If you’re looking for the best places to celebrate the 4th of July in NYC, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the best beaches in the city so that you can enjoy a day full of sun, sand, and fireworks. From Coney Island to Riis Park, there’s something for everyone. So grab your sunscreen and towel and check out our list!

My Favorite Beaches to Celebrate 4th of July in NYC

1. 01

   Best Beaches to Celebrate 4th of July: Coney Island, Brooklyn

   Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
   

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   A day trip to Coney Island is definitely worthwhile and while you are there, make sure to stay until sunset. At the beach it is just beautiful and very idyllic.

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2. 02

   Best Beaches to Celebrate 4th of July: Brighton Beach, Brooklyn

   Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
   

   Aerial view on Brighton Beach and Brooklyn with New York

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   Brighton Beach is an excellent spot for those looking to get away from the central area of Coney Island while still being close to all the fun it offers. With its calm waters and wide, sandy beaches, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the summer sun. However, similar to Coney Island, you should expect this beach to get pretty crowded on the Fourth of July, so be sure to arrive early!
3. 03

   Best Beaches to Celebrate 4th of July: Long Beach

   Other Attraction in Outside of New York City
   

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   Long beach is one of the most popular beaches on Long Island, and it’s no surprise why. With its gentle waves and expansive shoreline, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and more. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby to keep you entertained all day long.

   Both surfing and swimming are allowed at Long Beach, making it an excellent spot for both beginner and experienced swimmers. With its clean water and beautiful views, it’s no wonder this beach is one of the most popular in NYC.

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4. 04

   Best Beaches to Celebrate 4th of July: Main Beach

   Other Attraction in Outside of New York City
   

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   If you’re looking for one of the quietest and cleanest beaches found in East Hampton, Main Beach is the one for you. With its crystal clear water and soft sand, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the shore. Plus, you’ll be able to swim in the main area of the beach, where there’s a lifeguard on duty.

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5. 05

   Best Beaches to Celebrate 4th of July: Manhattan Beach

   Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
   

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   Manhattan Beach is located in the very south of Brooklyn and is one of the most popular beaches in the city. Its expansive shoreline is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the beach. Plus, you’ll be able to use their handball, volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts that are all located nearby.

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6. 06

   Best Beaches to Celebrate 4th of July: Riis Park Beach

   Other Attraction in Queens
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   Riis Park Beach is a beautiful spot for a picnic or a game of beach volleyball. Not only is it one of the cleanest beaches in NYC, but it also offers a great escape from the city. However, it’s important to note that there aren’t many restaurants or activities nearby, so you’ll want to pack water, snacks, and activities before heading to the beach.

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7. 07

   Best Beaches to Celebrate 4th of July: Rockaway Beach

   Day Trip in Queens
   

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   Located just over 20 miles from Manhattan, you’ll find Rockaway Beach tucked away in Queens. Though it’s known as Rockaway Beach, this destination encompasses several beaches between 3rd Street and 153rd Street. It is renowned for being the best beach destination close to New York City, so it merits the hour-long subway ride from downtown Manhattan. 

   If you visit this area in the high season from the end of May through Labor Day, then you can expect to find many surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers enjoying the water and sun. While it’s most popular in the summer, Rockaway Beach makes for a refreshing place to visit any time of the year. 

   Distance: 25 Miles (1 hour by car | 1,5 hour by subway)

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8. 08

   Best Beaches to Celebrate 4th of July: South Beach Staten Island

   Park in Staten Island
   

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   South Beach Staten Island is a gorgeous beach that invites you to relax and take a walk. Why fly all the way to Miami when you can find a South Beach on Staten Island? The wooden beach promenade is about 1.5 miles long and is the fourth longest in the world. From here, there is a beautiful view of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. On the boardwalk, there are bocce and picnic areas, as well as other sports facilities. The beach area is really beautiful and absolutely worthwhile.

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My conclusion

There you have it! These are just a few of the best beaches to celebrate the 4th of July in NYC. So whether you’re looking for a place to relax or enjoy some water activities, be sure to check out one of these spots. And don’t forget the sunscreen! Happy 4th of July!