There are many wonderful things to do in New York. But when talking about the top ten tourist spots in New York, beaches are mostly on the list. With these, here are the top beaches in New York which will chill you out and enjoy. Maps are also included for you to know how to get to these places.
If you’re with your kinds and you’re searching for a well equipped playground for your little ones to have something busy of, Staten Island's South Beach and adjoining Midland Beach would be perfect.
According to Wikipedia, South Beach is the name of a neighborhood located on the East Shore of Staten Island, one of the five boroughs of New York City, USA. It is situated immediately to the south of the Staten Island side of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Directly east of the beach is Hoffman Island, and Swinburne Island.
In the early 20th Century, many summer homes dotted the neighborhood, including an organized development consisting of such structures known as Bungalowtown. South Beach was the terminus of a branch of the Staten Island Railway to which service was halted in 1953; by the 1980s the tracks of this line had been uprooted, and tract homes now stand on the original right-of-way in many places. Railroad Avenue is the only evidence left behind. Many small amusement parks and arcades once flourished there, but virtually all had disappeared by the 1970s; the last one closed in 2006. The City of New York built a public housing project in the neighborhood in 1949; it is one of only three such projects found on the island south of the Staten Island Expressway.
The neighborhood's principal thoroughfare was originally named Seaside Boulevard, and, as its name suggested, it runs parallel to the shoreline, with the South Beach-Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boardwalk flanking it on the shoreward side. This roadway, which was the only portion of the "Shore Front Drive" proposed by Robert Moses to be actually built, was later renamed Father Capodanno Boulevard, after a Roman Catholic chaplain who was killed in action during the Vietnam War, and runs from near the Verrazano Bridge to Midland Beach.
In the early 20th Century many Italian-Americans, including immigrants, settled in the neighborhood, and their descendants still form the majority of the community's population. There is also a large [Russian] community along with [Mexicans[ and other ethics growing here on South Beach. Y Two hospitals — one an acute-care facility (the North Campus of Staten Island University Hospital), the other a state-run hospital for the mentally ill (the South Beach Psychiatric Center) — stand at the southern edge of the neighborhood (sometimes reckoned as the separate locality of Ocean Breeze), which often suffers from severe flooding after heavy rains due to its location along a coastal flood plain. The location of the two hospitals was marshland as recently as the 1960s.
Seeing bunch of people having their bodies bathe under the sun, strolling around boardwalk and having a look at the scenic view along the shore will make the moment more fun.
But if you’re already tired from having a tour on museums and parks and you’re searching for some place to reminisce and relax, having the calm and quiet place like Fort Tilden State Park will be good to you.
Fort Tilden (c) Will Tung
Girl on the Beach (c) David Trawin 
Beach bench (c) katie chao and ben muessig
According to Wikipedia, Fort Tilden, also known as Fort Tilden Historic District, is a former United States Army installation in the New York City borough of Queens and part of Gateway National Recreation Area. It is located on the Rockaway Peninsula between Jacob Riis Park to the east and Breezy Point to the west. All three sites are operated by the National Park Service.
Fort Tilden today is largely a natural area of beach, dunes and maritime forest. Most of the old military installations are abandoned, though some buildings have been renovated and are used by local arts groups. Atop one of the old batteries, Battery Harris East is a viewing platform offering 360-degree views that encompass the city, New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. The area is popular with bird-watchers and other nature-lovers and is widely used for fishing.
September 2009 (c) Scott Dexter
Sunrise at Fort Tilden Beach (c) Nick Gray
"Matt, Indira, Seema, Michael Galpert, and me at Fort Tilden beach sunrise (photo by Olga)." said by the author of this photo.
Are you a celebrity fanatic or just want to see hot surfers and lifeguards? Maybe you can catch one of them if you’ll take yourself into East Hampton's Main Beach. Experience the ultimate spot to see and be seen.

Main Beach (c) Rafael Sato

Me surfing in Noosa (c) Christian Haugen
“This picture was taken on our last day in Noosa where we finally got waves that were easier to surf on. This resulted in what you see, me surfing!! This picture was taken at Noosa Main Beach.” said by the author of this photo.
According to Wikitravel, The Hamptons has some of the most naturally beautiful beaches. They have ocean beach and bay beaches which tend to be less crowded and calmer. Main Beach in East Hampton is the most popular, where you will find the rich and famous lounging. Many enjoy Georgica Beach as well which is equally beautiful but less crowded and is lined by mansions and estates.

Noosa Lifeguard (c) Christian Haugen
“This is the Lifeguard outpost on the western side of Noosa Main Beach facing the river. As the sun was setting it made a good photo opportunity. So while the rest of the campervan crew was packing up I scurried off to take some last minute shots.” said by the author of this photo.
Sand Castle (c) Johan Larsson
“This magnificent castle was built by a Sandologist named Steve Machell. Made of nothing but sand and water, this man's artworks are truly amazing. If you are in Byron Bay, nick down to Main Beach at sunset and see if you can find him. They usually take him a couple of hours to build so you can actually follow the building progress.” said by the author of this photo.

