8 Beaches You Can Reach From Sunset Park Without A Car
It’s heat wave, after heat wave, after heat wave and temperatures will soar to almost 100 this weekend. We’ve gathered a list of beaches you can travel from Sunset Park without a car. Stay cool, hydrated, and bring several bottles of sunscreen with you!
Coney Island Beach
Getting There: Take the R train and transfer to the N train on 59th St., until you reach the Coney Island-Stillwell Ave. Station.
Facilities: There’s plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, including Nathan’s. The iconic food shop celebrated its 100th anniversary this year and it continues to serve its famous french fries and hot dogs with love. If you’re looking for a burger joint, stop by Wahlburgers, for a juicy grilled patty, floats, sandwiches, and salads.
What We Love: It’s one of the beaches you can get to the fastest without spending much on Metrocard fares. And aside from sand and surf, there’s a sand sculpting contest on Aug. 20, Cyclones baseball, the Aquarium, rides like the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel, and so much more.
What’s Lacking: Overcrowding. It can be a bit chaotic to navigate the boardwalk with long lines to buy food and to use the restrooms, but one option to escape the crowds is to take a dip in the water. But the beach itself can sometimes bring trash to the shore.
Brighton Beach
Getting There: Take the N train from 59 St. Station then transfer over to the Q train headed Brighton Beach bound.
Facilities: Just east of Coney Island, Brighton Beach doesn’t have all the same attractions, but it’s close enough that you can walk to food spots and entertainment if you wanted to, and it’s a comparatively clean beach.
What We Love: It’s quicker to get to Brighton on the subway than it is to Coney, and there are fewer tourists, meaning more space to relax without overcrowding. Tatiana is the restaurant to go to. It’s pricey, but if you’re looking for a fun night out as well, stick around for the stage show.
What’s Lacking: Restaurant options can be pricey but try Brighton Bazaar for something more affordable.
Manhattan Beach
Getting There: Take the R train to 95 St. Station in Bay Ridge and switch over to the B1 bus line going Manhattan Beach/Kingsborough bound.
Facilities: Plenty of BBQ space for the family!
What We Love: It’s less crowded than most beaches on our list and if you get to it early enough you can set up your BBQ grill and hang out in the picnic area all day. There’s also plenty of shade from the trees. Thank you, mother nature!
What’s Lacking: Food and drinks. There’s a concession stand, but nothing nearby. We suggest bringing food to nibble on.
Rockaway Beach
Getting There: Take the R train to Jay St-Metro Tech Station, switch to the A train going to Rockaway. Stop at Broad Channel Station to take a shuttle train to the Beach 90 St. Station.
Facilities: Part of the Rockaways have been reconstructed, and there’s plenty of food trucks, lifeguards, and beach space.
What We Love: The beach attracts a diverse, fun-loving crowd, so it can be fun for families, surfers, teens, and adults looking for a place to sunbathe and take a dip in the water, which is pretty clean, considering the crowds it draws.
What’s Lacking: The beach can get pretty crowded during weekend hours.
Jacob Riis
Getting There: Take the R train to Atlantic-Barclays Station, switch to the 5 train going Brooklyn College, then take the Q35 going Riis Park bound.
Facilities: Riis feels like an escape from busy work life and it’s a go to beach spot for beach lovers who want something close. Aside from the art deco bathhouse, Riis doesn’t have many amenities to offer.
What We Love: The beach has become popular amongst New Yorkers, and there’s plenty of sand to enjoy with your family and friends. Note: The east end of the beach is topless.
What’s Lacking: Not many good food options at the moment — just bring cash since there aren’t any ATMs nearby.
Jones Beach State Park
Getting There: Okay, this can be quite the trip. But hear us out: Take the R train to Atlantic-Barclays station, then switch over to the LIRR Far Rockaway-bound and get off at Jamaica Station. Get on a Babylon LIRR and stop at Freeport. Then walk 3 minutes to the N88 bus going Jones Beach bound.
Facilities: There’s plenty of beach space and food options at nearby concession stands.
What We Love: Jones Beach offers many activities for its beachgoers. You can swim in the ocean, stroll the boardwalk, fish, or visit the park’s historical exhibit, or play mini golf. People can also attend concerts at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater where attendees can rock out to Blink 182, Black Sabbath, Joan Jett, Wiz Khalifa, and more. Concert tickets range from $25 to $800.
What’s Lacking: Nothing on our end.
The Hamptons
Getting There: Okay, this another trip outside Brooklyn, but it’s worth it.
Facilities: If you want to get away from the city, renting a beach house for the weekend sounds like a good option. Grab some friends, check out some options for house rentals, rent bikes, and then just hang out along the shore.
What We Love: Beaches in the Hamptons have variety, and it’s clean with beautiful sand, refreshing waves, and the horizon where you can watch the sunset.
What’s Lacking: Nothing on our end.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk & Beach
Getting There: Take the R train to the 86th Street Station in Bay Ridge where you can transfer to the S53 bus Port Richmond bound. It’s seven stops away from Sand Lane and McClean Ave. where you’ll hop on the S52 bus Seaview Avenue bound and get off at Cromwell Ave., It’s a minute walk from the boardwalk. But check the MTA bus schedule for any route changes.
Facilities: There are some concession stands where they sell hot dogs and ice cream, but there’s also the South Fin Grill on the boardwalk that offers lunch and dinner.
What’s Lacking: Not many food options. You’re better off bringing your cooler and homemade dishes for a picnic at the beach.