New York City Beaches

You will find many excellent reasons to head out to a a beach near you. Whether you plan to go splashing in the waves, building sandcastles, throwing the frisbee, having a picnic, fishing, or just getting a tan, beaches are a host for a wide range of fun activities.

Locating a great swimming beach in New York City with plenty of room for activities on the beach is not hard. If you could use some assistance with searching for a great beach in your area, start by finding one with the list below. Search for the beach name, your city, or your zip code to filter beaches.

Beaches Near New York City

Keep in mind that the weather on a beach is very different than in the city. Wind is usually colder and unpredictible whenever it’s blowing onto a beach.

If there has been an excessive amount of rain, flooding, or stormfall runoff lately, it may create dangerous water quality levels. Make sure to check out the beach’s website for details regarding water quality warnings.

New York City, NY Beach Guidelines

Whenever you go to a beach in New York City, there are always rules that you should follow. Nearly every beach will expect you to follow these laws:

  • You must swim within the permitted areas for beach goers.
  • Fires may not be permitted on the majority of public New York City beaches.
  • Don’t forget, if you bring something with you, you’re obligated to clean up after yourself.
  • Always listen to the lifeguard on duty. If they ask you to get out of the water, then you have to follow through.
  • Don’t drink alcohol at the beach.
  • Even if the lifeguard is at attention, know that you are swimming at risk to yourself.

New York City Beach Travel Tips

  1. Get a shady spot. If you know that locating shade may be difficult, or if you suspect that there may not be many shady areas available, bring your own shade! Use a beach umbrella, pop up tent, or similar equipment that provides shade. It’s best to bring something that provides good ventilation.
  2. Children could need life vests. Sadly, the water is always a danger every time you visit a beach, particularly for children. That’s why it is essential to make sure you pack a life jacket for those who require one. This is particularly important if there isn’t a lifeguard on duty. It’s also important to remember that water toys like arm rings, inflatable toys, or beach balls should not be replacements for a correctly adjusted PFD.
  3. Avoid Littering. Don’t contribute to the problem of garbage on beaches. Whenever you bring things to the beach, you are required pick up your trash. Be sure that you throw away your garbage in a designated trash or recycling bin.
  4. Know the policy on alcohol. For the majority of New York City beaches alcohol is not permitted do not allow alcoholic drinks. If you are unsure, leave your alcohol at home.
  5. Always stay in the specified swim space. If there is a ropped off swim area it is likely not safe to venture outside of the space. There could be dangerous objects under the surface, be assigned to watercraft, or is not monitored by a lifeguard.
  6. Protect your skin. Even when the weather forecast does not call for sun be safe and still use your sunscreen – it’s always possible to get a bad sunburn even when it isn’t sunny.
  7. Know if there are restrooms. Bathroom information are likely the least of your concerns when you plan your beach trip. But you never want to be caught in a spot where you have to find a restroom fast but there isn’t one open. If you cannot locate bathroom details on the website of the beach, you should assume that a public restroom or facility is not open. Try to use the bathroom before leaving for the beach.