Best Beaches in New York 2025
Discover the most beautiful beaches and coastal experiences in New York.
New York State is a powerhouse of American culture, history, and natural beauty, anchored by New York City—the most visited city in the United States. From the iconic skyline of Manhattan to the thundering Niagara Falls, the tranquil Adirondack wilderness, and the rolling vineyards of the Finger Lakes, the state offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Whether you seek world-class museums, outdoor adventure, farm-to-table dining, or vibrant nightlife, New York State delivers on every front.
Top 10 Beaches
The best beaches New York has to offer.
Jones Beach State Park
Robert Moses' 1920s-era masterpiece of public beach design stretches 10 miles along the barrier island south shore of Long Island. Jones Beach offers 2,400 acres of ocean beach, bay swimming, boardwalks, pools, and the historic water tower. It's the quintessential New York summer beach experience.
Robert Moses State Park
The western tip of Fire Island is accessible by car via the Robert Moses Causeway — one of the few parts of Fire Island reachable by car. The park offers five pristine ocean beach fields with excellent surfing conditions, a lighthouse, and sweeping views of the Great South Bay.
Long Beach
A proper beach city on a barrier island directly accessible by commuter rail from Penn Station, Long Beach's 3.5 miles of sandy beach feature consistent surf breaks, an active surfer and skater community, and a lively main strip of restaurants and bars. Called 'The City by the Sea.'
Montauk Beach / Ditch Plains
Ditch Plains Beach at the tip of Montauk is New York's most iconic surf beach, with consistent Atlantic swells attracting a devoted surf community. The surrounding Montauk village has excellent seafood restaurants and a relaxed vibe far removed from the Hamptons social scene.
Fire Island National Seashore
A 50-kilometer barrier island with no roads, Fire Island is reached by ferry from Bay Shore and Patchogue. The national seashore protects a stunning stretch of Atlantic beach and dunes, with charming car-free communities including the LGBTQ+ haven of Cherry Grove and The Pines.
Coney Island Beach
Coney Island's 4-mile beach on the southern shore of Brooklyn is accessible by NYC subway and has been the working-class summer playground of New Yorkers since the 1890s. The historic boardwalk, the Nathan's Famous hot dogs, the vintage Wonder Wheel, and the Cyclone roller coaster are iconic.
Rockaway Beach
The Rockaways are Queens' 15-mile barrier peninsula beach, offering surprisingly excellent Atlantic surf within city limits. The Beach 90s neighborhood has undergone a creative renaissance with excellent food vendors, surf schools, and a festival circuit. The NYC Ferry also serves the Rockaways seasonally.
Coopers Beach
Repeatedly voted one of America's top beaches, Coopers Beach in Southampton offers beautiful white sand, calm dunes, and the grand mansions of the Hamptons as its backdrop. The parking fee keeps the crowds manageable by NYC standards.
Beaches by Vibe
Find the perfect beach for your style.
Quiet & Peaceful
Fire Island and the Montauk beaches at the end of Long Island offer some of the most serene ocean experiences within reach of NYC
Family-Friendly
Jones Beach State Park and Rockaway Beach have lifeguards, amenities, and transit access ideal for families
Water Sports
Ditch Plains (Montauk) and Long Beach are the best spots for surfing; Jones Beach hosts excellent volleyball tournaments
Lively Scene
Coney Island's boardwalk, Brooklyn's own version of the public beach experience, is the most social and spectacularly New York beach in the state
Complete Beach Guide
Detailed beach profiles, packing lists, and seasonal recommendations.
Beach Activities
Things to do at the beach and in the water.
Surfing
New York has a legitimate surf scene centered on Long Beach and Montauk, with consistent Atlantic swells from late summer storms providing the best waves
Beach Volleyball
Jones Beach has dedicated volleyball courts; NYC parks organize regular beach volleyball leagues at Coney Island and Rockaway
Fishing
Surfcasting for striped bass and bluefish is a Long Island tradition; boats depart from Montauk for offshore fishing
Wildlife Watching
Fire Island's natural areas harbor nesting piping plovers, horseshoe crabs (May spawning), and migrating shorebirds
Practical Information
What you need to know before heading to the beach.
Best Season
June–September for swimming; May and October are lovely but water is cold (under 60°F / 15°C)
Facilities
State park beaches (Jones Beach, Robert Moses) have full facilities — restrooms, showers, food vendors. NYC beaches (Coney Island, Rockaway) have lifeguards and basic amenities.
Access
All public beaches listed are free to access; some charge for parking ($10–$40 in summer). NYC beaches are reachable by subway or LIRR for no extra charge.
Costs
Beach chair and umbrella rentals $15–$40/day at most beaches; surf lessons $75–$120/session at Long Beach and Montauk schools
What to Bring
- Sun protection (high SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Beach towel or mat
- Modest swimwear (check local customs)
- Water shoes for rocky areas
- Cash for vendors and rentals
- Waterproof bag for valuables
Beach Safety
Stay safe while enjoying the water.
Always check local conditions and follow lifeguard instructions. Swim in designated areas only.
Be aware of currents, tides, and marine life. Don't swim alone or when flags indicate danger.
Protect yourself from sun. Apply sunscreen regularly and seek shade during peak hours (11am-3pm).
Keep valuables secure or leave them at your accommodation. Don't leave belongings unattended.
Explore New York's Best Beaches
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