You found our guide on the Best Beaches in New York City!
When city life feels like a fast-forward reel, discovering the best beaches NYC has to offer can feel like stumbling upon a secret chapter in your own story. For women who cherish wellness, elegance, and moments of reprieve, New York’s urban sprawl gives way—surprisingly effortlessly—to serene sands, rhythmic waves, and a breath of something slower.
Interested in more guides on things to do in NYC? Check out 15 Things to Do in SoHo, NYC: The Perfect Itinerary.
This article includes:
- best beaches NYC
- cleanest beach in NYC
- Rockaway Beach surf conditions
- Coney Island Beach
- family-friendly beaches NYC
Let’s get to it!
Best Beaches NYC
1. Rockaway Beach
A breezy stretch of oceanfront that feels equal parts retro and radiant, Rockaway Beach offers a wide sandy shore kissed by Atlantic waves.
Perfect for: Surfing, solo days, beachy brunches, and fashionable friend getaways
Location: Queens, along the Rockaway Peninsula
How to get there: Take the A train to Broad Channel, transfer to the S (Rockaway Park Shuttle) or continue to Beach 67th, Beach 90th, or Beach 98th St stations.
Learn more about Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk.
2. Fort Tilden
An undeveloped beach framed by tall grasses and dunes, Fort Tilden feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret, wind-swept escape.
Perfect for: Solitude, journaling, wellness rituals, and creative inspiration
Location: Near Breezy Point in Queens
How to get there: Take the A train to Rockaway Park–Beach 116th St, then bike or walk a mile west; parking is limited but available.
Learn more about Fort Tilden.
3. Jacob Riis Park
This beach pairs golden sands with striking art deco architecture and a stylish boardwalk scene.
Perfect for: Stylish beach days, group hangs, LGBTQ+ friendly weekends, and curated pop-up shopping
Location: Western end of the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens
How to get there: Take the A train to Broad Channel, transfer to the Q35 bus to Jacob Riis Park.
Learn more about Jacob Riis Park.
4. Orchard Beach
A crescent-shaped beach tucked inside Pelham Bay Park, Orchard Beach is a charming, family-oriented destination with calm waters.
Perfect for: Family outings, morning strolls, and picnic days in nature
Location: Northeastern Bronx, within Pelham Bay Park
How to get there: Take the 6 train to Pelham Bay Park, then the Bx12 bus to Orchard Beach.
Learn more about Orchard Beach and Promenade.
5. Coney Island
Famed for its boardwalk and carnival history, Coney Island balances nostalgia with moments of real peace—especially in the early hours.
Perfect for: Family fun, solo mornings, kids’ beach days, or a lively weekend out
Location: Southern Brooklyn
How to get there: Take the D, F, N, or Q trains to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave.
Learn more about Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk.
6. Manhattan Beach Park
A quiet, clean shoreline with a neighborhood feel, Manhattan Beach radiates understated elegance and relaxed charm.
Perfect for: Peaceful reading days, wellness reflection, mature crowds, and slower afternoons
Location: Southern Brooklyn, east of Brighton Beach
How to get there: Take the B or Q trains to Brighton Beach, then walk or take a short bus ride (B1 or B49) to Manhattan Beach.
Learn more about Manhattan Beach Park.
Final Thoughts
The best beaches in NYC are more than seasonal destinations—they are micro-retreats tucked between boroughs and bridges. For women seeking self-care, style, and serenity in equal measure, these coastal getaways offer not just a day of sun, but an invitation to pause. Whether you find magic in the mist of Fort Tilden or rhythm in the revelry of Rockaway, each wave becomes a gentle reminder: beauty isn’t always found by leaving the city—it’s in learning where the quiet parts live within it.
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