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The Top 10 Beaches for Families to Visit in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester

The Top 10 Beaches for Families to Visit in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester

Your family will have a blast at one of these top 10 beaches in NYC, Westchester, and Long Island.


Since summertime is finally (almost) here, we have no doubt you’ll head to the area’s beaches and lake shores at some point this season. We rounded up the top 10 beaches for families in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County that are open this summer. That way, all you have to do is fill the tank up with gas, pack chairs and towels, and head on out. Of course, don’t forget sunscreen!

1. The City of Long Beach

Long Beach, Long Island
561-431-1021
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Hours: May 29-June 27: Saturday-Sunday and Memorial Day, 9am-6pm; June 28-Sept. 6: daily, 9am-6pm
Admission: Resident day passes: $12 per person. Nonresident day passes: $15 per person.
Approximate drive from NYC: 25 minutes
Ride (or rent) your bike or stroll along the 2.2-mile boardwalk here that was rebuilt with repurposed wood after Superstorm Sandy. Known for its soft and clean sand, it can get crowded, but you’ll likely find it’s less noisy than other local shore points. Enjoy the boardwalk and various playgrounds nearby including the ocean-themed Magnolia Boulevard playground. Make sure to check the page for information on capacity limits, closures, etc. before heading to the beach.
Why we like it: The town boasts tons of great restaurants. Or hit up one of the food trucks or concession stands along the boardwalk.

2. Harbor Island Park Beach/Stephen E. Johnston Beach at Harbor Island Park

123 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck, Westchester
914-777-7784
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Hours: Village of Mamaroneck residents only: Friday-Sunday, 9am-12pm. Outside these days and times, the beach is open to residents and nonresidents. Swimming is allowed 9am-5:30pm.
Admission: Adult day pass: $11. Child day pass: $8. Senior day pass: $6.
Approximate drive from NYC: 90 minutes
This spot is ideal for a modest-sized getaway. Relax on the beach that is close to a playground area, baseball field, fishing docks, picnic tables, and spray ground. Kayak and paddle boat rentals are also available, plus the park has even hosted concerts and family fun nights in the past.
Why we like it: Stephen E. Johnston Beach only is 750 feet, but you’ll find plenty of space to enjoy its amenities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lauren Kelin (@outdoorsy_momma)

3. Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

Beach 3 Street to Beach 153 Street and Boardwalk to Atlantic Ocean, Queens
718-318-4000
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Hours: May 29-Sept. 12: daily, 10am-6pm
Admission: FREE
Rockaway is the only place in New York City where you can surf. Plenty of local shops rent boards and some even offer surfing lessons. Still, it’s a family crowd here, so it doesn’t get too crazy. And thanks to a long beachfront, you can scope out a spot that’s quiet.
Why we like it: Rockaway Beach is home to eight playgrounds and plenty of restrooms along the boardwalk, which is always a draw when you have kids in tow.

RELATED: Backyard Play Equipment You'll Want This Summer

4. Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk

Corbin Place to West 37 Street, Coney Island, Brooklyn
718-946-1350
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Hours: May 29-Sept. 12: daily, lifeguards are on duty 10am-6pm
Admission: FREE, but you’ll need money for the attractions.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and quiet day at the beach, Coney Island may not be the place for you. It’s a perfect choice, though, if you want more than just a beach. Enjoy the amusement park rides at Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel, the New York Aquarium, and go for a spin on the B&B Carousell.
Why we like it: It’s the famous Coney Island. Need we say more?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Coney Island (@coneyislandfun)

5. Jones Beach State Park

2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, Long Island
516-785-1600
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Hours: Memorial Day Weekend to Sept. 29: daily, call for daily updates on timing
Admission: May 28-Sept. 10: $10 per car
Approximate drive from NYC: 2 hours
Jones Beach State Park is home to 6½ miles of beautiful white-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean on the south shore of Long Island. Designed around the theme of an ocean liner, Jones Beach offers swimming, fishing, dining, and more. Other activities that take place in the park include marine environment education at the new Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, pool swimming, bicycling, surfing, and playgrounds visits.
Why we like it: Find something to make everyone happy at this world-famous state park.

