When summer tightens its grip on New York City — when the pavement shimmers, the subway platforms feel like ovens, and the fire hydrants start gushing — it’s time to make a break for the water. And the best part? You don’t need a car.
Whether you’re a born-and-raised New Yorker, a new transplant, or just visiting for a few sweaty days, the city offers a surprising number of beaches within easy reach by subway, bus, or train. From wide stretches of sand in Queens to bohemian boardwalks on Long Island, you can trade skyline views for ocean breezes in under two hours — and all with a MetroCard or LIRR ticket.
This guide is for the car-free crowd. We’ll cover the best beach spots reachable by public transit, what to bring for a successful day trip, and smart tips for navigating it all without wheels.
Because when New York turns into a sauna, the fastest way to cool down isn’t leaving town — it’s hopping a train to the beach.
Best Beaches Accessible by Mass Transit
Rockaway Beach (Queens)
How to get there:
- Take the A train to Broad Channel, transfer to the Rockaway Park Shuttle (S)
- NYC Ferry (Rockaway route) from Wall Street or Sunset Park
- Also accessible via Q22 and Q53 buses
Why go:
Rockaway is the closest thing NYC has to a surf town. With real waves, wide sand, and a growing boardwalk food scene, it blends the city’s edge with laid-back beach culture. Head to Beach 67th–90th for surfing, or Beach 97th for a livelier crowd and popular food spots like Rippers and Tacoway Beach.
Coney Island and Brighton Beach (Brooklyn)
How to get there:
- D, F, N, or Q train to Stillwell Avenue for Coney Island
- B or Q train to Brighton Beach for a quieter option
Why go:
Coney Island is New York nostalgia in motion—roller coasters, hot dogs, and a buzzing boardwalk. The beach is big, loud, and lively. Just east, Brighton Beach offers a slower pace with a strong Russian and Eastern European community, fewer tourists, and some excellent markets and bakeries.
Orchard Beach (The Bronx)
How to get there:
- Take the 6 train to Pelham Bay Park, then transfer to the Bx29 bus
Why go:
Known as “The Bronx Riviera,” this man-made beach in Pelham Bay Park is a community hub with calm waters and plenty of space for picnics and gatherings. It’s great for families or larger groups, and while it doesn’t offer surfing or trendy food, it’s full of heart and local pride.
Jones Beach (Long Island)
How to get there:
- LIRR from Penn Station or Atlantic Terminal to Freeport
- Transfer to NICE Bus N88 to Jones Beach State Park
Why go:
Jones Beach offers a more suburban, polished beach experience. It’s wide, well-maintained, and has miles of shoreline, restrooms, and food stands. Great for swimming, walking, or spending the whole day in a more spacious setting than the city beaches.
Fire Island (Long Island)
How to get there:
- LIRR to Bay Shore, Sayville, or Patchogue
- Walk or take a shuttle to the Fire Island ferry, then ferry to various beach towns
Why go:
Fire Island is a car-free, beach-town escape with wooden boardwalks and laid-back charm. Each destination has its own feel—Ocean Beach is lively, Cherry Grove is welcoming and inclusive, and Kismet is quieter. It’s best for longer days or overnight trips, but well worth the extra effort for a full reset.
What to Bring
When you’re traveling to the beach without a car, every item you pack matters. You’ll be carrying everything on your back or shoulder, possibly over long walks or crowded trains, so focus on what’s necessary, compact, and comfortable.
Start with the basics: sunscreen is essential, ideally SPF 30 or higher and water-resistant. A towel or beach blanket should be lightweight — quick-drying fabrics are a smart choice. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes to save time, especially if the beach has limited changing areas. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and pack simple snacks or a lunch, since not every beach has reliable food options. Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat to protect from the sun, and carry a plastic bag or waterproof pouch for wet clothes or trash. Always have some cash or a card on hand, as some beach vendors and ferry terminals don’t accept digital payments.
There are a few extras that can improve your day. A compact umbrella or small beach tent can provide welcome shade, especially on wide-open beaches like Jones or Rockaway. A portable phone charger is helpful if you’ll be checking train times or using navigation apps. If you like to read, bring a book or magazine. A small Bluetooth speaker can add to the atmosphere, but keep the volume low and be mindful of others. Flip-flops or sandals are ideal for hot sand and easy to slip on and off.
Since you’re taking public transit, make sure you have your MetroCard, OMNY access, or LIRR ticket ready before you travel. Use transit apps to check for service changes or delays, and avoid bringing more than you can comfortably carry. A backpack or sturdy tote bag should be enough. The goal is to be mobile, light, and relaxed — so you can focus on the beach, not your baggage.
Going to the beach without a car might sound like a hassle, but in New York City, it’s surprisingly doable — and often more relaxing than dealing with traffic, tolls, and parking. All it takes is a little planning, some flexibility, and a solid sense of timing.
Leave early, especially on weekends, to beat the crowds on trains, buses, and ferries. Beaches like Rockaway and Coney Island fill up fast by mid-morning, and transit gets busier by the hour. If you can go on a weekday, do it — the difference in crowd levels is significant.
Check schedules before you leave. Weekend subway service changes and LIRR delays are real, and they can throw off your day if you’re not prepared. Apps like MTA and LIRR TrainTime are essential for real-time updates. Build in time for transfers, and don’t cut it close if you’re trying to make a ferry.
Pack light, wear comfortable shoes, and be realistic about how far you’ll want to carry your stuff. Dress in layers, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, and bring water, snacks, and shade if you’re heading to less developed beaches. The lighter you travel, the easier your return trip will be — especially after a full day in the sun.
Respect the space and the people around you. Keep your music low, clean up after yourself, and follow beach rules. Most public beaches don’t allow alcohol, and enforcement is no joke. Treat the beach like a shared backyard — you’re not alone out there.
Time your return strategically. The crush to get home between 4 and 6 p.m. can turn a fun day into a slow, sticky commute. If you can leave early or wait it out until sunset, you’ll have a more comfortable ride — and maybe catch the light glinting off the skyline as you make your way back.
In the end, the best part about New York’s beaches isn’t just the sand or the waves — it’s how close they are. You don’t need a car, a hotel room, or a big budget to spend a summer day by the ocean. Just a MetroCard, a towel, and a little know-how can take you from concrete to coastline, and back again.
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ENY Where is a guide for the five boroughs of New York City.
