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Five Great Local Beaches You Can Get To Without A Car

By

John Del Signore

Published May 25, 2012

Modified May 25, 2012

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Jones Beach: It can get crowded and it takes a bit of time to get out there, but Jones Beach State Park is definitely the place to go for a big, classic day at the beach. It boasts 6.5 miles of ocean beach, a beautiful boardwalk, a half mile of bay beach, two swimming pools, miniature golf, and a Friendly's. Of course, let's not forget the visually stunning yet maddeningly fascist amphitheater, where we once saw a Phish fan jump from the balcony during set break. Depending on where you're coming from in the city, it can take between 90 minutes to two hours by mass transit. You take the LIRR to the Freeport Stop, where you'll squeeze onto an MTA bus packed with rowdy teenagers who will spark a wave of dread and doubt about your decision to ever leave the A.C. Maintain. As everyone gets off at the West Bath House, remain calm and seated. Go further, to the East Bath House, where the beach tends to be less crowded. While it's true the Friendly's is located at the West Bath House, it's advisable to hit that at the end of the day, after a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk.

 

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By

John Del Signore

Published May 25, 2012

Modified May 25, 2012

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It's sometimes easy to forget that New York is a city surrounded by beautiful beaches, some accessible for just the cost of a luxury MetroCard. All 14 miles of city beaches are free, and they open tomorrow, May 26th, at 10 a.m.! Click on the photos here for details on five excellent beach options within easy reach from downtown Manhattan: Rockaway Beach; Jones Beach; Fort Tilden; Sandy Hook N.J.; and Manhattan Beach.

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John Del Signore

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Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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