It’s summer and it’s hot. You live in New York City. You want to get away to play in the surf, sun and sand, but you don’t have the vacation time or budget for a week-long excursion at the moment. Whether you’re single, married, or eager to keep your family entertained, the beach provides hours of fun and relaxation with possibilities of sunbathing, jumping the waves, playing paddle ball, volleyball, surfing and so much more. So where can you maximize your limited beach time in the city? Here are ten ideas, plus one to grow on. (And whatever you do, be sure to wear sunscreen…and don’t forget to reapply throughout the day!)
BRIGHTON BEACH & CONEY ISLAND – Coney Island has been featured in more movies than you can count. So what are you waiting for? Take the F, D, N B or Q line to the end in Brooklyn. Catch the waves and then take a break and catch some rides at Luna Park! A 40-mile round trip bike route from Manhattan to Coney Island and back along Ocean Parkway and then Shore Road make the journey even more exciting.
JACOB RIIS PARK – This is a short strip of sand in Rockaway, Queens, accessible via the Q35 from Brooklyn or the Q35 or Q22 from Queens.
MANHATTAN BEACH – Located a hop, skip and jump way from Brighton Beach, this beach tends to be a bit more secluded and has designated areas to barbecue and picnic. Take the B1 or B49 bus.
ORCHARD BEACH – Give it up from the Bronx! On Long Island Sound, the waters are calm and the mood lively. Catch free Latin music concerts on the beach on Sundays in the summer. Number 12 bus from Pelham Bay subway station on the 6 line.
ROCKAWAY BEACH – 7 miles of perfect surfing! A train toward Far Rockaway. Best surfing is between 87th and 92nd or 67th and 69th.
SOUTH & MIDLAND BEACHES – Yes, Staten Island has beaches, too. And they often aren’t very crowded. They even have a 2-mile boardwalk here with lots of vendors, where you can catch the occasional free concert, play bocce, watch your kids play on the playground, picnic, or fish on the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier.
THE HAMPTONS – Travel via jitney or LIRR, you can head all the way east to Montauk for a more laid-back adventure, or stop in Southampton, Water Mill, Bridgehampton or East Hampton for more of a scene. The trip will take you 2.5 to 3.5 hours each way, depending on traffic and your mode of transportation. Buy a bike pass and take your bike on the LIRR for extra fun and fitness. Either way, surf’s up! Your beach adventure awaits you! Be sure to check back on the DASHA® blog later this month to stay up to date on what DASHA® is doing out in the Hamptons!
LONG BEACH – Accessible via the LIRR, Long Beach boasts huge, beautiful stretches of beach, a boardwalk, and a cute main drag with affordable restaurant options and a great movie theater if you decide you want to beat the heat at the end of the day and catch a flick before heading back into the city.
JONES BEACH – Take the LIRR and free shuttle bus to Jones Beach off the Wantagh Parkway for 6.5 miles of what may be the biggest beach you’ve ever seen in your life. Jones Beach also boasts a great summer concert series, four miles of bike paths, a pool and nature center. Their “no radio” policy will likely ensure a quieter beach experience than, say, Coney Island.
JERSEY SHORE – Billy Joel didn’t sing, “Spend their weekends on the Jersey Shore” in “Allentown” for nothing. Rent a car for the day and choose from North Jersey or South Jersey beaches – from Asbury Park or Point Pleasant to Ocean City or Stone Harbor, there’s a vibe for everyone here. The Jersey Shore, like most beach regions, is very flat, so it’s perfect for rollerblading, biking and running, too.
FIRE ISLAND – So many beaches to choose from, and a short LIRR trip and ferry ride to get you to your island escape. Cherry Grove is very gay-friendly, Corneille Estates and Kismet are popular with those who are single and looking to mingle, and Ocean Beach is always popular, with lots of restaurants, souvenir shops, beautiful homes and, of course, what you go there for in the first place, ocean waves.
DASHA® wellness & spa is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
