New York City beaches open for the summer on Memorial Day weekend. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
New York City's Parks Department maintains city beaches. The National Park Service maintains beaches that are part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, such as Jacob Riis Park and Fort Tilden.
On Long Island, beaches are maintained by different agencies. Get more information.
General tips
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Check for service changes on your subway line before you go. We do critical repair work on weekends and you may need to take a different route.
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Check beach status for New York City beaches before you go to find out about water quality advisories or closures.
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Add value to your MetroCard or set up OMNY contactless fare payment before you go.
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Be mindful of your beach gear while you travel. Don't block seats or aisles, and keep doorways and walkways clear.
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Bikes are allowed at many New York beaches. Here's how to bring your bike on subways, buses, and trains.
Helpful apps and websites
- MTA app, for transit directions, maps, real-time service updates, and more
- TrainTime, for schedules, real-time train tracking, and buying tickets for Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad
- NYC Parks beach information
- National Park Service beach information
Beach deals
This summer, MTA Away is offering special packages to some of Long Island's best beaches, including rail fare and beach admission.
Step-by-step instructions and fare information
More area beaches
Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
- to Brighton Beach
- Bus: B1, B68
Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn
- Bus: B1, B49
South Beach, Staten Island
- Bus: S51, S52, S81
Midland Beach, Staten Island
- Bus: S51, S81
Cedar Grove Beach, Staten Island
- Bus: S76, S86
Great Kills Park, Staten Island
- to Bay Terrace
- Bus: S78, S79
Wolfe's Pond Beach, Staten Island
- to Prince's Bay
- Bus: S55, S56
Fire Island, Long Island
- LIRR Montauk Branch to Bay Shore, Sayville, or Patchogue, connect to ferry by taxi or walk
- MTA Away offers special packages including discounted rail and ferry fares and taxi vouchers to Kismet, Ocean Beach, and Ocean Bay Park; Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, and Sunken Forest at Sailors Haven; and Davis Park and Watch Hill.
Robert Moses State Park, Long Island
- LIRR Babylon Branch to Babylon, connect to Suffolk County Transit bus S47
- MTA Away offers a special package including discounted rail and bus fares.
Shelter Island, Long Island
- LIRR Ronkonkoma Branch to Greenport, connect to ferry