New York City in the summer is a great time to explore but it can become hot and oppressive to those that call New York City their home. Escaping the heat is easy if you know where to go
Jones Beach, Nassau County, New York
Jones Beach occupies over 6.5 miles of white sand directly on the Atlantic Ocean and is less than 20 miles from New York City. Over 6 million beach goers flock to Jones Beach each year and enjoy the sun, waves, boardwalk, concessions, pool, mini golf, shuffle board, playground and basketball courts. Others swim, sunbathe, bike, jog or surf. Jones Beach is also home to Nikon at Jones Beach, an outdoor amphitheater boasting which world class concert line up will be next. Be sure to check out Vans Warped tour July 9th and the Laid Back Festival July 23rd. Jones Beach is accessible by car, $10 a day or free with an Empire Pass.
Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York
Coney Island beach and boardwalk is a blend of old and new. Home of both the New York Aquarium and the original world famous Nathan's Hot Dogs, Coney Island has over 50 rides and attractions for every age as well as restaurants for every budget. After a day of soaking up the sun, grab a slice of pizza at Grimaldi’s on Surf Avenue and check out Luna Scream Park and the Cyclone roller coaster. Coney Island is accessible by bus, train or car and is about 45 minutes from midtown Manhattan.
Fire Island, Suffolk County, New York
Fire Island is a large barrier island approximately 10 miles long and parallel to the South Shore of Long Island. The year round population is about 300 but in the summer the population explodes to about 5000 residents who call Fire Island their summer homes--either by home ownership, short and long term rentals or house shares. Ocean Beach is the largest town on the island and has several restaurants, bars and eclectic shops. The atmosphere is laid back and “beachy.” Beach access is along the southern border of the island and is a short walk across from the Bay side, where cross bay ferries connect Fire Island to Long Island. Take the LIRR from Penn to Bayshore and it’s a short cab ride to the ferry.
Cape May, New Jersey
The New Jersey Shore runs from Sandy Hook to Cape May and is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, kitschy boardwalks, funnel cakes and old time amusements. Cape May, a quiet New England town at the southernmost tip of the shore, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Delaware Bay, is recognized as one of the top ten beaches in the U.S. by Travel Magazine. Rich in history, Cape May boasts over 50,000 visitors each summer who come for the beach, bird watching, boardwalk, picturesque hotels and tranquility the town has to offer. Accessible only by car, Cape May is about a 3 hour drive from Manhattan.
