New York City Beaches
A guide to the Hamptons, Long Beach, Jersey Shore and more
New York City is a sweltering place to be in during the summer. Getting away to the welcoming ocean breezes of the local beaches is a definite must-do.
The Hamptons
The South Fork of Long Island compromises the towns of West Hampton, South Hampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk which collectively are called The Hamptons. Each town has one or more beaches to relax on. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, this area fills up with party-minded summer shares, rich celebrities, and many city residents escaping for the weekend. Because of this exclusivity, it is an expensive place to visit in the summer. The beaches also almost require pre-paid parking passes, but some do have day parking. The nicest beaches are on the Atlantic Ocean side. The movie Jaws was filmed off Montauk.
Getting there
By car: driving from the city will take around four hours depending on the traffic.
By train: taking the Long Island Railroad or LIRR from Penn Station is a good option but can be crowded during holiday weekends.
By bus: the Hamptons Jitney picks up and drops off at several Manhattan locations to and from several Hamptons locations.
Long Beach
Only an hour away by train, this is one of the popular beaches for day trips from Manhattan. There is a long wooden boardwalk where people jog or bike down the length. The beach is also very long with several roped off swimming areas staffed by lifeguards. This beach requires a beach pass which costs $10 per person and can be purchased off the boardwalk before entering the beach.
Getting there
By train: on the LIRR there are trains to and from every hour starting around 8 am from Penn Station, cost $13.50. It’s a quick walk from the train station down some residential blocks before hitting the beach. If you’re not sure which way to go, just follow the crowd.
Jersey Shore
Also much like The Hamptons, the Jersey Shore attracts partying share houses, and weekenders, but without the notoriety of rich celebrities and pretentiousness that comes with it. Beaches abound up and down the shore sometimes in quaint Victorian towns. Some of the famous beaches are, Bradley, Point Pleasant, Bayhead, Seaside Heights and Surf City. Beaches here require beach passes. There is also a casino at Atlantic City for people who want to gamble après beach.
Getting there
By car: several of the closer beaches are a couple hours drive from Manhattan.
By train: all of the towns are served by the New Jersey Transit trains from and to Penn Station.
Coney Island
Has a beach, boardwalk, amusement park, museum, and aquarium. They're famous for holding the July 4th Nathan's hotdog eating contest. Every Friday this summer they shoot off fireworks at 9:30pm.
Getting there
By subway: take the D, Q, N, F train to the last stop Stillwell Ave.
More NYC
Transportation info: How to buy and use a MetroCard
Neighborhood info
-NoLIta: Mott Street
-West Village: Bleeker Street
