Take The Train Or Ferry To These 5 Beaches Near NYC

NEW YORK, NY — Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and the first big beach day of the year. But there's no need to fight the holiday traffic to get some sand, surf and sun.

The subway can take New Yorkers to a few beaches within the five boroughs, there are even more outside the city that are reachable by train (or by ferry). An early start is likely best, as each one will likely be crowded with holiday visitors.

Here's a look at five beaches in the New York City area that you can reach by rail or by water.

Rockaway Beach

Erosion and other concerns forced the city to close an 11-block section of Rockaway Beach this summer, a disappointment for beachgoers. But about 4.5 miles of beach on the popular Queens peninsula will be open for swimming and sunbathing. The entire boardwalk will remain open too.

How to get there: Take the A train toward Far Rockaway and get off at one of the beach stops. The NYC Ferry also runs between Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan and Rockaway.

Jones Beach

Long Island's iconic 2,400-acre state park has 6.5 miles of beach. There are also plenty of summer activities, including mini golf, shuffleboard, historic exhibits and concerts at the Northwell Health Theater. There's an entry fee depending on how you get there.

How to get there: Take the Babylon branch of the Long Island Rail Road to Freeport, then take the n88 shuttle bus to the beach.

Fire Island

The thin barrier island off Long Island's South Shore is home to several different communities, but there are beautiful beaches no matter where you go. Visitors can also check out Robert Moses State Park and the Fire Island National Seashore, which is home to the island's famous lighthouse.

How to get there: Take the LIRR's Montauk branch to Bay Shore. Take a taxi or walk to the Fire Island ferry terminal and hop on a boat to the island. Adult round-trip ferry tickets are $19.

Sandy Hook

It might be in a different state, but Sandy Hook is closer to Manhattan than Jones Beach. The peninsula jutting into the Sandy Hook bay offers several activities and is home to the Gateway National Recreation Area.

How to get there: Take a Seastreak ferry to Sandy Hook from either Wall Street or East 35th Street in Manhattan. Regular adult fares are $46 round-trip.

Long Beach

Long Island's "City by the Sea" has white sandy beaches and its own boardwalk. There are several events throughout the summer, including a free concert series on the beach. You'll need a pass to get to the beach. More information about passes is available on the City of Long Beach website.

How to get there: Take the LIRR's Long Beach branch to its eponymous last stop.

(Lead image: Men play soccer on Rockaway Beach in May 2017. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)