When people think of New York City, they often picture skyscrapers and Central Park, but NYC is also an archipelago boasting miles of beautiful coastline. The best part? You don’t need a car to escape the city’s August heat and enjoy the sand and surf.
With a MetroCard or OMNY tap, you can reach vibrant boardwalks, dedicated surf spots, and relaxing sands. Here are the top 5 NYC beaches easily accessible by public transit.
1. The Rockaways, Queens
The Vibe: The Rockaways have experienced a renaissance over the last decade, transforming into NYC’s premier destination for surfing, trendy food stalls, and a laid-back beach atmosphere. It’s a long stretch of coastline, so the vibe changes depending on where you land.
What to Do:
- Surfing: Beach 67th Street and Beach 87th–92nd Streets are designated surfing areas—the only ones in NYC.
- Food: Head to Rockaway Beach Surf Club for tacos or Rippers on the boardwalk (Beach 86th) for burgers and beer. Tacoway Beach is another legendary spot.
- Relaxing: The area around Beach 105th Street is generally quieter.
How to Get There:
- Subway: Take the A train towards Far Rockaway. Be careful: you must take the A train that says “Far Rockaway” or “Rockaway Park,” not “Lefferts Blvd.” Get off at various stops corresponding to the beach numbers (e.g., Beach 67 St, Beach 90 St).
- Ferry: The NYC Ferry (Rockaway Route) from Wall Street/Pier 11 is the most scenic option. It drops you off at Beach 108th Street.
2. Coney Island & Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
The Vibe: Iconic, energetic, and sometimes chaotic. Coney Island is the quintessential New York beach experience, complete with the Cyclone roller coaster, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, and a bustling boardwalk. Brighton Beach, just a short walk east, offers a distinct Eastern European flavor (“Little Odessa”) and a slightly calmer atmosphere.
What to Do:
- Amusements: Visit Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.
- Coney Island: Enjoy the boardwalk performers, grab a hot dog, and catch a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game.
- Brighton Beach: Explore the Russian bakeries and restaurants just off the boardwalk.
How to Get There:
- Subway (Coney Island): The D, F, N, and Q trains all terminate at Stillwell Avenue, right across from the beach and amusements. This is the easiest beach to access.
- Subway (Brighton Beach): The B or Q trains stop at Brighton Beach Ave.
3. Orchard Beach, The Bronx
The Vibe: Known as the “Riviera of the Bronx,” Orchard Beach is a man-made beach curving along the Long Island Sound within Pelham Bay Park. It features a beautiful promenade, numerous food vendors, and a lively atmosphere with music often playing. Because it’s on the Sound, the water is much calmer (no waves) than the Atlantic-facing beaches.
What to Do:
- Sports: There are numerous basketball, volleyball, and handball courts available.
- Promenade: Walk the historic promenade and enjoy the views.
- Relaxing: The calm waters make it ideal for families with young children.
How to Get There:
- Subway/Bus: Take the 6 train to its last stop, Pelham Bay Park. From there, transfer to the Bx12 or Bx29 bus directly to the beach entrance. During the summer, the Bx12 often runs express service.
4. Jacob Riis Park, Queens
The Vibe: Located just west of the Rockaways, Jacob Riis Park offers a more relaxed, spacious, and historically interesting beach experience. Managed by the National Park Service, it features the stunning Art Deco bathhouse and the popular Riis Park Beach Bazaar, which offers excellent food, drinks, and often live music. It’s also known as “The People’s Beach” and is a popular spot for the LGBTQ+ community.
What to Do:
- Beach Bazaar: Enjoy diverse food options, from seafood to BBQ.
- History: Explore the restored Art Deco bathhouse.
- Space: It’s generally less crowded than the main Rockaway beaches.
How to Get There:
- Subway/Bus: Take the 2 train to Flatbush Ave/Brooklyn College, then transfer to the Q35 bus, which stops at Jacob Riis Park. Alternatively, take the A or S train to Rockaway Park (Beach 116th St) and take the Q22 or Q35 bus west.
- Ferry: During summer weekends, some NYC Ferry Rockaway routes include a shuttle bus connection to Jacob Riis.
5. South Beach & Midland Beach, Staten Island
The Vibe: A surprisingly relaxing and clean beach experience with fantastic views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk connects South Beach and Midland Beach, offering a long stretch perfect for biking or walking.
What to Do:
- Views: Enjoy the impressive sight of the bridge and ships passing by.
- Fishing: The Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier is one of the largest in the city.
- Fountains: South Beach features the popular Fountain of the Dolphins.
How to Get There:
- Ferry/Bus: Take the free Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan. Upon arriving at St. George Terminal, take the S51 or S52 bus to South Beach (Father Capodanno Blvd/Sand Lane stop).
