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    Brighton Beach

    3.9 (141 reviews)

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    John B.

    This is a quiet beach. From the train station a rubber walkway allowed one to get to the water without sand exposure. I was caught up a bit in the rising tide and headed back to the boardwalk, which is open late (though the bathrooms along it are not). The boardwalk was a lively place full of various musical endeavors of questionable legality (and audiences that didn't mind). The surrounding area was relatively quiet and residential with only a few restaurants. It was certainly a place where you could swim or site quietly on the beach, even if it lacks the cachet of some of the areas with more development or a clearer view of the setting sun. And it's accessible on the train and free.

    Kathy K.

    Known for its high population of Russian and Eastern European communities, this Brooklyn neighborhood is famous for the beaches and traditional ethnic restaurants and markets. Located next to Coney Island and the New York Aquarium, we were able to walk everywhere. We made it a tourist day and took the Q train subway to the Coney Island, walked the boardwalk, and had dinner in Brighton Beach.

    Nicole K.

    This beach is so easy to get to by taking the Q. This is my second time at this beach and it's been great. It's dog friendly and not too crowded. It's relatively clean and a nice getaway. There's also plenty of places to grab a bite or sit down for lunch or dinner. Recommend if you want to go to a beach within less than an hour from Manhattan.

    Alexis B.

    I love that Brooklyn's beaches are just a (long-ish) subway ride away from downtown Brooklyn. On a hot day on a recent visit to NYC, walking along the beach was the only thing I really wanted to do! The day was steaming hot and it was a holiday weekend, so we weren't the only ones that had this idea - there were thousands of people enjoying themselves at the beach. If the weather is right and you need a change from the city, take a trip out to Brighton Beach!

    Karthikeyan R.

    The ongoing pandemic has definitely taken a toll on a lot of businesses and public places since a consumer's mindset to buy anything outside of essentials or to visit a public place like a park or beach, has crippled down significantly. Now by living with what has become the new normal, it is commendable on how these businesses and public places continue to remain open and cater to the general public by following the safety standards. It is now all the more important that we as customers, support these heroes during these dark hours to mankind. Our recent interest has been Sunset hunting and we looked up the internet for sunset places and that's how ran into this beautiful spot. To start off with the most important part, Don't worry about the parking as they have a dedicated free Municipal parking right by the beach and there also free street parking spots available near the children's park. It was almost 4:35 (sunset time) at Brighton beach that we arrived here and had to run towards the sun to get a better picture. Wish we had arrived here at least 15 mins earlier to watch the fuller sun (May be return for a different day). The sunset still looked spectacular and is one of the best we have seen. The beach looked clean and well maintained and it was surprising for us, considering it's vastness- speaking of which, there's enough social distancing for everyone. There's a Children's park facility adjacent to the parking area that was buzzing with kids. If you are a sunset lover, do check out this place!

    Yuk L.

    Beach day with my bestie and her running buddies after they did their weekend run. I was instructed to come down Brighton 4 after getting off the train. I easily found my crew and we had a lovely day chilling under the sun. It's been years since I've been to the beach here and recall it always being very crowded. The crowds were not bad today. Be sure to grab a gyro from Beyti for lunch!

    Subway Over Brighton Beach Avenue
    Steve A.

    Brighton Beach either refers to the beach or the neighborhood in Brooklyn. Either way it's a good place for seeing authentic ethnic culture. The beach is comparatively beautiful for the northern US. It can be reached from the Boardwalk. The neighborhood is close by there. It may be about a mile from Coney Island. It's not referring to the beach in that area, but to the beach past Ocean Parkway. The beach here is fairly clean, and isn't too scary even later. If you're feeling more adventurous, you should head up into the city. The neighborhood of Brighton Beach is one of the best known in Brooklyn, and it's for good reason. It was formerly known for its huge Jewish population. There's a significant amount of Russians. Along Brighton Beach Avenue are fruit stands and shops, with owners calling out their walk up windows to customers. This is a truly authentic experience, one you won't find in the gentrified northern Brooklyn. Above the street are the subway tracks that are awesome to walk along. There's many great ethnic restaurants. Come if you're tired of gentrified Brooklyn. It's not as authentic as it once was but it's still an important part of the borough. The beach is close and it's right off the Q train.

    Yuri Y.

