Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer and the perfect time to start working on that tan. Here is a list of the best local beaches so break out the sun block, pack a picnic and call your friends.
People gather on the boardwalk at Rockaway Beach in Queens. (Getty Images)
Memorial Day weekend at Jacob Riis Park in 2009. The weather wasn’t accommodating for sunbathers that year as the temperatures were cool and the winds were fierce. (Gregory Mango)
On the beach at Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York. (Gregory Mango)
The Cloisters (Michael Sofronski)
• Coney Island Beach: There’s almost nothing that screams summer in New York like Coney Island’s classic kitch. Oh, and there’s a nice beach nearby as well. Once you’ve ridden some rides, soaked in the sun and checked out a freak show, hit up the Original Nathan’s hot dog stand right off the boardwalk because that’s just what you do when you’re at Coney Island.
Address: Surf Ave at Atlantic Shore, Brooklyn
Nearest subway: B, D, F, N, R at Stillwell Ave-Coney Island; D, F at W 8th St.
• Rockaway Beach: This beach was a New York institution even before the Ramone’s sang of its greatness, and not even Hurricane Sandy could keep the good beach down. The storm damaged the beach and much of the surrounding neighborhood, but the city and local residents have been working around the clock to get the landmark ready for the summer. One relative newcomer to the area that is ready to go is hipster hotspot Rockaway Taco, which is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the sun and surf. (Note: Rockaway beach is the only NYC beach with real deal surfing.) Also check out Blue Bottle Coffee and Caracas Arepa Bar for the non-Mexican food inclined.
Address: Atlantic Ocean, from Beach 1st St., Far Rockaway, to Beach 149th St., Neponsit
Nearest subway: A
• Jacob Riis Park Beach: Known as the cleanest beach in the city — probably because the National Park Service takes care of it — Jacob Riis beach is a bit less hectic than either Coney Island or Rockaway beach. There aren’t very many attractions or food along its mile long stretch of sand, so be sure to bring a picnic if you’re planning to spend the day. Also of note: Jacob Riis Park Beach has a topless/clothing-optional area so be sure to keep your kids from running too far afield.
Address: 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd, New York, NY 11694
Nearest subway: 2 (or 5 at rush hour) to Flatbush Avenue, then take the Q22 or Q35 bus to the park or A or S to Rockaway Park then Q35 or Q22 bus to the park.
• Brighton Beach — Just down the way from Coney Island, and a little more subdued, Brighton Beach is known for its strong ties to Brooklyn’s Russian community. So get some sun and maybe a plate of perogi.
Address: Ocean Parkway and West Brighton Street
Nearest subway: Q train to Ocean Parkway
• The Cloisters — Technically not a beach, but that doesn’t really matter because when you visit it feels like you’ve left Manhattan behind. A gift of John D. Rockefeller to the MET, the Cloisters is both a museum dedicated to medieval art and a beautiful park that transports you to another time. Walk through the covered walkways surrounding open courtyards and check out the beautiful views of the Hudson River after the easiest subway ride of any of the “beaches” on this list.
Address: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040
Nearest Subway: A train to 190th St, the park is a 10 minute walk away