6. Nickerson Park Beach

880 Lido Boulevard, Lido Beach, Long Island
516-571-7700
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Hours: May 28-Sept. 12: daily, 9am-6pm
Admission: $15 for Leisure Pass holders; $37 nonresidents
Approximate drive from NYC: 2 hours
This 155-acre complex along the Atlantic Ocean has something for everyone. The beach is the main attraction, known for its sparkling water and soft sand. You’ll also find a seaside pitch-and-putt amid the dunes where you can play nine holes. The property houses a kiddie pool and two-full sized swimming pools. Get shade at the large picnic pavilion or have kids blow off energy at the playground.
Why we like it: Teens will love the Fun Zone, which houses a skate park with ramps and railings, plus soccer, baseball, and beach volleyball courts.

7. Town of Hempstead Beach 

630 Lido Boulevard, Lido Beach, Long Island
516-489-5000
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Hours: May 29-Sept. 6: daily, 10am-6pm
Admission: $10 per car for residents; $50 per car for nonresidents
Approximate drive from NYC: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Enjoy a low-key beach experience at this Town of Hempstead beach. Heads up: Concession and rentals are unavailable. Bring your own food, chairs, and umbrellas. (They do have bathrooms though). Bonus: Parking is a short walk from the lot to the sand. Due to the pandemic, the beach is limited to Nassau County residents only.
Why we like it: It has a relaxed vibe and doesn’t tend to get crowded.

8. Robert Moses State Park

600 Robert Moses State Parkway, Babylon, Long Island
621-669-0449
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Hours: Ocean swimming begins May 22, daily, 9am-5pm
Admission: $10 per car
Approximate drive from NYC: 2 hours
Robert Moses State Park is an ocean beachfront facility with nearly 5 miles of shoreline. Situated at the most western point of Fire Island, the park is conveniently located at the southern end of the Robert Moses Causeway. Enjoy swimming, boogie boarding, surfing, and surf fishing. You’ll find concession stands, beach shops, first-aid offices, comfort stations, and private outdoor showers.
Why we like it: You can play at an 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf course, or enjoy a game of volleyball on the court.

RELATED: 25 Ways to Recreate Classic Summer Experiences at Home 

9. Sunken Meadow State Park (Governor Alfred E. Smith)

Rte. 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park, Long Island
631-269-4333
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Hours: Swimming hours begin May 22: daily, 9am-5pm
Admission: $10 per car
Approximate drive from NYC: 1 hour 45 minutes
Get stunning views of the Long Island Sound; on a clear day, you can spot Connecticut in the distance. Three bridges stretch over Sunken Meadow Creek. Enjoy pick-up games on the ball fields and open lawn areas. Or, take a walk along the ¾-mile boardwalk.
Why we like it: The Long Island’s Sound’s waters are generally calm, making the beach a hit with families. 



10. Hither Hills State Park

164 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, Long Island
631-668-2554
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Hours: May 29-Sept. 12: daily, 9am-5pm
Admission: $10 per car daily.
Approximate drive from NYC: 3 hours
This state park has tons to do. Enjoy a sandy ocean beach as well as sport fishing, playing fields, a playground, and a 189-site campground on the beach. Fishermen will love that they can fish year-round and fish at night if they have a permit. You’ll also find paths for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Why we like it: The unique “walking dunes” of Napeague Harbor are located on the eastern boundary of the park, which also has woodlands filled with Russian olive, oak, shad, and pine trees.

More Beaches in the New York Metro Area

Beaches in Westchester County 

Note: Things can change on a daily basis. Please call the beach before you leave your home to ensure it’s still open.

Croton Point Park 
1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson
914-862-5290
Hours: Opens May 29: Saturday-Sunday and holidays: 10am-6:30pm
Cost: $4; $3 children ages 5-11; free for children younger than 5; $10 parking ($5 with Westchester County Parks pass).

Rye Playland Beach 
1 Playland Parkway, Rye
914-813-7010
Hours: May 29-June 30: Saturday-Sunday and holidays, 10am-6:30pm; June 25 to Labor Day: daily, 11am-6:30pm.
Cost: $4; $3 children ages 5-11; free for children younger than 5. Parking: $10

Beaches in New York City

Note: Things can change on a daily basis. Please call the beach before you leave your home to ensure it’s still open.

Manhattan Beach
760 Oriental Blvd., Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn
718-646-5913212-639-9675
Hours: May 29-Sept. 12: daily, 10am-6pm
Cost: FREE. Parking: $7 Monday-Friday; $22 Saturday-Sunday and holidays.

