Memorial Day has come and gone, and with it the unofficial start to the summer season. The hot hazy days of summer are around the corner. Time to make an escape plan from the steamy Manhattan concrete. What are the best local beaches for New Yorkers to visit? Fortunately the area is blessed with some of the country’s most beautiful, clean and well-run beaches. Here’s a run-down from the editors.
Main Beach, East Hampton – Oh the Hamptons, the summer getaway for the rich, famous and hot! This destination has been at the top of most New Yorker’s beach lists for well over a century. And named the best beach in America for 2013. The beaches themselves are long, beautiful stretches of sand with dunes and sea grasses to add to the ambiance. No noisy boardwalks to deal with out here. Be certain to know what bathing suits and footwear are in for the season. Other beach accessories should be the best – high cotton count towels and the perfect beach bag from one of the Spades or perhaps LV.
Cherry Grove and the Pines, Fire Island – Looking for a beach that offers beautiful scenery, but with a lively nightlife, then Fire Island is the destination. A natural barrier island along the southern coast of Long Island, most of the island is only accessible by boat or ferry. The two most well-known beaches are Cherry Grove and The Pines. Cherry Grove has been New York City’s LGBT summer playground for decades. Boisterous and fun, it’s the desired destination for day trippers and summer shares. On the other hand, the Pines is Cherry Grove’s quiet cousin. The Pines has a network of boardwalks that lead to some of the island’s most lux real estate. Both have easy access to a beautiful swath of ocean beaches. Pack your fun beach wear, flip flops, and best dance music.
Cooper’s Beach, Southampton – Another Hampton’s water destination is Cooper’s Beach. It is the only life-guarded beach in the village of Southampton. This quiet beach offers beautiful white sands, convenient parking and close amenities. Named America’s best beach in 2010, it continues to draw locals and day trippers each year. Southampton residents get access with a village parking permit. Non-residents pay a $40 daily fee for access. Leave your alcohol, tents, and bonfires at home, all are banned at this family friendly beach.
Orchard Beach, the Bronx – The one of two beaches in the Bronx, this man-made beach was once known as the “Riviera of New York City. “ It is located in the Pelham section of the Bronx, the waterfront is on the Long Island Sound. The beach is surrounded by several acres of forest, coastline and marshes. Orchard Beach has a 13-section sandy beach area, a central pavilion with food shops. There are recreational areas for basketball, volleyball, and handball as well as two picnic areas.
City Island Beach, the Bronx – The Bronx’ other beach is located on a tiny island off the coast of the city. With a New England feel, the tiny village has easy access to the water at any point. A great place to take in the sun, it also offers some of the best seasonal seafood restaurants in the area and is a great place for weekend antiquing. Access to the island is best by car, bus, or the City Island Seaside Trolley.
Now that you know where to go, be sure to have your swim suit packed, sun screen selected, and get ready to explore these and other local beaches.
What’s your favorite beach and why? We’d love to know.
Kevin is the Lifestyle Editor and a contributing writer for LuxuriousPROTOTYPE. He is also a contributing writer for the Examiner.com. He can be found on Twitter @Kfeat and also on Google+.
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