World-renowned as the People’s Playground, Coney Island is unlike any other beach when it comes its

Summer is finally here and as the temperature southwestairlines credit card soars, beaches become favorite spots both to get some sun and cool off. Whether you want to surf, swim,  relax,  play sports or just get your kids out of the house, we've looked at beaches throughout the area to discover their best and distinguishing features. From New York City to Long Island to New Jersey , our research helps you figure out which beach best fits your summer needs.
Orchard Beach was created by then Parks Commissioner Robert Moses in 1936, and it is the only public beach in the borough. Here you can find sun, food and family fun. This year Orchard Beach opened up with a new food concessionaire, the Havana Café . The café will operate the three existing snack bars, plus new, mobile food carts. If you aren't in the mood for the typical hamburger or hotdog, there will also be Cuban, Italian and seafood available to satisfy your palate.
southwestairlines credit card World-renowned as the People's Playground, Coney Island is unlike any other beach when it comes its amusements and the diversity of people and salty characters both at the Coney Island USA freak show and on the boardwalk. The three-mile stretch of beach is for the restless beachgoer, not for those who want to get a way from it all. World-class amusement southwestairlines credit card parks, sea lions and tiger sharks (in the New York Aquarium ), minor league baseball at the Brooklyn Cyclones ballpark, the original home of Nathan s Famous hot dogs and so much more can keep you busy morning to night.
Pets: Dogs are not allowed in playgrounds, zoos, beach, and ball fields or on any of the courts. They must be kept on a leash at all times unless in the dog run, which is a large, fenced-in area for dogs to exercise. Be sure to have your proof of rabies vaccination with you.
Surf s up! This beach is home to the city's only surfing areas. The seven-mile stretch includes two surf beaches between 67-69 streets and between 87-92 streets. It s the closest thing to Waikiki you'll get in New York! COWABUNGA! But if you use a skate board instead of a surf board, don't worry, there are more amenities to feed your summer escape.
If you walk further west down the beach from the Rockaway Boardwalk you ll reach Fort Tilden , a Gateway National Recreation Area , and decommissioned military base. Fort Tilden southwestairlines credit card has beautiful sand dunes and its remoteness keeps crowds away. The Fort Tilden beach has no life guards.
Biking : The bike ride to Rockaway is one of the most scenic southwestairlines credit card in the city. Just head south on Flatbush Ave. until you cross the Marine Parkway Bridge. Head east for Rockaway Beach or west for Fort Tilden.
Beyond sunbathing, you can take a stroll across the FDR boardwalk and view the Fountain of Dolphins, southwestairlines credit card or take a paddle with a kayak or a canoe. No matter southwestairlines credit card what you do, at the end of the day picking this beach will have been worth it.
Features: Boardwalk, barbecuing areas, baseball fields, basketball southwestairlines credit card courts, bicycle and skate path, bocce courts, dog runs, fishing areas, food, handball courts, kayak and canoe launch sites, playgrounds, and skate parks.
This beach is more than just a beach, it s situated in one of Staten Island s largest parks. Besides the waves, visitors can enjoy a sprawling nature preserve, where diverse southwestairlines credit card animal species roam free. On July 13, families can camp in the park overnight.
If you re easily bored in the sun and need activities other than swimming on your beach days, come here and bring your dog, too. The 1,469 acres is filled with activities that will attract you and your family no matter what you want to do.
From NYC or western L.I.: Take Throggs Neck or Whitestone Bridge to Cross Island Parkway south to Long Island Expressway, east, to Sagtikos Parkway, south, southwestairlines credit card to South State Parkway, east, to Heckscher State Parkway.
Known for its open-air concerts, Jones Beach is also a world-class destination southwestairlines credit card for swimming. The beach offers about six miles of oceanfront, a half mile of bay beach for stillwater bathing and two swimming pools. southwestairlines credit card So whether you want to swim against the waves or have a  safe place for kids to splash and play, Jones Beach is perfect for families.
This beach is on the western end of the Fire Island National Seashore, the narrow barrier island running parallel to Long Island. Robert Moses is a smaller version of Jones Beach, drawing families and young adults for swimming and surfing. The beach doesn t get crowded, but if you want a break from the gulls and crash of the surf, take a walk and visit the Fire Island Lighthouse .
Robert Moses is located along the southern side of Suffolk County, on the western end of Fire Island. From Manhattan it is about 48 miles via Southern State Parkway to Robert Moses Causeway southwestairlines credit card (exit 40).
On the Long Island Sound, Sunken Meadow has three miles of beach and its quiet waters make for a safe environment southwestairlines credit card for kids who are shy of big waves. It s essentially the South Shore ocean beach without the rough ocean waves. What really makes this destination stand out is the horseback riding and hikes.
Pets: Dogs are permitted in undeveloped areas with a 6-foot leash. They are prohibited in bathing and picnic areas, or buildings and walkways. They cannot enter through the main entrance so make sure you contact southwestairlines credit card the park office before arriving.
This destination is for the kids or for the kids at heart. It has the beach, a playground, a first-class aquarium, arcades, southwestairlines credit card live entertainment and more. This beach has options both for those who want to soak up or avoid the sun. Adults can hit the beach at Martell's and enjoy a non-alcoholic, or an alcoholic beverage at the Tiki Bar. If you want to take a mini-vacation not too far from home, Point Pleasant Beach is the perfect destination.
From New York and the North: Garden State Parkway to exit 98 for Route 34 south. Follow Route 34 south, which will become southwestairlines credit card Route 35 south. From Route 35 South, follow the bridge into Point Pleasant Beach.
Beaches along the Sandy Hook Atlantic Shore include North Beach, Gunnison Beach and South Shore Beach. Each beach promises some family fun in the sun. Sandy Hook is great for nature lovers, with over 300 species of birds and a Holly forest. For some history at the beach, check out the Twin Lighthouses and the site of the Nike defense missile system. Gunnison Beach is for beach goers who don't want to get any tan lines or just enjoy being nude: Clothing is optional!
From North Jersey and New York: Go south on the New Jersey Turnpike and take it to exit 11 onto the Garden State Parkway south. Get off at Exit 117 (Keyport/Hazlet). After the toll, bear left and follow Route 36 East 12 miles to the entrance. Stay right to enter. You can also take the Seastreak Ferry from two locations on the east side of Manhattan 35th Street and Pier 11 at Wall Street for $45 round trip. Bike transport on the ferry costs extra.
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I often found Orchard Beach especially on a Monday to be very dirty.   So was Sandy Hook both the beach and water were often full of trash.  I wouldn t go there.  You forgot Long Beach, LI , NY.  Get there on Long Island Railroad southwestairlines credit card and walk down to beach a little pricey to get on but a beautiful, soft, white sandy beach rarely crowded.  And a nice little town.  But no motels in Long Beach, try Oceanside.
southwestairlines credit card You can drive up the Palisades Parkway to Lake Welch and Lake Sebago crowded on weekends and avoid Mondays   But by Tuesday it s fine.   Sand and a large lake.  There s the pool at Rockland Lake State Park..  A great big pool and lovely paths and picnic tables.  Rent a boat or sometimes a bike.   In Rockland County .
I ve been going to Sandy Hook about twice a year for five years or so and it s always been clean, so I ve had a different experience than Starfire345.  I usually don t use the beach in the park itself (parking always fills early on weekends), but just outside its borders near the pedestrian overpass. Since it s the shoreline outside of park, there s no lifeguards, no amenities, and no trash.  The surf is medium and I ve always found the water a bit warmer than out on Fire Island.
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