The NYU Student’s Guide to New York City’s Beaches

It’s easy for NYU students to find themselves rarely leaving lower Manhattan. During my first year, I was the same way. It’s understandable when there’s so much to do here, but it’s also important to branch out. New York City has so many unique parks, neighborhoods, and communities to explore.

Before my junior year, I stayed in the city all summer. I was determined to take advantage of its coastal location since I grew up in a landlocked state and never had direct access to the beach. My friends who grew up in the area introduced me to their favorite spots, and after three summers here, I would say I’m pretty much a beach expert.

Many people miss out on amazing parts of the city because they believe the outer boroughs are difficult to reach. In truth, the beaches are one of the most accessible summer activities. A trip to the beach can be just as easy as a visit to Central Park—just a subway ride from West 4th Street! You can visit New York City’s beaches for as little as $5.80 (the cost of a round-trip subway fare), making it a perfect day trip for any vibe, plan, or budget.

My All-Around favorite: Rockaway Beach

Rockaway is my go-to for a solo or group beach day for a few reasons. First, it’s one of the most convenient places to reach from Manhattan. You can take the A train directly from West 4th to Far Rockaway. Then, it’s just a short walk to the beach. Alternatively, I recommend taking the ferry for a unique and quicker journey. It departs from the Financial District, StuyTown, and a few other areas on the East River. It takes around an hour and costs around $4 one way. The beach is also a public park, which means it’s free to enter! Rockaway is a livelier beach with a boardwalk that includes many restaurants and shops. Plus, many people like to surf here, and you can take surfing lessons as a beginner!

Long Beach

This is probably my second favorite beach in the area. It’s on the South Shore of Long Island and is one of the island’s most accessible beaches by public transportation. Buy a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) ticket for around $10, and you can travel directly from Penn Station to this vibrant beach town. The catch is that it costs $20 to enter. In my opinion, though, it can sometimes be worth it for this beautiful and typically quieter beach. It also has the best waves for boogey boarding. Other beaches on the South Shore, such as Jones Beach and Nickerson Beach Park, are free but more difficult to reach via public transit.

Coney Island

Everyone knows Coney Island for its amusement park, but many people don’t realize it’s located on a beautiful beach that’s free to visit. With a cool mix of nature and city vibes, and iconic spots like Nathan’s, Coney Island makes for an exciting and unique beach day. It’s also easy to reach from the NYU area: just take the F or R train to the end of the line.

Sea Cliff

This beach is on Long Island’s North Shore. That means much calmer water and a smaller and quieter beach. While I won’t typically choose it for a full day of swimming and tanning, it’s an amazing place to watch the sunset. The surrounding beach town of Sea Cliff has a distinct New England vibe despite being just about an hour from Manhattan on the LIRR.

New Jersey Beaches (Sandy Hook, Asbury Park, Long Branch, etc.)

New Jersey also offers a wide range of beaches as you make your way down the shore. Some are quite accessible from Manhattan using New Jersey Transit, though they typically have entry fees. The beaches are sometimes larger and really have that classic American beachy vibe. Some, like Sandy Hook, also offer incredible views of the Manhattan skyline.

The list doesn’t stop here at all! These are some of my favorite beaches, but the city alone offers 14 miles of beach coastline. There are so many more options across the boroughs, Long Island, New Jersey, upstate, and Connecticut!

With so much to do near campus, what makes the trip to the beach worth it? First, it’s an amazing break from academics. Of course, a day at Central Park or the pier can be a great reset. But in my opinion, nothing is more relaxing than lounging on the beach on a hot day. I feel like I’ve taken a mini vacation just an hour from home. Life at NYU is so busy, and it’s important to give your nervous system a break – literally “reconnecting with nature”.

As I mentioned before, the beach is a super affordable way to spend a day off. It’s been great for me as I always try to stay on a budget. It’s also given me a new appreciation for many other parts of the city & the NYC metro. I feel like I have a better understanding of the city I live in.

The beach is obviously a great activity for summer students, but don’t write it off for the school year. I’ve taken advantage of many warm days in April, May, and September to get a break from the school grind.

In my opinion, it’s pretty hard to have a bad day at the beach. I still have some pointers that I always follow to have the best trip possible:

• Keep an eye on transportation schedules – certain LIRR routes, ferries, and subways to the outer boroughs may run infrequently
  • Use the MTA app for the subway, TrainTime for the LIRR, and online schedules for ferries
  • Leave on the earlier side to allow for delays & missed trains
  • Remember that schedules may differ on weekends & holidays
  • If using the LIRR, it’s much easier from Penn Station than Grand Central (LOTS of stairs there)
• Bring sunscreen – just because we’re in the northeast doesn’t mean the sun isn’t strong!
• Never leave any belongings unattended, and use common sense. You’re still in a city environment, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
• Respect the local area. Many of these beaches are in communities where people have lived for generations. Check out local businesses and learn the neighborhood’s history!
• The sunsets are gorgeous, especially on the North Shore. Definitely stay for it if you can!