Beaches Around NYC with Classic Boardwalks and Surf Scenes

Discover the perfect coastal escapes with “Beaches Around NYC with Classic Boardwalks and Surf Scenes.” In just a couple of hours, you can find yourself basking on white sandy shores, engaging in beach volleyball at South Beach, catching surfable waves at Hither Hills State Park, or savoring a Nathan’s hot dog while riding the attractions at Coney Island. Whether you’re taking the Staten Island Ferry to a beach volleyball haven, hopping on the LIRR to Jones Beach’s expansive sands, or enjoying the vibrant boardwalk of Asbury Park via New Jersey Transit, each location offers unique draws. From Rockaway Beach’s surf and food vendors to Sandy Hook’s historical charm and Ocean Grove’s nostalgic serenity, your beach adventure awaits just a short trip from NYC. Have you ever found yourself craving a beach day but thought the New York City area just didn’t have what you were looking for? Think again! The beaches around NYC offer classic boardwalks, surf scenes, and white sandy shores all within a couple of hours from the city. Ready to plan your next beach adventure? Let’s dive into some of the best beach spots that you can quickly and easily visit from New York City.

Beaches Around NYC with Classic Boardwalks and Surf Scenes

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South Beach (Staten Island, NY)

Located on Staten Island, South Beach is easily accessible via the Staten Island Ferry. This beach is perfect if you’re into playing beach volleyball or just want to enjoy some delicious nearby pizza joints. The scenic views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge are a bonus!

How to Get There

  • Staten Island Ferry: Take the ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island.
  • Public Transport: Use local buses or taxis from the ferry terminal.

What to Do

  • Beach Volleyball: Courts available for public use.
  • Food: Enjoy local pizza joints and seafood shacks.

Jones Beach (Long Island, NY)

With 6.5 miles of white sand, Jones Beach on Long Island is a beach lover’s paradise. Accessible via car or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), this beach has something for everyone, including volleyball and pickleball courts and a summer concert series at the Northwell Health Theater.

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How to Get There

  • Car: Ample parking available.
  • LIRR: Take the train to Freeport and then transfer to a bus that takes you directly to the beach.

What to Do

  • Volleyball and Pickleball: Courts available for sports enthusiasts.
  • Concerts: Check out the schedule for summer concerts.

Hither Hills State Park (Montauk, NY)

For a more outdoorsy beach experience, head to Hither Hills State Park in Montauk. This spot offers affordable parking and camping, along with surfable waves and designated fishing areas. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway!

How to Get There

  • Car: Drive directly to the park and find parking.
  • Train and Bus: Take the LIRR to Montauk and then a local bus or taxi.

What to Do

  • Camping: Spaces available for tents and RVs.
  • Fishing: Designated areas for a relaxing experience.

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Asbury Park (New Jersey)

Asbury Park has transformed into a vibrant beach destination. Known for its revitalized boardwalk, iconic Stone Pony music venue, and fantastic foodie scene, it’s easily accessible via New Jersey Transit.

How to Get There

  • New Jersey Transit: Direct trains from Penn Station.
  • Car: Parking available near the beach.

What to Do

  • Boardwalk: Enjoy the shops, eateries, and attractions.
  • Music and Food: Visit the Stone Pony and indulge in local delicacies.

Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY)

No beach list would be complete without Coney Island. Famous for its boardwalk, Nathan’s hot dogs, and Luna Park’s amusement rides, this bustling beach is a must-visit.

How to Get There

  • Subway: Multiple subway lines (D, F, N, Q) go directly to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue.
  • Bus: Various city buses also serve this area.

What to Do

  • Amusement Park: Luna Park offers a variety of rides.
  • Food: Don’t miss out on Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.

Sandy Hook (New Jersey)

Sandy Hook is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and offers wide beaches, fishing spots, and even a nude beach. Its historical sites make it unique among the beaches around NYC.

How to Get There

  • Car: Accessible via Garden State Parkway.
  • Ferry: Seasonal ferries from Manhattan.

What to Do

  • Beaches: Choose from multiple beaches including clothing-optional Sandy Hook.
  • Historical Sites: Fort Hancock for some sightseeing.

Beaches Around NYC with Classic Boardwalks and Surf Scenes

Rockaway Beach (Queens, NY)

Rockaway Beach offers one of the best surf scenes in NYC. Accessible by the NYC Ferry, it’s also home to many fantastic food vendors and the newly opened Rockaway Hotel.

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How to Get There

  • NYC Ferry: Direct service to Rockaway.
  • Subway: Take the A train to Broad Channel and transfer to the S train.

What to Do

  • Surfing: Popular surfing spots with seasonal lessons available.
  • Food and Drink: Numerous food vendors and beachside cafes.

