A Guide To New York City’s Free Beaches

August 31, 2012 9:00 AM

Beachgoers at Coney Island (credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Time to fit in one last beach weekend of the season. To help, here’s a look at the city’s shores.

More: NYC’s 6 Best Sunbathing Spots

Coney Island

(credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

coneyisland.com

Subway:D, F, N, Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.

Surf Ave., Brooklyn
718-965-8900 or 311

Home to the “world famous” Cyclone roller coaster, circus sideshows, the New York Aquarium and Luna Park, a three-acre amusement park. There are three miles of beach and plenty of playgrounds and amusement rides. Eat at Nathan’s Famous, the Luna Grill or any of the many other boardwalk eateries. Bring a change of clothes–with all the fun stuff to do, you might be there for a while.

Brighton Beach

(credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

nycgovparks.org/facilities/beaches

Subway:B, Q to Brighton Beach
Brightwater Ave
Brooklyn, 718-965-8900 or 311

Coney Island’s neighboring beach town is heavily populated with Russian immigrants; soak up the colorful culture and savor the pirozhki, kolbasa, perogies and vodka at the boardwalk shops. Russia is the first language in many eateries, so be prepared to point and nod at the food you want. Bring your appetite, your camera and your sense of adventure.

Jacob Riis Park

(credit: New York Harbor Parks)

www.nyharborparks.org/visit/jari.html

Subway/Bus:2 to Flatbush Ave., then take the Q35 bus to Riis Beach

Beach 169th St. to Beach 149th St.
Queens, 718-318-4303 or 311

This mile-long beach and popular picnic area also has miniature golf, paddle tennis, baseball, basketball and volleyball. Bring your own ball to take advantage of the courts. Eat at the concession stands, or save money and bring a picnic.

Rockaway Beach

(credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

nycgovparks.org/parks/rockawaybeach

Subway:A train to Broad Channel then take Shuttle to 116th St.,

Beach 9th to 149th sts.
Rockaway Beach, Queens
718-318-4000 or 311

More: Amid Revitalization, Rockaway Beach Boardwalk Boasts New Dining Options

Rockaway beach has plenty of playgrounds for kids as well as handball courts. Additionally, it’s the city’s only surfing area and the waves can be mighty. Eat at one of the pizzerias or Rippers, our favorite burger joint on the boardwalk. Bring your wetsuit, board and pack lots of food to BBQ in one of the provided pits. Bottled water is expensive here, so bring a water bottle to refill for free.

Paddleboards us

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Anthony

As a former resident of the Rockaways by 27 years, Unless you want to be amongs the crack addicted, in your face robbed, I do not suggest visiting Rockaway Beach in truth. The water is contaminated with waste water, toilet water, filthy streets, curbs and last but not least the mentally ill walking about. A women was recently beated by the 100 pct officers accused of allowing her dog to poop on the grass, then there are also the drunks walking around.