored sand, these adjacent beaches offer a combined 2½-mile boardwalk on New York Bay, a playground, a sea turtle sprinkler, and a popular fishing pier. They are particularly friendly beaches for toddlers.

7. Cedar Grove Beach

Getting there: From the St. George Ferry Terminal, take the S76 bus to Ebbitts Street and Cedar Grove Avenue and walk down to the sand. Free parking is available if you can find a spot.

NYC's newest beach is considered a secret gem by locals and has some interesting, controversial history. Though owned by the city and open to the public, it was maintained for decades by Cedar Grove Beach Club, a community of families who had been vacationing there for generations. But, in 2010, the city took the land back to turn it into the destination sandy spot and playground it is today. It's generally considered the cleanest and calmest of Staten Island's four beaches.

8. Wolfe's Pond Beach

Getting there: From the St. George Ferry Terminal, take the S78 bus to Seguine Avenue, then walk along Hylan Boulevard to the sand.

This mellow beachfront is located on Raritan Bay, part of the Atlantic Gulf, and is good for younger children as it doesn’t sport a very rough surf. Once you're done with the sand, explore Wolfe's Pond Park, a nature lover's paradise with wetlands and trails.

Visitors Tips for NYC Beaches

• When do NYC beaches open? In 2023, beaches in NYC open on Saturday, May 27. Beach season runs through Sunday, September 10, and lifeguards are on duty from 10am-6pm. Swimming is prohibited outside these hours.
• Keep your feet covered. Our shores sometimes aren't as pristine as we'd like, so wear flip-flops at all times.
• Arrive in your bathing suit. Except for Orchard Beach, which has changing rooms, it's against the rules to change in the bathroom stalls. If the staff catches you (or even your kids) doing it, you'll be reprimanded.
• Leave your pooch at home. NYC beaches don't allow dogs.
• No smoking. Smoking is banned at all NYC beaches.
• Travel lightly. Technically, flotation devices aren't allowed in the water, and temporary shelters, such as tents, aren't permitted on the sand, although we've seen people with both. Umbrellas and chairs are allowed.
• Stay safe. There have been issues with riptides over the past few years. Keep an eye on kids at all times and stay close to the little ones who can be pulled under or toppled over by the force of even a small wave or typical current.

This article was first published in May 2011, but is updated annually.