Beaches in New York, New York

Keep your distance from other people

Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Photo by Robert

What you need to know about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and beaches in New York City, New York

Last update 22 May 2020 New York City beaches remain closed to swimming. Exercise, such as walking and running, and access to the sand and boardwalk, are permitted during regular park hours. There is currently no monitoring of beach water quality at New York City beaches. New York State Park grounds, forests and trails are currently open. Some State Parks have filled to capacity and are currently closed to incoming visitors and traffic. Click here to find out if your park is open. State Park beaches will begin to open to swimming Friday of Memorial Day Weekend, at 50% capacity or less and with heightened precautions. You must practice social distancing at a state beach. Pools will remain closed. Click here for more information. About New York, NY New York City is one of the most influential and exciting cities in the world. If nothing else, this city is the United States’ most populated and most ethnically diverse city. New York is known for being a cultural, economic, and entertainment hub, but did you know it also has a number of unique, beautiful, and swimmable beaches? Situated at the mouth of the Hudson River, on one of the largest natural harbours in the world, New York is met on the east by the North Atlantic Ocean. The East River, Harlem River, and Bronx River also flow through the city. Most of the city is on Manhattan Island, Staten Island, and the western parts of Long Island. New York is surrounded and intersected by water. From its wide rivers to its sandy beaches to its open ocean coast, New York offers a wealth of water recreation. New York’s transit system–which is almost as iconic as they city itself–can get you to many of the city’s best beaches inexpensively, quickly, and easily. Biking is also a great way to navigate the city. Swimming Water Quality in New York The New York City Office of Public Health Engineering samples New York Beaches a minimum of once per week from late May to early September. The Hudson Riverkeeper monitors a number of locations in the Hudson River from May to October. +Pool also samples water in four beaches around the Hudson River and monitors public beaches on weekdays from early July to early October. As New Yorkers are increasingly using their city’s abundant waters for recreation, threats to water quality are looming. Climate change, the city’s population growth, toxins, and sewage pollution all threaten New York’s local waters. The Hudson Riverkeeper works with communities to protect the city’s precious water sources. In the New York Harbour, the Billion Oyster Project is working to rehabilitate oyster reefs through reef construction, monitoring and public education initiatives. Oysters are adept at filtering nitrogen pollution out of the water as they feed, which makes for healthier ecosystems and better biodiversity. Oyster reefs also mitigate erosion and flooding by reducing the strength of waves coming to shore. Water Sports and Activities in New York In New York’s rivers, kayaking, canoeing, team rowing, rafting, tubing, cruising, sailing, and fishing are all popular activities. The coastal waters and sandy beaches along the Atlantic are especially wonderful spots for swimming, sunbathing, or working up a sweat with a game of volleyball, basketball, or handball. Of course, no tour of New York’s beaches would be complete without a trip to the legendary Coney Island Beach. This sanctuary from the city is not only a pop culture staple, but is also the perfect place to spend a day by the water. This lively beach features nearly 5 kilometers (3 miles) of sandy shores, rolling waves, a boardwalk, a fishing pier, beach volleyball courts, playgrounds, amusement rides, and a number of restaurants and shops. Although nature may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of New York, Wolfe’s Pond Beach offers a tranquil, uncrowded atmosphere and features a wildlife and plant preserve. Manhattan Beach is the place to be in May and June to observe horseshoe crabs arrive on the shore to mate. Many beaches in New York have lifeguards, such as Cedar Grove Beach, Coney Island Beach, and Rockaway Beach. Weather in New York In New York, summers are usually warm or hot and humid, with daily mean temperatures in July of 25 °C (77 °F). Temperatures in spring and fall can vary, and winters are usually cold and damp. In August, the Atlantic Ocean’s average temperature near this city is 23 °C (74 °F). New York may be best known as a big city, but it’s also home to plenty of excellent places to swim and enjoy the water.