MAIN Beaches US New York City Beaches

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound, New York City easily beats the heat at shore beaches and getaways that make a hot city summer fun and memorable.

The beaches are clean and swimming is tied for the top activity with soaking up the rays for that great beach tan. A few surfers find spots with decent waves, but many of the beaches on Long Island Sound are protected and the waves are fine for family fun.

Music is part of the traditional beach experience in New York. You can find anything from your neighbors CDs heating the air waves with top 40, hip hop, salsa or country beats to beach bands playing on the sand and summer concerts that draw big name performers and thousands of fans. Check out the individual New York Beach sites for schedules of who is playing where if you'd like to combine a day at the beach with a great concert.

The trendy Hamptons and Fire Island attract the international social set while Coney Island hot dogs are famous around the world. City Island surprises visitors to the Bronx with it's small town atmosphere and top restaurants where seafood is fresh and plentiful. A day at the beach is not just a dip in the ocean in New York City. You'll find boardwalks, rides, typical beach food and top restaurants catering to the beach crowds.

Speaking of crowds, a day of sun and sand and a beach picnic is a favorite of many New Yorkers. Plan to get to the beach early to pick a spot for your umbrella before the main crowds arrive or do your homework to find the New York area beaches that attract less of a crowd. Don't expect to find Jones Beach, the Rockaways, Coney Island or Orchard Beach empty when you arrive, but many of the less well known sandy spots may be ideal if you want a quiet day.

Check out how to get there by car or subway, along with pictures and a bit of background behind New Yorkers' favorites, like historic Coney Island which is rumored to be undergoing a major makeover in the near future.

Watch for more access to the Hudson River around New York City. The river is cleaner than it has been in years with fishing and boating already on the upswing...swimming is not far behind. The East River in New York has also been getting plenty of attention and while swimming is not an option, there are plenty of places to fish, bike trails, green spaces and parks to enjoy the cool river breezes...