You live in the greatest, most energetic city in the world! Now what is the second best perk after calling yourself a true New Yorker? It’s the proximity to some of the most relaxing, sprawling, family-friendly, event-filled beaches the east coast has to offer.

As Memorial Day this year 2015 kicks off to what looks to be a sunny and sizzling summer, Platinum provides you with insider knowledge to beach destinations easily accessed from the city. You can also browse our properties for apartments with easy access for travel to the beach.

Pack your beach bag, charge your iPhone, and switch your “business cas” style to “beachy fab” this holiday weekend! Here is our list of adventurous, family-friendly, or relaxing city escapes to fit your Memorial Day plans, but if you happen to be staying in the city to enjoy the weather check out The Best Building Roof Decks in Downtown.

Coney Island

This “oldie but goodie” remains the main destination for city folk. Did you know Coney Island offers more than just historical beachfront? Take the kids to the re-vamped Luna Park amusement park or get underwater at the Coney Island Aquarium. New this summer is the Steeplechase Pier, beautifully rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy. Enjoy the inclusion of gourmet food trucks and diversity of the crowd mixing in from all boroughs or keep it “Coney classic” with a Nathan’s hot dog and a ride on the epic Wonder Wheel.

How to get there: D,F,N,Q subway to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue

Long Beach

Good ol’ Long Island (pronounced Lawn-Guy-Land to be exact) is the suburban expanse directly connected to Manhattan on which accents are thick and pride is thicker. Long Beach, located centrally on the South Shore facing the Atlantic Ocean, is a perfect mini getaway for city dwellers.  Long Beach is a perennial “beach town” offering restaurants, bars, local shops, great seafood and a clean and long boardwalk. The beautiful beach is well-kept, with rolling Atlantic waves dotted with local surfers.

How to get there:  Long Island Railroad from to Long Beach station

Rockaway Beach

Truth be told, Rockaway beach has a mixed history – a stretch of beach covering the border from Queens into western Long Island, the beach has seen a major revitalization post-Hurricane Sandy. With certain parts once bordering seedier neighborhoods, everything old is now beachy and new. Bittersweet-ly, Sandy destroyed much of the boardwalk. It is now rebuilt and bigger and better, with new restaurants, shops, amenities, and even new beach as sand had to be replaced due to massive storm erosion.

How to get there: A subway to Broad Channel stops (several stop options for beach)

Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook is a seven-mile stretch of the Jersey Shore with bay beaches, plus many trails and historic sites. There is much to do here besides lay out on the sand while enjoying spectacular Manhattan views. Surfing and wind surfing is popular, fishing and bird watching in protected areas, plus biking, skating, and walking on multiuse paths. For those who dare, Gunnison Beach is clothing-optional and a bit private. Get your real Jersey tan on!

How to get there: SeaStreak ferries from Manhattan to Sandy Hook.

By train: New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line to Red Bank, then NJT Bus 834 to Highlands

 

Before or after your trip you can also indulge with some great suggestions for Springtime Brunch in FiDi.