pier village long
Activities, Parenting

Beach Trips Without a Car:

It’s hot out. What better way to beat the heat than hitting up a beach. No car? No worries. Here is a list of several beaches that are all easily accessible via public transportation. 

New Jersey: 

Asbury Park, New Jersey is an easy trip from Penn Station. Hop on  NJ Transit and be at the beach in just over an hour. Here you will find amazing food, hip boutiques, tons of family fun, and an awesome live music scene. All of this is tucked along a historic beachfront promenade and boardwalk. 

pinball museum

One of our favorite places to visit is The Silverball Museum. Here you will find video games, arcade games, and pinball machines which date from the 1930’s to the present. We also love visiting the Asbury Eighteen mini golf and the Carousel Building which history buffs will enjoy.  There is something for everyone here!

Want to make this an overnight or weekend trip? Stay at Asbury Ocean Club or The Asbury Hotel. 

Head a tiny bit south and end up at Ocean Grove

This resort town is known for its picturesque Victorian houses and the Great Auditorium, which is a huge wooden theater that hosts concerts and services. There is a boardwalk that runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. You will also find tennis courts and shuffle board. Ice cream parlors, breakfast cafes, and cute gift shops abound. 

Know before you go: if you want to spend time on this lovely beach, you will need to purchase beach badges. Don’t knock it–those badges keep the beaches safe and clean! You can get more info here. Daily badges are $10. 

pier village long

Keep going a bit more south (the last stop on the NJ Transit Coast Line) and you will hit up the lovely town of Long Branch, NJ. There is plenty to do here. You can go shopping at Pier Village, stroll on the promenade, eat at McLoone’s Pier House or splurge at Avenue.  You will also find free weekly outdoor concerts and movies under the stars and year round historic sites and parks. Long Branch is also home to the  New Jersey Repertory Company which presents both new and classic plays. One special spot that can’t be missed is Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, named for the U.S. presidents who vacationed here. Here you will find 38 acres, an ocean beach, swimming, boating, and so much more! 

Want to make it a longer trip? Stay here:  Ocean Place Resort & Spa or Cedars and Beeches Bed & Breakfast.

The closest to the City and the most fun way to arrive–via ferry is Sandy Hook. Take the Seastreak ferry from Wall Street. This multi-deck catamaran has great amenities including a snack bar that offers adult beverages. Tickets are a little steep (starting at $27), but it truly is a nice way to enjoy a scenic ride to the shore. This National Park has a lighthouse and museum. Check out the family friendly North Beach and South Beach. 

 

New York: 

Queens: 

rockaway beach

-The Rockaways 

If the weather looks promising this is no better time to hop on a ferry and head to a beach to kick off the unofficial start of summer! Head to the Rockaways! The ferry leaving from Wall Street is only 57 minutes. Watch the surfers (NYC’s only legal surfing beach) and eat some yummy food in this perfect day trip spot. Pro tip: get there early if a perfect weather day. The lines can get long. 

The Bronx: 

Orchard Beach was once called the Riviera of New York City and it doesn’t disappoint. This man made beach on the Long Island Sound (calm water for the kiddos) is easy to get to and is the Bronx’s only public beach. You will find basketball, tennis, handball, volleyball, a boardwalk, and picnic tables here. Take the 6 train to Pelham Bay Park then catch the Bx29 to City Island Ave. 

Brooklyn: 

Coney Island

Who doesn’t love a day spent at Coney Island? Not only is there the beach, but there is Luna Park and the aquarium. There is no place more famous for a NYC summer day than here. Take the subway and enjoy! 

Not far from Coney Island can find Brighton Beach. This is truly an immersive cultural experience. You can hop off the beach and get a tasty treat in Little Odessa. 

If you are wanting a little less action than Coney Island, head to Manhattan Beach. Take in the stunning mansions surround this family friendly beach. You can also play volleyball or have a picnic. Take the subway to Brighton Beach then hop on the B1 bus for a quick ride to Oriental Blvd. 

Long Island: 

Robert Moses State Park: This is a super easy train or bus ride away. Five miles of sandy beach, and 18-hole golf course, picnic areas, and places to surf. This is usually a less crowded option. And for a fun addition to the day head over to Field 5, where there is a 200 year old lighthouse that you can climb! Take the LIRR to Babylon, then transfer to the S-47 Suffolk Bus. 

Fire Island is another option for a fun overnight. Here you will find 26 miles of coastline. Fair Harbor is the family friendly spot. The island is famously free of cars and paved roads, and the only way to travel is by foot, bike, or a golf cart! Hop on the LIRR to Bay Shore and then get the 20 minute ferry to the island. So easy! 

You can also take the train right to Long Beach for a little family fun. Here there is five miles of sand that beckons for frisbee and sandcastles. Being just an hour from the City makes this an easy day trip for the family. There is a boardwalk and a host of cute restaurants to enjoy. Try the Bungalow for family friendly food options. 

If you are looking to get a bit farther out of NYC head to Shelter Island. It is usually less crowded than the Hamptons and is a great city escape. Kayak, paddleboard, or hike in the nature preserve. Take the LIRR to Greenport then hop on the ferry–it is only 10 minutes! 

 



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