The images of New York City that come to mind typically include the lights of Time Square, Central Park in Summer or yellow taxi cabs. Rarely do bikinis and sandy beaches jump into the mix, yet New York City has 7 public beaches. Brooklyn has the Coney Island and Manhattan beaches. Staten Island has three beaches – Wolf’s Pond Beach, South Beach and Midland Beach. Both Queens and the Bronx have one beach each, Rockaway Beach and Orchard Beach respectively.

All New York City beaches are easily accessibly by car or public transit from Manhattan and are perfect for a day-trip. You can jump the Long Island Railroad, spend the day in the sun and surf and be back in time for dinner at your favorite local restaurant.

There are multiple beaches within a close proximity to the city as well. Many New Yorkers have second homes or take summer “shares” at houses in the Hamptons, the North Shore (of Long Island) or “on the shore” in New Jersey. Connecticut also offers beaches along Long Island Sound.

In the urban jungle that is New York City, it’s easy to forget that you’re on an island in the Atlantic Ocean. In fact, the City is comprised of several islands including Manhattan, Long Island (where Brooklyn and Queens are), Staten Island, Roosevelt Island and Governors Island to name the most popular. While our islands typically don’t have palm trees, the great summer tradition of heading to the beach is definitely a large part of the culture here.