Best Beaches Near NYC
Escape Manhattan for a day at the Jersey Shore. These beaches are 1-2.5 hours away by car or train - perfect for a summer day trip.
40 mi
Closest Beach
3
Free Beaches
6+
Train Accessible
⛴️
Ferry Available
🏆 Top Pick for NYC Day Trippers: Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook is the closest beach to Manhattan and the only one with a direct ferry connection. The NYC Ferry runs seasonally from Wall Street and East 35th Street, making it possible to reach the beach in under an hour without a car. Plus, the beach itself is free (just pay for ferry or parking).
All Beaches by Distance from NYC
Closest beach to Manhattan with ferry access
🚗 Drive Time
50 min - 1.5 hrs
🚂 Transit Time
1.5 - 2 hrs
Transit Options:
Best For:
Long Branch
50 milesDirect train from Penn Station with Pier Village dining
🚗 Drive Time
1 - 1.5 hrs
🚂 Transit Time
1.5 - 2 hrs
Transit Options:
Best For:
Asbury Park
55 milesArts, music, and LGBTQ+-friendly with direct train
🚗 Drive Time
1 - 1.5 hrs
🚂 Transit Time
1.5 - 2 hrs
Transit Options:
Best For:
Belmar
60 milesFamily-friendly beach town with train access
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 hrs
🚂 Transit Time
1.5 - 2 hrs
Transit Options:
Best For:
Point Pleasant Beach
65 milesClassic boardwalk with Jenkinson's aquarium
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 - 1.5 hrs
🚂 Transit Time
2 hrs
Transit Options:
Best For:
Seaside Heights
75 milesIconic boardwalk with rides and Casino Pier
🚗 Drive Time
1.5 hrs
🚂 Transit Time
2.5 hrs (with bus transfer)
Transit Options:
Best For:
Casinos, free beach, and 24/7 entertainment
🚗 Drive Time
2 hrs
🚂 Transit Time
2.5 - 3 hrs
Transit Options:
Best For:
Massive FREE beach with huge boardwalk - worth the drive
🚗 Drive Time
2.5 hrs
🚂 Transit Time
Not practical (requires multiple transfers)
Transit Options:
Best For:
How to Get There from NYC
NYC Ferry to Sandy Hook
The most scenic option. Ferries run from Wall Street and East 35th Street seasonally (May-September). About 40 minutes to Highlands, then shuttle to beach.
NJ Transit from Penn Station
North Jersey Coast Line runs directly to Long Branch, Asbury Park, Belmar, and other shore towns. About 90 minutes to most destinations.
Drive via Holland/Lincoln Tunnel
Take Garden State Parkway South from the tunnel. Traffic is heavy on summer weekends - leave before 7am or after 2pm.
Bus Options
Academy Bus runs express service from Port Authority to various shore towns during summer. Check schedules in advance.
NYC Day Trip Tips
Timing
- • Leave early (before 7am) to beat traffic
- • Beach arrival by 9-10am is ideal
- • Return after 6pm when traffic eases
- • Weekdays are much less crowded
What to Bring
- • Cash for beach badges ($8-15/day)
- • Sunscreen and shade
- • Cooler with drinks and snacks
- • Towels and change of clothes
If Taking Transit
- • Check return train schedules before going
- • Pack light - you'll carry everything
- • Download NJ Transit app for tickets
- • Bring refillable water bottle
Money Savers
- • Free beaches: Sandy Hook, Atlantic City, Wildwood
- • Beaches are free before 9am and after 5pm
- • Buy weekly badge if staying multiple days
- • Pack lunch to avoid boardwalk prices
Plan Your Beach Day
Explore all Jersey Shore towns to find your perfect beach escape.