How to Get to NYC Beaches on Public Transit

New York City beaches open for the summer on Memorial Day weekend. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

New York City's Parks Department maintains city beaches. The National Park Service maintains beaches that are part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, such as Jacob Riis Park and Fort Tilden.

On Long Island, beaches are maintained by different agencies. Get more information.

General tips

Check for service changes before you go. We do critical repair work on weekends and you may need to take a different route.
Check beach status for New York City beaches before you go to find out about water quality advisories or closures.
Add value to your MetroCard or set up OMNY contactless fare payment before you go.
Be mindful of your beach gear while you travel. Don't block seats or aisles, and keep doorways and walkways clear.
Bikes are allowed at many New York beaches. Here's how to bring your bike on subways, buses, and trains.

Helpful apps and websites

MTA app, for transit directions, maps, real-time service updates, and more
TrainTime, for schedules, real-time train tracking, and buying tickets for Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad
NYC Parks beach information
National Park Service beach information