New York’s Best Beaches for a Day Trip

Meteorologists are predicting a hot, sticky summer, and there’s no better way to embrace the heat wave (and cool off) than a trip to the beach. You might just be pleasantly surprised by the large variety of lovely, day-trippable beaches all within a relatively short distance of Manhattan. Grab your friends or family, load up a cooler, and hit the beaches like a real New Yorker.

Travel times to and from beaches will of course depend on traffic, but we’ve tried to give an estimate of time with light traffic, traveling one way by car for each beach.

Fort Tilden Beach is one of New York’s quietest beaches with lots of open space, ideal for a romantic getaway or a quiet picnic. Fort Tilden Beach sits upon a three-mile long stretch of beach with white sand, trees and dunes. The Fort Tilden Beach is part of the larger park which is a former military site that was meant to protect the city from air and water invasions. Today the park includes hiking trails, athletic fields and stunning views of the New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline.

Bring a cooler, picnic blanket and an umbrella to this hidden gem. There is one caveat, because there are no lifeguards at this beach, swimming is prohibited.

About an hour drive from Manhattan.

Fort Tilden Beach

Rockaway Point Blvd

New York, NY 11697

between Beach 193rd and Beach 169th Sts

Doubling the already lengthy three-mile stretch of beach at Fort Tilden is Jones Beach. This Long Island gem is picture perfect and ideal for families with a whopping six miles of beachfront and plenty of space to spread out. The beach has extra amenities such as a minigolf course, shuffleboard and a swimming pool. The boardwalk is ideal for long walks for those looking for wide open spaces to clear the mind. The park is also known for the art deco style architecture of park buildings.

Just over an hour drive from Manhattan.

Jones Beach

1 Ocean Parkway

Wantagh, NY

Coney Island is perhaps the most iconic New York City beach and has been ever since its popularity began in the 1870s when luxury hotels were being built for wealthy Manhattanites to enjoy weekends away from the city. While it may feel kitschy tor carnival-esque today, it’s still a fun place to visit and the beach is one of the prime attractions. Three miles of south shore beaches call to New Yorkers and visitors alike, making for some riveting people watching. In addition of course, there’s a big theme park, the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog stand and one of the world’s best waterfront promenades. For more information check out the island’s own website.

About a 45-minute drive from Manhattan.

1208 Surf Avenue

Brooklyn, NY

The quaint Village of Southampton boasts several pretty beaches. The main beach here is Cooper’s Beach. It’s a stand out for its chair and umbrella rental ($10 and $15 respectively), well-run concession stand and bathrooms with fresh water showers! This means you won’t have to drive home salty and sticky from a day on the beach. Cooper’s Beach even has a dedicated beach cam, so you can check out the waves ahead of time. According to Hamptons.com, Cooper’s Beach is the #2 rated beach in the entire country!

A little over a two hour drive from Manhattan.

Cooper’s Beach

268 Meadow Lane

Southampton, NY 11968

Brighton Beach is not far from Coney Island but worlds away from the noise and excitement. Brighton Beach is a smaller, quieter beachfront with white sand and clear waters. Here the beach attracts more water enthusiasts than the sunbathers of Coney Island. It is also in an ethnically Russian neighborhood with Russian restaurants and storefronts, many selling high end vodka. It all makes for an adventure just outside of Manhattan.

About a 45-minute drive from Manhattan.

Brighton Beach Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11235

Cross street:Between Corbin Pl and Ocean Pkwy

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.