Ask a Native...

Are There Any Good Beaches
in New York City?

Question:

Dear Native New Yorker,

My wife and I are going to be spending two weeks in New York City. I will be working, she is just tagging along. My wife is a beach fanatic. Are there any good beaches in New York City that are not too far away that she can visit?

Bill -- Virginia Beach

Answer:

Truthfully, New York City is not known for its beaches. However, the city has some serviceable beaches that I will go to in a pinch.

If you are staying in Manhattan, the closest beach that I would recommend would be Rockaway Park Beach. Its about an 45 min ride on the A train from lower Manhattan to Rockaway Park. Take the A train to Rockaway Park (which runs during rush hours) or take the A train to Far Rockaway and catch the Shuttle to Rockaway Park at the Broad Channel stop. Get off the A train or Shuttle at the Rockaway Park / Beach 116 Street station and follow the smell of salt air to the Beach.

During the weekdays its not too crowded and the beach is clean by New York City Beach Standards.

Enjoy,