One of the many advantages of living on an island is waterfront access, and Brooklyn has that in spades. Head to the bottom of the borough and you’ll find areas where New Yorkers have been taking close-to-home seaside getaways for almost 200 years. You won’t find serene, deserted stretches of sand here (we don’t really do serene here in Brooklyn), but you will find expansive Atlantic beaches full of humans of every lifestyle, creed and nationality. Everyone loves sun and surf, after all. A pro tip: All of these beaches are easily accessible by subway, so save yourself parking fees and hassle and leave the rental car at your hotel.
Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk
Despite a rash of recent real-estate developments, Coney Island remains one of the most delightfully strange and colorful neighborhoods in the city. A resort town since the 1840s, the area is home to a three-mile-long beach in addition to its amusement parks and midways. Walk along the historic boardwalk to the sand, complete with fake palm trees and a southern view toward New Jersey and beyond. There’s also plenty to distract, from volleyball courts to food stands and the nearby MCU Park, where the minor-league baseball team Brooklyn Cyclones play. (more…)