Ah, the great outdoors! The smell of fresh air. The sound of running streams and crashing waves. The sight of vibrant foliage and rolling hills. New York City offers all of this and more, in the form of its expansive park system. From Central Park to Prospect Park to Rockaway Beach, there are tons of green oases within the city that are perfect for a day trip. And what better way to spend a summer’s day than by lazing on a beach? Trust us, you’ll thank us later (or sooner). Here are the best beaches in New York City so you can take advantage and escape from it all for a little while.
Rockaway Beach
Situated on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, Rockaway Beach is a popular spot for beachgoers in New York City. The sand here is pale blue, the water is calm and clear, the sun is warm, and the air is fresh. This beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, or just lazing on the shore and taking it all in. It’s no wonder why this beach is so popular. With its calm, crystal-clear waters, sandy beach, and reliable weather conditions, this is one of the best beaches in New York City. You might even bump into some New York City locals here who are escaping the city for a day.
Sutton Place Beach
Situated in the borough of Brooklyn, Sutton Place Beach is a gorgeous beach that offers both a calm blue-green swimming pool surrounded by sandy beach and a rocky outcrop for rock climbers. There are also picnic tables to relax on, as well as two playgrounds nearby. There is also a beautiful walkway that leads to a marina and park that has a beautiful view of the East River. Sutton Place is a great beach for New York City tourists looking for a quiet, relaxing day.
Fort Tryon Park
Located in Manhattan’s borough of Queens, Fort Tryon Park offers visitors a lush green respite from the city. This park is filled with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the scenic Flushing River, and an abundance of trees and greenery that make this an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There is also a small beach area that is perfect for leisurely swimming and sunbathing, as well as picnic areas where visitors can relax and get some fresh air. Fort Tryon Park also provides kayak and paddleboat rentals, which can be a fun way to spend a hot day.
Coney Island Beach
This iconic beach on the southern end of Brooklyn is one of the most famous beaches in New York City. The sand here is white, the water is warm, and the weather is sunny. Coney Island is a famous summer destination for New Yorkers who want to escape the city life. It’s a great place for people of all ages to go for some fun in the sun.
Bowery Bay State Park
This gorgeous beach in Long Island’s Nassau County is situated along the calm waters of the Great South Bay. Bowery Bay State Park’s beach features calm waters, white sand, lush greenery, and gorgeous views of both Great South Bay and the city skyline. This is the perfect beach for anyone seeking some peace and quiet, as well as a stunning view of the city. Bowery Bay State Park is also home to the Calvert Cliffs Wildlife Management Area, which offers visitors the chance to see many types of birds.
Corona New York State Park
This family-friendly beach on Staten Island’s North Shore is perfect for visitors seeking relaxed beach activities and a beautiful view of the New York City skyline. There are two small beaches on Staten Island, one of which is Corona New York State Park. This park is perfect for beachgoers who want to see turtles swimming in the water or enjoy a day of swimming, volleyball, and beach games. There are also picnic areas available where you can relax and take in the ocean views. This is a great beach for families who want to take advantage of Staten Island’s many amenities without traveling too far out of the city.
Finger Lakes Regional Parks: Schoharie and Canaseraga Campgrounds
If you’re looking to escape the city while still enjoying some of the city’s best sights and activities, head to the Finger Lakes Region in upstate New York. You’ll find a number of state parks and campgrounds in the region, many of which provide access to lakes and rivers for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The Finger Lakes Region also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, fishing, and camping. The region also has a rich cultural history, with many historic sites and museums to explore, including the Schroeder-AMC Historic Museum in Canaseraga State Campground.