Main Beach, Stradbroke Island (c) Miak

Waves - Main Beach (c) Alpha

View over Main Beach (c) Daniel Pink

Sunrise at Main beach (c) Dave Evans
Silhouette (c) Karen Blumberg
Got hungry? Take a sip at Brighton Beach's delightful serving restaurants. And as you take your eat, you’ll never get bored while having a meal seeing the stunning view of the beach.

Horizon seen from Brighton Beach (c) Dominic Alves

Tip Top Kite Day New Brighton Beach Christchurch (c) Marielle den Hoedt
Brighton Beach (c) Oliver Mallich
“Brighton is a town on the south coast of England, and with its neighbor Hove forms the city of Brighton and Hove. The ancient settlement of Brighthelmston dates from before the Domesday Book (1086), but it emerged as a health resort during the 18th century and became a destination for day-trippers after the arrival of the railway in 1841. Brighton welcomes 8 million tourists a year with its hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment facilities, which additionally serve a substantial business conference industry.” said by the author fo this photo.

Alfresco Italian Restaurant (c) Dominic Alves
“Alfresco Italian Restaurant and Cafe Bar on the seafront at the boarder of Brighton and Hove at sunset.” said by the author of this photo.

Jack and Linda Mills Traditional Fish Smokers, Brighton (c) DaisyBush
“After my long walk down Western Road and shopping trip to Taj food store, I went down to the beach to wade in the ocean before catching my train back to London. This tiny food stall under the arches just at the edge of the beach looked a good bet for a quick lunch. Unassuming and unpretentious, this was the best "fast" food I have ever eaten. Yes, that sounds like a boastful claim, but since I don't actually eat conventional fast food, and I'm not a fan of the usual take-away sandwich, it's hard for me to find anything that's hot, take-away and good, not to mention inexpensive. I bought the daily special - fresh grilled mackerel fillet on a soft bread roll for £2.20. The counter staff grilled it while I waited and I ate it outside at one of the tall tables (the shop is tiny - no seating inside or out). It was one of the best pieces of fish I have ever had. Really! And at £2.20 it was far better than sit-down restaurants that cost more than 10x that much. Also better than the soggy breaded fish that most fish and chips stall sell.” said by the author of this photo.

Brighton beach restaurant - camera phone (c) Jessica Spengler

Tatiana Restaurant (c) Paul Lowry
Experience tasting one of the best foods nearby the beach. You may just love it.

Rice Pilaf waiting to be served (c) Jeffrey Bary

Cafe Kashkar (c) Jeffrey Bary

Lamb Ribs (c) Jeffrey Bary
Display / cold case (c) Jeffrey Bary
"Salads on the top shelf, kabobs on the middle shelf, fresh vegetables on the bottom." said by the author of this photo.

