Best Beaches to Visit in New York

When you think of NYC, you might picture tall buildings, dirty sidewalks, the chaos of Wall Street and the thirst for knowledge, but what you should be thinking about are sandy beaches and beautiful water. There are plenty of beaches in New York and the surrounding area where you can kick back after a long day of crunching numbers, or vacation during the summer.

Coney Island Beach, for example, is a popular destination for college kids and tourists alike. When you get tired of playing in the surf or sunbathing on the beach, you can hit the Circus Sideshow or one of the famed museums for a day of exploration and fun.

Or, if you prefer something more laid back, you can join the artisans and weary New Yorkers on Brighten Beach, which has an almost never-ending supply of new restaurants, shops, clubs and bars. This is one of the New York beaches that is always bustling, regardless of the time of day, and there are even lifeguards on duty from 10am until 6pm.

For long vacations and luxurious beach houses, those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of NYC should check out Fire Island, which must be reached by ferry, and Main Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in the Hamptons. Both of these locations offer beautiful scenery, opportunities for sailing, beach houses for rent, and upscale hotels.

There are plenty of New York beaches to visit if you're in the mood to relax or swim, and many are just a quick ferry or bus ride from NYC.