I’m always looking for fun and easy ways to get out of the city during the summer, especially when I don’t want to deal with a long car ride. I recently discovered that there are some fantastic beach options accessible by public transportation right from New York City. It’s great to know we can have a beach day without the hassle of driving. I’ve been researching different routes and destinations to help you plan your own getaway.
Beach Day Trips by Ferry
One of the best things I’ve found is how many ferry options there are. They depart from various points in Brooklyn and Manhattan, making them super accessible. It feels like a mini-vacation just getting on the boat!
Rockaway Beach Adventures
Rockaway Beach is a really popular spot, and I can see why. The ferry ride itself is quite pleasant, offering nice views along the way. I’ve learned that the NYC Ferry can take you there from several locations, including Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan and Sunset Park in Brooklyn.
The ferry ride usually takes less than an hour, which is fantastic. I’m told the vessels have both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can choose what’s most comfortable for you. They also have bathrooms and a snack bar, which is always a plus when traveling with kids. It makes the journey part of the fun.
Once you arrive at Rockaway Beach, I understand there’s a lot to do. They have playgrounds and water sprinklers, which I know Emma would absolutely love. For the more adventurous, there are also options for biking, fishing, and even surfing. I read that Rockaway is the only place in NYC where you can surf, which is pretty cool!
I also found out that Rockaway Beach is known for its food. You can find all sorts of tasty options like tacos, burritos, and burgers. It’s nice to have good food readily available after a day in the sun.
How to get to Rockaway Beach
I’ve looked into the costs for these ferry trips. If you book your tickets in advance through the NYC Ferry app, they are typically around $12. You can reserve up to two weeks ahead. However, it also seems that most spots are available for walk-up riders at a lower fare of $4.50. I’ve noted that children under 44 inches tall ride for free, which is great for families with little ones.
There’s also the Rockaway Rocket, which is a direct ferry starting from Greenpoint and Long Island City in Queens. This one is set to run from July through Labor Day. It requires a ticket purchase ahead of time and guarantees your spot, with speedy boarding options. The duration from Long Island City is about an hour and fifteen minutes.
Jacob Riis Park Extension
For those who want to explore a bit further, there’s a free NYC Ferry shuttle bus from the Rockaway ferry landing that takes you to Jacob Riis Park. I’ve read it’s just west of Rockaway Beach and offers a nice beach, a playground, and a small boardwalk.
What caught my eye about Jacob Riis Park is its historic Art Deco bathhouse, which is recognized as a national landmark. It seems like a lovely alternative or addition to Rockaway Beach, offering a slightly different vibe and more historical interest. I’m considering this for a future outing, as it sounds like a lovely place to spend the day.
Sandy Hook Beach Getaway
Another really exciting option I’ve discovered is the Seastreak Ferry to Sandy Hook Beach in New Jersey. This is perfect if you’re looking for a beach that’s a bit different from the city beaches but still easily accessible.
The ferries depart from Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan and also from East 35th Street. The journey itself is quite comfortable. I’ve learned that the Seastreak ferries have both air-conditioned indoor seating and an open-air deck on top, which sounds delightful on a warm day. They also have restrooms and a full-service bar onboard, offering a nice selection of drinks and snacks.
Sandy Hook Beach is located within Gateway National Park. I’m told it has lifeguards and snack bars available through Labor Day, with restrooms right on the beach. Beyond just swimming, there are also parks, bike paths, opportunities for fishing, and even a historic lighthouse. It seems like a place where you could easily spend a whole day exploring.
Planning Your Trip to Sandy Hook
I’ve checked the pricing for the Seastreak ferry. A round trip typically costs $49 for adults and $22 for children 12 and under. There’s a special discount for the first departure of the day on weekdays, making it $39 for adults. This is something I’ll keep in mind!
It’s important to note that ferry tickets to Sandy Hook must be reserved in advance. These trips are based out of Manhattan. Once you arrive at the Sandy Hook Ferry Landing, there’s complimentary shuttle service to different beaches within the park, like Gunnison Beach and Beach D. This makes getting to your chosen spot very convenient.
The duration of the ferry ride can vary, from 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the day and time of travel. I’m looking at the schedules and it seems there are several departures throughout the day, especially on weekends. I’ve seen that in 2026, detailed schedules are usually available closer to the summer season, so it’s good to check closer to the date for the most up-to-date times.
Exploring Coney Island by Subway
Of course, one of the most classic New York beach destinations is Coney Island, and it’s incredibly easy to get to via the subway. I know this is a go-to for many families, and it’s great that it’s so straightforward to reach.
You can take the D, F, N, or Q train directly to the Coney Island-Stillwell Av station. From there, it’s a short walk following the signs towards Surf Avenue. There’s also an option to take the F or Q train to the West 8 St-NY Aquarium station, which is also within easy walking distance of the beach.
I’ve noted that Coney Island-Stillwell Av is an accessible station, which is important information for anyone who needs it. The West 8 St-NY Aquarium station is not accessible. The cost for a subway ride is currently $2.90 each way, making it a very budget-friendly option for a beach day.
A Special Nostalgia Ride
For a truly unique experience, I discovered a special event: the New York Transit Museum Nostalgia Ride. On one specific day, Saturday, July 19, 2025, you can ride a vintage 1930s train car from the 96th Street-Second Avenue Station in Manhattan all the way to Coney Island. This sounds like an absolutely charming way to travel, especially for anyone who appreciates history.
I’ve looked into the pricing for this special ride. It’s $60 per adult and $40 per child. For museum members, there are discounted rates of $50 for adults and $30 for children. More information and tickets for this event can be found online. I’m definitely considering this for a fun, themed outing.
About Coney Island Beach
Coney Island Beach is open for swimming daily from Memorial Day weekend through September 7, with lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 6 pm. I like knowing that there are lifeguards present, especially when traveling with family.
There are some fun amenities right on the beach itself. I found out there’s a playground located across the boardwalk from the Wonder Wheel, which is perfect for kids to burn off some energy. It really is like one big sandbox!
For those who enjoy sports, there’s a beach volleyball court located at W 10th Street. I also learned about Steeplechase Pier, which is located at the intersection of the boardwalk and W 17th Street. Taking a stroll down the pier sounds like a lovely way to enjoy the ocean views and the atmosphere.
I’m really impressed with the variety of beach destinations accessible from NYC without a car. Whether you’re looking for the classic boardwalk fun of Coney Island, the surfing waves of Rockaway, or a trip across the water to Sandy Hook, there are great options for everyone. I’m especially excited about how easy it is to incorporate these trips into a summer schedule for 2026. Planning these outings feels much simpler when I know there are good public transport links and fun activities for Emma and Sofia.
It’s always a good reminder to double-check ferry and subway schedules and prices before you head out, as these details can sometimes change. But having these accessible beach destinations makes summer in the city so much more enjoyable.
