SAND AND THE CITY: 9 NYC BEACHES

Memorial Day marks the official beginning of a season full of barbecues, beer and, of course, beaches.The sand is the best place to celebrate the impending summer solstice, and since New York City has almost 600 miles of coastline, you don't need to get on a plane or even cross state lines to enjoy the cool ocean (or bay) breeze. Everyone knows and loves Coney Island, but it's not the only beach worth visiting— just the quirkiest. Each of NYC's beaches has its own personality. Rockaway Beach in Queens is a surfer's paradise, boasting the only two surf beaches in the City, while Midland and South Beaches in Staten Island are geared toward families, and Wolfe's Pond Park is a sweet retreat for nature lovers. Orchard Beach offers scenic views of City Island from its shore. Or visit Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City for a fun alternative where the food, drinks and volleyball galore more than make up for the lack of swimming.

1. Coney Island

1000 Surf Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11224

In just 45 minutes you can be transported from the glitz and glamour of Manhattan to the old-school amusement of Brooklyn’s storied Coney Island. Though Astroland amusement park will not be open in summer 2009, Coney Island still offers thrills, sun, surf and a unique brand of entertainment that will feel worlds away from the rest of the City. Home to the Cyclone (the legendary wooden roller coaster), the New York Aquarium, the original Nathan’s Famous, the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team, the world-renowned Boardwalk and, of course, beautiful Atlantic beaches, Coney Island is an absolute must on any New York City itinerary.

2. Rockaway Beach

Beach 2nd St. (to Beach 149th St.), Queens, NY 11693

The Rockaways are a popular summertime spot, but surfers flock to Rockaway Beach in particular year-round, as the area contains the only two surf beaches in the five boroughs. But with miles of coastline on the Rockaway Peninsula, there's more than enough room for the non-surfing crowd, too.At Rockaway Beach, for example, there are seven playgrounds, spots for fishing, areas for volleyball and basketball and more, which provide a variety of entertainment for children and adults.

3. Midland Beach

Father Capodanno Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306

The sea turtle fountain, which kids can run through (for hours on end), makes the trip to Midland Beach worth it—at least for the little ones.The playground and handball and shuffleboard courts don't hurt, either. Midland Beach shares the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk with adjacent South Beach, usually the more crowded of the two. Midland Beach is also home to a veterans memorial honoring Staten Island residents who served and died in World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

4. South Beach

Father Capodanno Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10305

Free concerts and fireworks are just two of the many reasons why South Beach is one of Staten Island's most popular locales.There's more to do than sunbathing and swimming—though both are favorites of many South Beach visitors. A fountain with six bronze dolphins features colorful lights that illuminate at night. There's a park especially for seniors that features checkerboard tables, bocce courts and lots of benches. And the Ocean Breeze fishing pier is huge—one of the largest in the City—and ideal for fishing or just enjoying the atmosphere.

5.Wolfe's Pond Park

Holton Ave. (to Cornelia Ave.), Staten Island, NY 10312

Rich in history and wildlife,Wolfe's Pond Park in Staten Island is like a getaway within the City. While not your usual shoreline experience—there's no shortage of seaweed and marine life, and water shoes are recommended for those who wish to brave the waves— the beach on Raritan Bay is still a great, and usually quiet, place to kick back and relax. Meanwhile, the rest of Wolfe's Pond Park is a prime location for everything from picnics and barbecues (with bay views) to fishing, hiking, biking, bird-watching and other adventures.

6. Orchard Beach

Park Dr., Bronx, NY 10464

Formerly known as "The Riviera of New York City," Orchard Beach, the Bronx's only beach, is still a popular hotspot on a hot day.The beach sits on the Long Island Sound and offers a one-of-a-kind view of City Island. If you need to get out of the sun, take a leisurely walk on the promenade and stop into some of the many shops and food venues.

7. Water Taxi Beach

2 Borden Ave., Queens, NY 11101

Though you can't swim in the water, there's still plenty to do at Water Taxi Beach.Ample picnic tables fill the man-made waterfront spot, where you can chow down on some of Harry Hawk's comestibles, including Black Angus hot dogs, soy dogs and french fries, or just sling back a few drinks.Volleyball courts provide a rare opportunity: setting, serving and spiking against the backdrop of the New York skyline. Plus, hitch a ride on the Water Taxi for free on Friday and Saturday nights from East 35th Street in Manhattan.

8. Manhattan Beach

Oriental Blvd., Brooklyn, NY 11235

Though Manhattan Beach was originally conceived as an exclusive and private vacation spot for the wealthy, it is now a welcoming (and free!) nearby alternative to Coney Island. Manhattan Beach Park is almost as lively, with two playgrounds and two baseball fields, plus volleyball, tennis, basketball and handball courts. So if you're heading to this beach, don't forget your sunblock—or your sneakers.

9. Brighton Beach

Neptune Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11235

Featured in nycgo.com's 9 in '09 campaign, Brighton Beach is just a short stroll on the boardwalk from Coney Island.The area's Russian population makes for some great Eastern European eats. Meanwhile, the crowd on the beach itself is slightly smaller (and more local) than Coney Island, whose reputation, rides and hot dogs make it a popular destination for beachgoers from Manhattan and beyond.

 

 


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