The best beaches in NYC in 2026 are Coney Island for the boardwalk, Luna Park and the aquarium, Rockaway Beach in Queens for surfing and a laid-back scene, Brighton Beach for its Russian-speaking boardwalk cafés, and Orchard Beach in the Bronx. All are free and reachable by subway; lifeguards are on duty from late May to early September.
The classic New York beach day — boardwalk, Cyclone and the aquarium.
Coney Island's wide beach and Riegelmann Boardwalk are a New York institution, with Luna Park's rides, the historic Cyclone roller coaster, the New York Aquarium and Nathan's Famous hot dogs.
It is at the end of four subway lines.
Good to know: Go on a weekday to avoid the summer weekend crowds.
New York's surf beach, with a relaxed boardwalk scene.
Rockaway Beach, on the Queens peninsula, has miles of sand, designated surfing beaches and boardwalk food stands, with a more laid-back atmosphere than Coney Island.
In summer, the NYC Ferry from Wall Street makes the trip a pleasure.
Good to know: Take the NYC Ferry for a scenic ride.
A calmer stretch of sand next to 'Little Odessa'.
Brighton Beach continues east from Coney Island along the same boardwalk, and is usually calmer. The neighborhood behind it is known as Little Odessa for its Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking community, shops and cafés.
It is a fun cultural detour as well as a beach.
Good to know: Explore Brighton Beach Avenue under the elevated train.
The Bronx's crescent beach on Long Island Sound.
Orchard Beach, in Pelham Bay Park, is a man-made crescent beach on Long Island Sound with a promenade and calm water, popular with Bronx families.
Pelham Bay Park around it is the city's largest park.
Good to know: Take the 6 train to Pelham Bay Park, then the Bx29 bus in summer.
New York City's public beaches are officially open with lifeguards from Memorial Day weekend in late May until just after Labor Day in early September. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty.
Yes. The D, F, N and Q trains run to Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue, the B and Q to Brighton Beach, and the A train to Rockaway. The NYC Ferry also runs to Rockaway in summer.