    A nostalgic place for me -- dating back to the 1950's and 60's. But for the parachute ride dominating the skyline in the distance -- it bears little resemblance to what it once was -- but in a good way. In my youth -- this beach and nearby Coney Island is where New Yorkers of few means enjoyed sand and surf in the summer for the cost of a subway token. For those better heeled -- a short jaunt down the boardwalk got you to the Coney Island rides, amusements and of course Nathan's hotdogs, crinkle fries and well buttered corn. Back then NYC also dumped its raw sewage and all sorts of other nasties in the ocean -- which had a way of washing up on shore. Despite the pollution -- the beach was almost always jammed with humanity -- most of us just trying to escape the dog days of summer and tenement life without AC. Getting tar glued to your body after a swim was expected -- as was risking some sort of bacterial infection from the rancid waters. Better than standing in front of an open fire hydrant in alphabet city on the LES. Today the boardwalk is brand new -- the ocean is much cleaner -- the sand is raked and looks pristine. Restaurants flanking the beach are Eastern European and upscale and the surrounding neighborhood is like a middle eastern souk -- chock a block full of Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Central Asian foods and wares you cannot easily source anywhere else. I worked in nearby Bensonhurst for many years and remember the Russian/Jewish migration to Brooklyn that started during Jimmy Carter's presidency -- and how the Brezhnev era Soviets peacefully invaded what was then mostly an Italian/Jewish/Latino neighborhood. It wasn't long before Brighton was conquered by the newcomers and renamed "Little Odessa" in honor of the Ukrainian Black Sea port and favorite vacation destination for Soviet masses. Like so many parts of NYC these days -- Brighton Beach has gentrified -- with luxury high rises abutting the beach with ocean views in place of the low income tenements that once dotted the area -- some of which are still around. Rents are high and real estate prices are off the charts -- despite the cacophony emanating from the elevated train that snakes through the neighborhood like blood through a clogged artery -- just blocks from the beach. I like to walk this beach in winter. It is a pleasing respite and counterpoint to our infrequent -- calorie heavy -- cultural food immersion trips to the area. If you want to experience a little of what the multi-ethnic Soviet cultural experience was like without visiting Russia -- there is no better destination than Brighton Beach. Spend the day. Walk around. Buy some cool stuff. Sample authentic food and traditions from cultures spanning the Mediterranean to the Far East. Share a few drinks with some locals. It is still only a subway token ride away from most anywhere in the City -- and still worth it.

    9/5/10
    Matteo R.

    As far as NYC beaches, this is probably as good as it gets. Easy to reach by subway, bike, or car, Brighton Beach is pretty clean, and it certainly feels very safe. There are a lot of lifeguards, not only lifeguards on the usual towers, but also lifeguards on the rocks[1]! Police patrol the beach aboard an electric car. The water is less choppy than at other beaches on the Rockaway peninsula, and also slightly warmer. Although most of the beach goers are Russian and Ukranian, it's pretty diverse. Definitely good for people watching. There are many vendors going around the beach and selling corn on the cob, empanadas, knishes, cold drinks (including beer), and kites. And after spending a day lazying around on the beach, take a walk on the boardwalk towards Coney Island before going home. And watch the sun go down over the parachute jump tower while sipping a beer and eating some greasy seafood. Quintessential NY. ------------------------------------------ [1] Meaning those artificial barriers made of rocks and concrete, not some sort of beach cocktail.

    Linda D.

    Not the greatest NYC beaches but one of the better ones. Wish they had more staff for maintenance. It's near public transportation, lots of restaurant and stores (which one of the main reasons we come here).

    View
    Stefany V.

    When we went to NYC, I knew we'd trek out to Brighton Beach to check out the Eastern European eats. I didn't think we'd actually find enough to spend the entire day there, but we did. Solid restaurant scene is why we went, but the actual beach is pretty damn clean. Wander up and down the board walk, stop at some of the amusement parks for rides or games, visit the NY Aquarium, and browse the shops by the subway station before heading home. There's a huge variety of people, food, and languages in this neighborhood, plenty to see and do. The area was much cleaner and the people nicer that I'd been led to expect.

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    There is something about this beach. It is not the nicest and can get crowded, but I like it and as part of BK you see everybody here.

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    A lot of vendors selling water ice cream and liquor. Didn't have to walk far, they are walking around.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Brighton Beach Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Brighton Beach

    Are there places to rent beach chairs and an umbrella?

    No, but there is a 7-11 and Walgreens a couple blocks away to buy things, or bring your own

    Is it a nude beach?

    Some woman feel comfortable to be topless. Sometimes.

    Is this beach dog friendly?

    Only on the boardwalk. If you're caught with a dog on the beach you can get a ticket. I've seen it happen.

    How's the parking? Any info on prices and location. Are there any free parking near the beach? It's been awhile.

    There's street parking but it's very limited. There's a pay parking area but that's usually super packed on weekends.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Brighton Beach

    The further down the boardwalk from Coney Island beach and that monstrosity they call an amusement park, the true-er this is.

    Mentioned in 43 reviews

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    Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

    Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

    (298 reviews)

    Seaside

    Whenever I go to NY and the weather is nice, my sis always takes me here. There's just so much to…read moreenjoy. The beach itself is nice, and while the water isn't clear like the Caribbean... we just have to accept that here haha. The lifeguards are attentive -- they even have a drone that I think looks out for sharks. The boardwalk has a bit to see, and there's one hub that's got a bit of everything -- pizza, hot dogs (including vegan ones), smoothies, poke bowls, alfajores, a bar... it's quite nice. There's a bunch of tables right outside and they usually have a dope DJ mix going on. It's just a shame that there's a big sign that tells people not to ride their bikes and scooters through that area, but they do anyway... shame! Parking can be hit or miss based on what time and what day you go. Sometimes we've parked right across the street from the boardwalk. Other times we've parked three blocks away. A lot of the parking is free, by the way. There is some pay-to-park, but we don't like that haha. Definitely go if you have some time!