Orchard Beach and Promenade
Park Drive, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
718-430-1891
Hours: May 29-Sept. 12: daily, 10am-6pm
Cost: FREE. Parking: $8 Monday-Friday, $10 Saturday-Sunday and holidays.

Beaches on Long Island

Note: Things can change on a daily basis. Please call the beach before you leave your home to ensure it’s still open.

North Hempstead Beach Park 
175 W. Shore Road, Port Washington
516-869-6311
Hours: Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9am to dusk; currently open to Nassau County residents only. 
Cost: Parking: $15 Nassau County residents ($10 with credit card); $20 non-residents ($17 with credit card). Season passes available, call 311 for rates.

Village of Atlantic Beach 
Atlantic Beach, Hempstead
516-371-4600
Hours: Memorial Day weekend and each weekend thereafter, 10am-6pm (no swimming until June 26). Lifeguards on duty starting June 26, daily, 10am-6pm. Open to residents only (and their guests).
Cost: $10

The Town of Oyster Bay
Tobay Beach & Marina, Ocean Parkway, Massapequa
Harry Tappen Beach, Marina & Pool, Shore Road, Glenwood Landing
Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach, Larrabee Avenue, Oyster Bay
Beekman Beach, West End Avenue, Oyster Bay
Centre Island Beaches, Bayville Avenue and Centre Island Road, Bayville
Charles E. Ransom Beach, Bayville Avenue, Bayville
Philip B. Healey Beach, Florence Avenue, Massapequa
Stehli Beach, Bayville Avenue, Bayville
516-797-4111
Hours: May 22-Sept. 6, daily, 8am-4pm; open to Town of Oyster Bay residents only 
Cost: $10

The Town of Huntington Beaches 
Asharoken Beach, Eaton's Neck Road, Northport
Centerport Beach, Little Neck Road, Centerport
Crab Meadow Beach, Waterside Avenue, Northport
Crescent Beach, Crescent Beach Drive, Huntington Bay
Fleets Cove Beach, Fleets Cove Road, Centerport
Gold Star Battalion Beach, West Shore Road, Huntington
Hobart Beach, Birmingham Drive, Eaton's Neck 
Quentin Sammis West Neck Beach, West Neck Road, Lloyd Harbor
631-261-7574
Hours: May 29-Sept. 6, daily, 8am-8pm; open to Town of Huntington residents only.
Cost: $40 season pass; $20 daily

The Town of Riverhead Beaches
Iron Pier Beach, Jamesport
Reeves Park Beach, Riverhead
South Jamesport Beach, South Jamesport
Wading River Beach, Wading River
631-727-5744
Hours: May 29-June 20: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm; June 26 to end of season: daily, 11am-6pm; open to Town of Riverhead residents only
Cost: Permit information available on the website

Orient Beach State Park
40000 Main Road, Orient
631-323-2440
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset. Swimming season: June 27-Sept. 7, daily, 10:30am-6pm
Cost: Parking: $10

Wildwood State Park
790 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River
631-929-4314
Hours: Swimming: June 27-Sept. 7, daily, 10am-6pm
Cost: Parking: $10

Camp Hero State Park
1898 Montauk Highway, Montauk
631-668-3781
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset; open 24 hours a day to fishermen with permits.
Cost: $8 parking, 8am-4pm

Town of Babylon Beaches
Cedar Beach, Ocean Parkway, Babylon
Gilgo Beach, Ocean Parkway, Babylon
Overlook Beach, Ocean Parkway, Babylon (open to Town of Babylon residents only)
631-893-2100
Hours: Lifeguards on duty 10:30am-6pm
Cost: without Recreation Permit: $40 weekends and holidays; $20 weekdays.

East Hampton Village Beaches
Egypt Beach, 55 Old Beach Lane, East Hampton
Georgica Beach, 219 Lily Pond Lane, East Hampton
Main Beach, 104 Ocean Ave., East Hampton
Two Mile Hollow Beach, 50 Two Mile Road, East Hampton
Wiborg Beach, 74 Highway Behind the Pond, East Hampton
631-324-4150
Hours: Lifeguards on duty 10am-5pm 
Cost: Village beach sticker is required for access to all beaches. 

