Summer is underway, and there’s no better place to cool off and have fun than at the beach. For hard-working souls who can’t manage to leave off working for even a weekend, there are various spots in New York to choose from if you’re desperate to take a dip and sun yourself for a few forbidden hours.—Gabriela Frias
1 When one thinks of Brooklyn, it’s hard not to think of Coney Island, and nothing tops off a visit to the beach like a ride on the famous Cyclone, followed by a Nathan’s Famous hot dog. You should make it a point to visit this season, since Coney Island is due for a facelift that may leave it all but unrecognizable. Thor Equities bought the Astroland amusement park in November and wants to redevelop the area.
Subway: B, D, F, N, R at Stillwell Ave.-Coney Island; D, F at West 8th Street. coneyisland.com
2 Where can you enjoy an ice-cold tropical drink or a beer while gazing at the Manhattan skyline? At Water Taxi Beach, located at the New York Water Taxi Hunters Point ferry stop in Long Island City, Queens. This 44,000-square-foot beach is just a four-minute Water Taxi ride from Midtown. Though there’s no swimming at the beach, it has a volleyball net and live music and entertainment in the evening.
Subway: 7 to Jackson/Vernon, G to 21st St./Jackson Ave., or E/F to 23rd St./Ely Ave. watertaxibeach.com
3 Dubbed “the Riviera of New York,” Orchard Beach in the Bronx consists of a 13-section sandy beach, a hexagonal-block promenade, two playgrounds, two picnic areas and 26 courts for basketball, volleyball and handball. Orchard Beach is part of the city’s largest park, Pelham Bay Park, so you can take a stroll through the foliage if you tire of sand.
Subway: 6 to Pelham Bay Park; Bus: Bx12; Bx5
4 Though many places in New York City are crowded, the beach doesn’t have to be one of them. Jacob Riis Park, located in Rockaway, Queens, is one mile of beachfront with a boardwalk and bathhouse. It’s among the cleaner city beaches and has a topless/clothing-optional area.
Subway: 2 at Flatbush Ave.; Bus: Q35 at the beach
