So, is it actually the hottest summer we’ve ever had or are we all just overreacting after a year of staying inside with the air conditioner on? Regardless, the sun continues to rise. We might as well take advantage of the weather and visit the beach while it lasts.

Coney Island

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Absolute shocker here: Coney Island, perhaps the most accessible beach to most NYC residents – and definitely the most famous – takes the top spot on our list. Take the long ride out to Brooklyn’s end for a collection of fun entertainment from Luna Park (home of the historic Cyclone roller coaster) to the great boardwalk and surrounding eateries.

Rockaway Beach

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Rockaway Beach is a bit more relaxed than the busy, tourist-heavy Coney Island (that tends to happen the further away from Manhattan you are). Still, this location is highly popular (thanks, Ramones) and has a legit boardwalk for anyone interested. But if your main concerns are sand and water, this spot may be the one for you.

Jones Beach

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Toto, I don’t think we’re in NYC anymore. Continuing our trend of getting further and further away from the city, we’ll cheat a little and include Jones Beach. Hopping on the LIRR might be worth it for this one, though, with its penchant for hosting big-time musical acts and surrounding attractions such as mini golf and the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center.

*Honorable Mention:

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Manhattan’s first ever public beach – Gansevoort Peninsula. Coming to Hudson River Park in Spring 2023.