Ocean Grove (New Jersey)

For a quieter and more nostalgic experience, Ocean Grove offers a serene setting with its quaint boardwalk, lakes, and historic Victorian houses. Note that it’s a dry town, so plan accordingly.

How to Get There

  • Car: Easily reachable by Garden State Parkway.
  • Train: New Jersey Transit trains offer a direct route.

What to Do

  • Boardwalk: A more relaxed and slower pace compared to other boardwalks.
  • Historic Sites: Explore charming Victorian architecture and local history.

Kismet Beach (Fire Island, NY)

A hidden gem, Kismet Beach on Fire Island is less crowded because there are no vehicles allowed. Accessible via a short ferry ride or a walk from Robert Moses State Park, it offers a peaceful retreat.

How to Get There

  • Ferry: Short ferry from Bay Shore.
  • Walk/Bike: Walk or bike from Robert Moses State Park.

What to Do

  • Relaxation: Perfect for a quiet day away from the city hustle.
  • No Vehicles: Enjoy the peace and tranquility of a no-vehicle zone.

Orchard Beach (The Bronx, NY)

Known as the “Riviera of New York,” Orchard Beach is The Bronx’s only public beach. It offers a variety of amenities including picnic areas and sports facilities.

How to Get There

  • Bus: Take Bx12 to Orchard Beach.
  • Car: Ample parking available.

What to Do

  • Picnics: Plenty of picnic areas for a fun day out.
  • Sports: Basketball and volleyball courts are accessible.

Long Beach (Long Island, NY)

After being rebuilt post-Hurricane Sandy, Long Beach is once again a popular destination. With surfable waves and a quick 50-minute train ride from the city, it’s an ideal spot for a quick getaway.

How to Get There

  • LIRR: Direct service from Penn Station to Long Beach.
  • Car: Parking is available but can fill up fast.

What to Do

  • Surfing: One of the best local spots for surfing.
  • Beach Day: Enjoy a simple and classic beach day.

Steps Beach (Nantucket, MA)

For a more exclusive experience, Steps Beach on Nantucket offers snorkeling, swimming, and a quintessential New England beach experience. Though a bit more of a trek, the effort is worth it.

How to Get There

  • Flights: Direct flights from NYC airports to Nantucket.
  • Ferry: Seasonal ferries available from mainland Massachusetts.

What to Do

  • Snorkeling and Swimming: Clear waters ideal for underwater exploration.
  • Scenery: Picture-perfect settings for a day of relaxation.
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Greenwich Point Park (Connecticut)

Lastly, Greenwich Point Park in Connecticut offers a sprawling 147.3-acre park with various amenities including pavilions, picnic areas, and fishing spots. It’s a quick trip from NYC via Metro North or car.

How to Get There

  • Metro North: Trains to Greenwich Station.
  • Car: Convenient parking available within the park.

What to Do

  • Picnics and Fishing: Multiple spots are perfect for picnicking and fishing.
  • Exploration: Plenty of trails and scenic spots to explore.

Summary Table

Beach Location Key Features Transportation Options
South Beach Staten Island, NY Beach volleyball, nearby pizza Staten Island Ferry, buses
Jones Beach Long Island, NY Volleyball, pickleball, concerts Car, LIRR
Hither Hills State Park Montauk, NY Camping, surfable waves, fishing Car, Train, Bus
Asbury Park New Jersey Revitalized boardwalk, Stone Pony, foodie scene New Jersey Transit, car
Coney Island Brooklyn, NY Boardwalk, Nathan’s hot dogs, Luna Park rides Subway, Bus
Sandy Hook New Jersey Wide beaches, fishing, historical sites, nude beach Car, Seasonal Ferry
Rockaway Beach Queens, NY Surfing, food vendors, Rockaway Hotel NYC Ferry, Subway
Ocean Grove New Jersey Quiet, nostalgic boardwalk, dry town Car, New Jersey Transit
Kismet Beach Fire Island, NY Less crowded, no vehicles Short ferry, Walk/Bike
Orchard Beach The Bronx, NY Picnic areas, sports facilities Bus, Car
Long Beach Long Island, NY Surfable waves, rebuilt post-Hurricane Sandy LIRR, Car
Steps Beach Nantucket, MA Snorkeling, swimming, exclusive experience Flights, Seasonal Ferry
Greenwich Point Park Connecticut Pavilions, picnic areas, fishing Metro North, Car

Plan Your Next Beach Day!

So there you have it, a comprehensive list of amazing beaches around NYC featuring classic boardwalks, incredible surf scenes, and a wide variety of local attractions. Whether you’re a beach volleyball enthusiast, a surfer, or just someone looking for a place to relax and enjoy some good food, there’s a beach here for you. So pack your beach bag, grab some sunscreen, and make your way to one of these fantastic destinations!

Happy Beach Day! 🏖️

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