Looking for an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of the Big Apple? Try visiting one of these beach towns within 70 miles of New York City. Whether you’re after a brisk winter-time shoreline walk, or an escape to the sea in the scorching summer-time heat, one of these beach destinations is sure to fit the bill!
New York City and Westchester County
Rockaway, Queens, and Rye (in Westchester County), are the closest fun beach towns to midtown Manhattan. Located on a peninsula, Rockaway Beach is actually an NYC neighborhood and recreational site famous for its long ocean-fronting boardwalk. Beach-goers can swim with confidence, knowing that lifeguards on are patrol from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Before heading home, be sure to check out the variety of shops and restaurants on Beach 116th Street. North of the city, the Town of Rye is a residential community that borders Connecticut and the Long Island Sound. Visitors looking for a fun, family-friendly beach town need look no further. In addition to the ample shopping and restaurants, the town boasts the popular Rye Town Park and Beach. The park includes 28 acres of walking trails and grassy play areas, 34 acres of beachfront, a towered-administration building, pavilions, and restaurant. The park is open to residents and non-residents alike, making Rye a great choice for a fun family day out.
Fire Island
Within 60 miles of the city, but far from its frenetic pace, Fire Island has been a beach destination for centuries. Just below long Island, this strip of land stretches for 34 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, and encompasses seventeen communities, including the fun towns of Fair Harbor, Saltaire, and Ocean Beach. Fair Harbor is a favorite with families. It’s beautiful beaches, tree-lined paths, convenient shops, playground, and planned community events, make for a competitive vacation rental market. Also popular with summer renters, the picturesque village of Saltaire boasts wide boardwalks and plenty of activities for all ages. If you’re only in town for the day, be sure to check out trendy Ocean Beach. From morning ‘til night, the community hums with activity on its beautiful beaches and in its hotels, bars, restaurants, movie house, shops, galleries, and marina. Visitors to these towns must hire a water taxi or hop on a ferry from Bay Shore, Long Island.
Long Island
The ever-alluring beaches of the chic, star-studded Hamptons make a great vacation destination, but at over 70 miles from the city, are too far for an accessible day trip. Instead, consider visiting the picturesque towns of Sayville and Port Jefferson. The quaint village of Sayville borders the Great South Bay off the southern shore of Long Island. Along with the town beach, guests can explore Sayville’s charming downtown shops, streets with Victorian homes, 18-hole golf course, maritime museum, vineyard, and several parks. Before leaving the island drive north to Port Jefferson, a bustling harbor village skirting the Long Island Sound. Located 50 miles east of New York City, Port Jeff offers visitors a mix of enticing restaurants, eclectic antique shops, art galleries, and fine clothing boutiques. Don’t leave before visiting the village’s pristine beaches, harbor front park, and Long Island Explorium.
New Jersey Shore
New Jersey may be known for its popular beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, but Point Pleasant Beach, Belmar, and Spring Lake rise to the top of fun beach towns close to the Big Apple. Tourists have flocked to Point Pleasant Beach since 1826, crowding its white-sand beaches, many souvenir shops, and sea view restaurants. The fun continues along the mile-long Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, even on rainy days! Choose from a wide range of attractions, including an amusement park, arcades, miniature golf, batting cages, and an aquarium. Belmar is similar to Point Pleasant with its wide beaches and long boardwalk, but a vibrant nightlife scene gives the city a reputation as a party town. It also has the largest commercial marina in New Jersey. More well-behaved crowds are attracted to the neighboring community of Spring Lake. Known as the “Jewel of Jersey Shore,” Spring Lake is a lovely community with a crystal lake in the center of town, a quaint shopping district, and the longest uninterrupted non-commercial boardwalk in the state. Enjoy dinner at one of its fine restaurants before heading back to the city.
References
Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce: Home
Insider’s Guide to the Jersey Shore (Second Edition): Lillian Africano and Nina Africano
Insider’s Guide to Long Island; Jason R. Rich
National Park Service: Fire Island
Town of Rye New York: Rye Town Park And Beach
Village of Ocean Beach: About Ocean Beach
Photo Credit
Caren Milheron
Thank you!!!