Town of East Hampton
Indian Wells Beach, Indian Wells Highway, Amagansett
Atlantic Avenue Beach, Atlantic Avenue, Amagansett 
Albert’s Landing Bay Beach, Albert’s Landing Road, Amagansett 
South Edison Beach, South Edison Street, Montauk 
Ditch Plains Beach, Ditch Plains Road, Montauk 
East Lake Bay Beach, East Lake Dr, Montauk 
Maidstone Bay Beach, Maidstone Park Road, East Hampton
Kirk Park Beach, South Emerson Avenue, Montauk
631-324-2417
Hours: Memorial Day weekend to mid-June: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm; mid-June to Labor Day, daily, 10am-5pm
Cost: Beach permits: $150 family beach permit; $500 non-resident beach permit

Heckscher State Park
Heckscher Parkway, East Islip
631-581-2100
What to know: Parking will be limited to 50 percent capacity.
Hours: Overlook Beach: June 28-Aug. 10, Saturday-Sunday and holidays, 11am-6pm; West Beach, June 28-Aug. 8, daily, 10am-6pm
Cost: Through May 30: $8 parking; May 31-Sept. 6: $10 parking

Town of Islip Beaches 
Atlantique Beach and Marina, Fire Island
Bayport Beach, Paulanna Avenue, Bayport
Benjamin’s Beach, South Clinton Avenue, Bay Shore
East Islip Beach, Bayview Avenue, East Islip
Islip Beach, South Bay Avenue, Islip
Lake Ronkonkoma Beach, Rosevale Avenue, Ronkonkoma
Marina Park, Foster Avenue, Sayville
West Islip Beach, Beach Drive, West Islip
631-224-5403
Hours: May 29-June 20: Saturday-Sunday and Memorial Day, 10am-5:45pm; Atlantique: June 26-Sept. 6, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm; Ronkonkoma: June 26-Sept. 6, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5:45pm; Bayport: July 3-Aug. 15, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5:45pm; East Islip: July 3- Aug. 22, daily, 10am-5:45pm; West Islip: June 26-Aug. 22, 10am-5:45pm; all other beaches: June 26-Sept. 6, daily, 10am-5:45pm
Cost: Free for Town of Islip residents with Recreation Card; $5 residents without rec card. 

Shadmoor State Park
900 Montauk Highway, Montauk
631-668-3781
Hours: Year round; call for daily hours
Cost: FREE

Town of Southampton Beaches
Flying Point Beach, Water Mill
Foster Memorial Beach, Sag Harbor
Mecox Beach, Bridgehampton
Pikes Beach, Westhampton
Ponquogue Beach, Hampton Bays
Sagg Main Beach, Sagaponack
Tiana Beach, Hampton Bays
W. Scott Cameron Beach, Bridgehampton (residents only)
631-728-8585
Hours: Lifeguards on duty 10am-5pm
Cost: Season passes: $40 resident; $30 seniors; $400 non-resident 

Safety Tips for Visiting Any Public Beaches or Parks

Aslam Jangda, M.D., a board certified pediatrician at Crystal Run Healthcare joined with his daughter Maha Jangda, M.D., a recent Medical School graduate, to compile useful tips for families visiting the beach this summer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Maintaining 6 feet of distance is key
  • Wear a face mask whenever you are unable to maintain that social distance
  • Bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to be able to clean your hands after touching surfaces (bathroom stalls, handrails, rental beach equipment)
  • Try not to use benches and picnic tables if any of these items are available for use
  • Bring a water bottle from home instead of using water fountains
  • There is no known information available to show if the virus can or cannot live in saltwater, so keep this in mind when making decisions to swim or not
  • There is no known information available about whether or not the virus can live on sand

RELATED: Your Kids Will Love These Summer Activities!

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Stacey Feintuch

Author: Stacey Feintuch is a freelance writer for print and online publications. She has written for ReadersDigest.com, BestofNJ.com, K health, The Boca Raton Observer magazine, The Bump, Care.com, Healthline, Highlights for Kids, HealthyWomen, and other outlets. She has a BA in journalism from The George Washington University and an MA in magazine journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She grew up in Morris County, NJ, and currently lives in Bergen County, NJ. A mom to two boys, you'll find her at the baseball diamond on the weekends. See More

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