Why not escape the concrete jungle with a day trip to the sand and surf? With so many great waterfront attractions, playgrounds, sporting courts, eateries, and more, New York City beaches are the places to go for summertime family fun. Grab your shades, sun-block, and beach umbrellas, and check out our list of the best beaches to hit around the city!
Coney Island Beach
No summer is complete without a trip to this iconic New York City beach. If not for the three miles of beach, kids will love going for the famous boardwalk and exciting rides at Luna Park. It is also home to the New York Aquarium, which is a great way to make the trip an educational one. With so many attractions, activities, and treats to eat, Coney Island is the perfect all-in-one family day trip.
coneyisland.com
Brighton Beach
Located right at the foot Coney Island, Brighton Beach is a good alternative for families who want a calmer beach trip. The beach, dubbed “Little Odessa,” sits in a neighborhood largely known for its high population of Russian-speaking immigrants. Be sure to come on an empty stomach and dine at one of the many local Russian eateries.
nycgovparks.org
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is within walking distance of Brighton Beach, and is another good alternative for families who want to avoid the noise and bustle of Coney Island. Originally created as a summer resort, the beach is bookended by playgrounds, two large baseball diamonds, as well as tennis, volleyball, basketball, and handball courts.
nycgovparks.org
Rockaway Beach
While areas of Rockaway Beach are still under reconstruction after suffering heavy damage from Hurricane Sandy, beachgoers can enjoy much of the sand and water, concession stands, boardwalk, and seven playgrounds! The 170-acre beach is also New York City’s only legal surfing beach, and even offers spots for saltwater fishing.
nycgovparks.org
Jacob Riis Beach
To the west of Rockaway Beach, Jacob Riis Beach is a great place for families looking for a relaxing day of sun and sand. Dubbed “The People’s Beach,” it is a part the Gateway National Recreation Area and is famous for its Art Deco bathhouse and nearby Floyd Bennett Field. Be sure to pack a picnic for the day though, as there are only concession stands in the area, which aren’t always open.
nyharborparks.org
Jones Beach
One of New York State’s biggest beaches, Jones Beach boasts 6.5 miles of white sand and surf. If the kids are too scared to play in the ocean, they can cool off in one of two swimming pools, or play on the two-mile-long boardwalk or playgrounds. Visitors can also attend concerts at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater. For a more educational trip, be sure to take a tour at the Theodore Roosevelt Nature center.
nysparks.com
Orchard Beach
Created by Robert Moses in the 1930s, Orchard Beach’s 1.1 miles are entirely man-made. Called “The Riviera of New York,” this beach offers concession stands, two playgrounds, two picnic areas, and 26 different sporting courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball. There aren’t many places to eat, so take care to pack a picnic for the day!
nycgovparks.org
Long Beach
Another beach that suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy, Long Beach has since been reconstructed better than before. The family will enjoy not only the white-sand beach called Ocean Beach, but also the beautiful new boardwalk. There are several parks and playgrounds, with staff who supply cold water, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, and more.
longbeachny.org
Midland Beach
Part of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach, Midland Beach at Staten Island offers a fishing pier, bicycle path, concession stands, and bocce courts. Kids will have fun running through the sprinklers at the Sea Turtle Fountain, or playing at the Playland Playground.
nycgovparks.org
South Beach
South Beach is located right next to Midland Beach, and is recently refurbished after Hurricane Sandy, offering brand new fountains and playing fields. The orange-sand beach makes a relaxing getaway for city-goers tired of the New York City congestion. Kids will enjoy the roller hockey rink, Kid’s Kingdom Playground, and Fountain of the Dolphins sculpture at the boardwalk.
nycgovparks.org
