What is the best beach near New York City?

Some of the best beaches within East North Central require only a little drive and are perfect for a summer vacation. With nice rhythmic motions, smooth shorelines, moving boardwalks, and stunning views of the ocean, these beaches allow you to experience the coast within a short drive from the urban centers. Here are some of the top beaches near NYC to check out.

Rockaway Beach
Another popular destination that’s been hailed as the best beach in NYC is Rockaway Beach, which is situated in the Rockaway Peninsula of Queens. This urban beach is nearly 5.1 km long and is located between Beach 9th Street and Beach 149th Street. The white sandy beach and the clear sky like a blue blanket are sure to make the viewer feel like he or she is on a tropical island. If you get tired of swimming and sunbathing, there are numerous attractions around the beach, primarily the famous boardwalk, offering a plethora of dining establishments, especially ice cream parlors. There are a lot of pretty beaches and the people here are really friendly and fond of the beach. Take a break and recharge at the sand wallball courts, playgrounds, and other sports amenities. What would otherwise be a boon since the place is close to JFK airport is the sight of planes passing overhead.

Coney Island/Brighton Beach
Coney Island and Brighton Beach are two of the most famous beaches in New York City and are mentioned when discussing great beaches in NYC. These two beaches are situated in Brooklyn and they are as close to being two halves of the same beach, or an expansive seaside playground, if you will. Visit Coney Island, with Nathan’s Famous for hot dogs after enjoying what the amusement park has to offer like the rides. Then head East to Brighton Beach which has a large number of eastern European stores and restaurants. The white sand beach is joined by these two neighboring beaches where the facilities of the boardwalk are in operation. Do not leave the day without having a delicious Russian meal after an active day at the Black Sea!

Long Beach
Long Beach also provides a surfer town-type ambiance that is only 33 miles away from Manhattan situated on Long Island. It's over 2 miles of clean golden sand and pleasant ripple make it a top choice for those NYC locals who want to get away from the metropolitan area. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and shops selling surf equipment and beachwear, among other establishments, along the Long Beach boardwalk. Playgrounds are also available if you are with children. It is very laid back here which just makes it ideal for the whole day of sunbathing on the beach during summer.

Jones Beach State Park
Another place on Long Island that tourists may also find as one of the best beaches near New York City is the Jones Beach State Park. The park spans 6.5 miles and the beach is made up of soft white sand and it is by the Atlantic Ocean. It is also important to note that the beach is large enough to make it seem like it is not crowded or too noisy no matter how many people are there. Lifeguard-trained sections of the beach are generally areas of swimming. The bay side is ideal for young kids as there are no rough waves to drown them and they enjoy splashing around. Offshore, there is excitement for the surfers to enjoy the sea by riding the waves such as Zach’s Bay and Pool. It also has spacious parks ideal for holding picnics. And the final but not least the Jones Beach Water Tower is one of the most famous places to visit from an architectural point of view!

Fire Island Beaches
Located just off the south shore of Long Island, Fire Island is a peninsula with stunning and private beaches that are about 60 miles away from New York City. They are the barrier island beaches that can only be accessed by ferry which makes the places seem more exclusive. Visit to spend a day or a night and walk more than 31 miles of sandy shore that borders the Great South Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. Ocean Beach village is quite traditional with a small town feel next to the sea where one can find small restaurants and boutiques. Or explore Kismet village which is a place of a shabby chic located near dunes and pine trees. Each of Fire Island's beaches provides you with a secluded beach vacation just a few hours away from New York.

Asbury Park Beach is situated in the state of New Jersey.
Another great American boardwalk that must be visited is the Asbury Park Beach on the other side of the Hudson River in New Jersey. Just 90 minutes away from New York City, Asbury Park has unique waterfront amenities. Cafes and taffy shops, various night bars and restaurants, and beautiful Victorian buildings are located on the boardwalk. After this, visitors to the park can take a walk to the sandy Atlantic ocean beach that stretches for over half a mile. The atmosphere of the beach itself is active but elegant compared to some more overcrowded and rougher experiences of other NJ shore locations. Go for a Casino Carousel and Convention Hall or bumper cars at Palace Amusements Park, if you are interested in riding funfairs and thrillers. Asbury Park Beach offers you a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs to grab dinner or go on a night out, making it possible for you to make a day or the weekend out of your visit to the beach which is within a short drive from the city.

Beach Haven, New Jersey
In New Jersey’s Jersey Shore region at Long Beach Island, Beach Haven provides a relaxed beach town experience, 85 miles from New York City. Its more than 1.5 miles of wild coastline of powdery white sand give it a sense of being away from huge hordes of beachgoers. The beaches are kid-friendly and the waves produced are relatively low, making swimming perfect for kids. One can also visit Wetland preserves and the Coastal forests for a natural feeling and nature walks in Beach Haven. Do not let yourself leave without visiting one of the most attractive fun facilities, the Fantasy Island Amusement Park. The beachfront also provides a variety of colorful seafood restaurants, ice cream parlors, games such as miniature golf, and arcades in case one gets bored with sand. Beach Haven for the scenic and peaceful beach vacation it provides on Long Beach Island.

In summary, one can focus on the fact that there are countless stunning seaside destinations close to New York City. Rockaway Beach has more of an urban feel and active beach-goers as opposed to Jones Beach State Park, which is quieter and has more scenic views. Asbury Park Beach has a typical boardwalk feel to it with games, rides, and arcades whereas Long Beach has a more relaxed beach surfer image. Or, if you’d prefer to beached, take a ferry to the lonely Fire Island's sandy shores. Regardless of the place, do a little background check on places of interest, available recreational activities, availability of parking, and ease of access to public transportation in anticipation of that perfect beach day trip or weekend getaway close to New York City!