Top Beaches in New York

My advice is to pack your own beach gear—like a towel and umbrella. Rentals can add up, and finding a good spot can be tricky during peak hours, especially around 1 PM.

Check out the food options off the boardwalk. While Nathan's hot dogs are iconic, I found some delicious eateries just a few blocks away that are way cheaper and have better variety

I recommend hitting the beach early, like around 9 AM, to snag a good spot and enjoy the sunrise. The crowds build up fast, and it really sets the vibe for the day.

I think renting a bike to explore the boardwalk is a must! It's super fun and gives you a chance to check out more of the park without getting tired.

My advice is to pack your lunch or snacks instead of relying on the pricey food stands. I spent way too much on hot dogs that weren't even that great!

Wear water shoes! The surf can get rough, and it’s nice to protect your feet from hidden rocks or rough sand. I learned this the hard way!

Check out the food vendors! I found some amazing tacos and fresh lemonade right near the beach. They can get busy, so go early around noon before the lines get long.

Bring some cash, but be careful. A lot of places around want only cash, and it can be tricky finding an ATM without huge fees. I was caught out once and it wasn’t fun!

I recommend checking the weather before you go. I went on a cloudy day expecting sun, and it turned out to be a bit chilly and not as fun as I hoped

I highly suggest getting there before 10 am to snag a good parking spot. It gets super crowded so you’ll want to beat the rush and find a nice place to set up your stuff.

Make sure to pack some good sunscreen! The sun can be intense, and I totally regretted not applying it earlier in the day. Trust me, you don't want to end up looking like a lobster!