Kupaty Sausage plate - Tatiana (c) Jason Lam

Potato Vareniki dumplings - Tatiana (c) Jason Lam
Do you want to tan yourself out from the sun without any suit marks? Then Gunnison Beach in Monmouth County is the place for you. Enjoy playing with the waves, building sand castles and even strolling around the boardwalk as you swim along the bay. But beware of what you can see on this place. You may encounter nude sunbathers.
Sponge Bob No Pants (c) Jackie
According to Wikipedia, Gunnison Beach located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States, is part of the Sandy Hook unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area, and is managed by the National Park Service. Gunnison Beach was named for the Gunnison Battery, a fortification built by the U.S. Government to protect New York Harbor in the 1800s. Remnants of the battery, including gun emplacements, overlook the beach. It was once part of Fort Hancock, a test site and proving ground for the US Army for many years and was later the site of a Nike missile defense installation. The base was decommissioned in 1972, and a few years later the beach where the soldiers used to skinny dip, opened as a public clothing-optional beach. From Memorial Day to Labor Day a $10 parking fee is needed to enter Sandy Hook.
In 1999, New Jersey passed a law that allows municipalities and counties to prohibit all types of nudism on state or local beaches in their jurisdiction, making Gunnison Beach the only legal nude beach in the state, since it is on federal land not subject to state or municipal regulations. Also, since there is no law against alcohol on federal lands drinking is allowed. Gunnison is the largest clothing-optional recreation area on the East Coast. The clothing optional beach, which offers dramatic views of Brooklyn and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, attracts nearly 5,000 naturists per weekend in the summer months. Part of the beach is shared on a seasonal basis with a reserved breeding ground for the endangered Piping Plover, a native shore bird.
“March 18, 2011 (Friday) Unusually warm day during the Winter. Izzie has been dreaming of going to the beach. Well then I took this opportunity to take a day off and we went to Sandy Hook, NJ. It went up to 81 degrees, so it was really good.” said by the one who uploaded this video.
Playing with the waves are also one of the fun things to do on the beach.
Ben, Galya and Val are having fun at the Sandy Hook Beach...
Aside from having a boardwalk and surfing with the waves, playing with the kite and ball games are also in.
Are you a party people? Then Harry's Bar at Water Taxi beach is the perfect place for you. With their late night party oasis offers in Queens with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline, you’ll get the party feeling you’ll love.
Water Taxi Beach (c) Insufficient Postage
According to Wikipedia, Water Taxi Beach is an artificial temporary beach created on a wharf on the East River in the Hunters Point section of Long Island City, in the New York City borough of Queens. It is operated by the New York Water Taxi Company and is open to the public for free during the summer months only. The beach can also be rented for private parties. In concept, Water Taxi Beach is similar to Paris Beach in Paris, France. The beach was operated by Harry Hawk and Tony Rosciglione and partners who ran the beach owned by NY Water Taxi, now Harbor Experience Companies.
The restaurant Harry's at Water Taxi Beach serves barbecue-type foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, beer, wine, and tropical drinks. There is also a full catering menu. In May 2008, Harry's won first place in a contest to determine which restaurant had the best burger in the boroughs.
Fireboat at the fireworks; East River (c) Bill
"Our view from Harry's Water Beach Taxi for the fireworks. Lot's of clouds and a little rain." said by the author of this photo.
The beach concept was created in 2005 as an experiment in community and economic development by New York Water Taxi to attract Manhattanites to Long Island City and to make weekend ferries serving the new residential high-rises near the beach financially viable. The success of the beach has led New York Water Taxi to propose a similar project in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Since 2007 Water Taxi Beach has been one of the main sites of the annual NYC Food Film Festival.
In March 2008, additional sand was added to the property, expanding its size and making room for three new beach volleyball courts.
In 2005, the company started planning service to Governors Island in 2005, started service on June 2, 2008, and opened a Water Taxi beach there on July 10, 2009. A beach was also opened at the South Street Seaport on Memorial Day Weekend, 2009.
Water Taxi Beach Sunset (c) Jebb
A blog author says, “The fabulous sandy beach at Water Taxi Beach is open this weekend due to the awesome weather predicted.”
View of East Side from LIC (c) Karen Slumberg
Another blog author says, “Saturday night I checked out Water Taxi Beach with some friends. Water Taxi Beach is a beer garden type place in Long Island City, Queens. It's operated by the New York Water Taxi and is located right along the East River. We got there a little late, but it was still a lot of fun. Admission was $3 and beers were $6 each. There was sand throughout the entire outdoor area, and great views of the Manhattan skyline. The place was pretty empty, but I think it was only because we got there after 1AM. I suggest getting there earlier in the evening and watching the sun set over Manhattan while throwing a few back with good friends. I'm definitely going to head back sometime soon.”
Do you like having an adventurous experience? Then take extreme sports while on the water. Surf as long as you like with Rockaway Peninsula’s shorelines that rocks the waves. Show your surfing exhibitions. Enjoy.
Rockaway Beach Resort (c) Paul Hamilton
According to Wikipedia, Rockaway Beach is a neighborhood on the Rockaway Peninsula in the New York City borough of Queens. It is located on the South Shore of Long Island. The neighborhood is bounded by Arverne to the east and Rockaway Park to the west. It is named for Rockaway Beach, which is the largest urban beach in the United States, stretching for miles along the Rockaway Peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is run and operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Rockaway Beach was once known as the "Irish Riviera" because of the large Irish American population in the area. As of the United States Census, 2000, 25.4% of residents in ZIP code 11693 identified themselves as having Irish ancestry. As of January 1, 2007, the community's total population has reached to over 19,000 people making it the third most populated neighborhood on the peninsula.
According to Wikipedia, Rockaway Beach is a scenic location and offers recreation, shopping and dining. Rockaway Beach is a shoreline area of the Pacific Ocean in the southern portion of Pacifica, California approximately seven miles south of the city of San Francisco. The beach is noted for its scenic vista, easy access to Highway 1, and restaurant and shopping venues. Rockaway beach is located within a gently curving embayment with direct access via Rockaway Beach Avenue.
Rockaway Beach (c) rayb777
Rockaway Beach (c) rayb777
Are you with your family and on a budget? Feel free to take sunbathe and walk around at Orchard Beach which the only public beach in Pelham Bay park area. Get your foods ready in a way that you can cook your own foods while in this beach.

Shot of an empty orchard beach in w:Pelham Bay Park (c) Gabriel Liendo

Orchard Beach (c) Dan DeLuca
According to Wikipedia, Orchard Beach is a public beach in the borough of the Bronx in New York City. The beach is part of Pelham Bay Park and is situated on the western end of Long Island Sound. Once referred to as "the Riviera of New York City", the 115-acre (0.47 km2), 1.1-mile (1.8 km)-long (1.77 km) park consists of a 13-section sandy beach, a hexagonal-block promenade, a central pavilion with food stores and specialty shops, two playgrounds, two picnic areas, a large parking lot, and 26 courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball. It is operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. It is most recognized for its unique crescent shape, and beautiful view of City Island, Bronx.

Orchard Beach (c) Dan DeLuca
“Oh, man, I love Orchard Beach.” said by the author of this photo.
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