    Buses can get you to the Rockaways but we've driven recently. Beautiful views over Cross Bay…read moreBridge. The area has been improved since we last went at least a decade ago. Street parking is available but not that easy to get. I googled and read that the southern parking spots on Shore Front Pkwy are not for public use. Didn't want to take a chance so found one (north side) by Beach 95th St. Beach 95-97 area was pretty lively last Friday. Saw a schedule of events until 8/31. There was the surf music festival with live bands performing; also a stage performance of Romeo and Juliet at the Rockaway Beach ampitheater. Beach 97 has food vendors; lifeguard station. Update: Enjoying Off The Rails live performance on 8/29 right now. Restrooms were dirty and smelly though. I know that a lot of people use them but need better maintenance. Only 1 sink was left on 8/29. Showers were on the boardwalk making the area sandy and wet. The beach/sand was coarser and a lot more broken shells, some sharp, when compared to Long Beach NY which we've gone to recently. Waves were much stronger too.

    Breezy Point Tip - Police Man

    Breezy Point Tip

    (12 reviews)

    This is a private area so be aware before you go. I didn't know, as this is part of the National…read moregateway park so it's still a bit confusing. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_National_Recreation_Area Most of the area is owned by the breezy point cooperative. As you approach you will see a gatehouse where those going to the cooperative must check in, and those going through pass on the left. I had no indication that it was private at this point. I drive on to the fisherman's entrance, I canister this is 222nd street, and parked. I had a lovely walk, going all the way to the point and back. Later, as I was checking out an old military tower, I was approached by a resident. He seemed nice enough but I quickly realised that he was trying to determine whether I belonged there. He mentioned more than once that the entire area was private and that the only way people can get access is by knowing someone who lives there. Later I read reviews that you are allowed to go to the park if you first get a free day pass from the ranger station at riis park, or hike from Fort Tilden. So know before you go!

    Raw and elemental is what this beach is, just an expanse of sand and dunes and grass and many…read moreshorebirds. It's magical if you like to be far from the maddening crowd, and can handle being far from a working toilet too. As you head further out, the beach has, thankfully, less garbage than by Fort Tilden, though you might find, as we did, when you stroll along the shore an occasional dead blowfish, jellyfish, a horseshoe crab. The music you hear will be surf, gently rolling in or hammering at the shore and the occasional screeches of birds. A top site for birding, this beach didn't disappoint and we didn't even visit at peak migrating times. Just be careful if you walk further up along the sands and watch for signs that tell you not to disturb the nesting areas. Nature's ecosystem is more fragile than you think. The beach is a trek from Fort Tilden. You do need a permit if you have a car as the rangers here do check. If you don't have a car, be prepared to hike, and hike, and hike from Fort Tilden. It's a shorter walk if you take the trails from Fort Tilden and might seem endless if you walk along the shore. For all those of you who post on your profile that you love beach walks, well, Breezy Point will offer you the chance to prove your words!

    Fort Tilden

    Fort Tilden

    (72 reviews)

    BOTTOM LINE: crowded alternative adjacent to Jacob Riis Park…read moreTIP/S: go early, exit early ...WHO: party of 1 WHY: curiosity WHAT: (Deets) I followed the crowd across the ball field to this beach. Compared to other beaches, there is less space to spread out because much of the land is roped off for nature preserve. Family friendly but folks were too close to one another IMO. I will say though, that the water seemed less littered with plastic and random waste, and I didn't have to tread through rocks and sharp shells to go in waist deep. That was a welcome surprise. WHEN: 7/12/20 WHERE: beach HOW: bike/ public transportation Q35 BATHROOM: 2 options, just off the water are port o johns. In the park area closer to the stables are separate gender restrooms. I used neither. WIFI: beats me DRESS CODE: as you wish SERVICE: n/a

    Beach-goers are not allowed to park, or swim/bathe/wade at Fort Tilden. Dogs are not allowed on the…read morebeach in the Spring and Summer. Dogs are never allowed off-leash here, or anywhere else in Gateway National Recreation Area. Please, see my 2016 review below for all of the details! :) There is a nice bathroom with water fountains at Fort Tilden, but it closes around 5 pm (or sometimes earlier). There is no parking without a permit, unless you are there for a sports league, the community garden, theater, fishing (permit required), or some other official business. Where you can swim: https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/beaches.htm Safety: https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/safety.htm Dogs: https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/pets.htm Why you cannot let your dog off-leash, or on the beatch: https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/news/pet-restrictions-during-plover-season.htm Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.nps.gov/gate/frequently-asked-questions-gateway.htm

    Brighton Beach - beaches - Updated May 2026

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