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    Brighton Beach

    3.9 (142 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).

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    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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    2 years ago

    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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    Plumb Beach

    Plumb Beach

    3.3
    (29 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Not a bad area. The porta potty smells horrible...but other than that it is a nice little area to…read morehang out in. We came there when it was about to rain so it was not sunny the entire time, it started pouring just as we were leaving.. which made for a super beautiful view of the sky, with sun rays shining through. There are TONS of bushes with different fruits there, which I did not expect.. and also a TON of glass in the sand which is horrible, so BE CAREFUL! There are also spiky plants in the sand as well that hurt if you step on them so at least wear slippers. If you come there with your bike, just know you will have to climb around to get to the beach area. Tons of people windsurfing there which was a pretty cool thing to watch, them being raised up into the air and falling into the water. The view is gorgeous there as well so I naturally had to take tons of photos. There generally ARE people there and you will see them pass by but you can find spots where you are out of view if you want to sunbathe there. Overall a nice little spot to stop by every once in a while while biking by the belt.

    What Happened to Plum Beach?…read more Two years ago, I gave Plumb Beach five stars. It was a peaceful little Brooklyn treasure where individuals, couples and families relaxed, people walked their dogs, windsurfers enjoyed the water, and others simply came to enjoy nature. After visiting last weekend on July 28, 2026, I barely recognized it. The issue wasn't the normal sounds of people enjoying the beach. It was extremely loud amplified music from large speakers that could be heard far beyond the groups using them. A senior beachgoer objected when a massive 4'x 3' speaker, positioned only about 10 feet from him and his wife, was turned on at full blast. This couple, along with dozens of other individuals and families, had already been peacefully enjoying the beach before a group of approximately 20+ people, (including babies) arrived and set up beside them with a large tent, enormous speaker and barbecue grills. When the gentleman objected to the volume, the music was initially turned down. Shortly afterward, however, the entire group packed up their tent, speaker and belongings and relocated approximately one city block farther down the beach, near where I was sitting. They then turned the music up extremely loud again. What demonstrates just how excessive the volume was is that even after moving that considerable distance, their music could still be clearly heard back where the gentleman and his wife had been sitting. Near me, it was so loud that I couldn't hear my small personal radio sitting beside me. I watched other beachgoers become frustrated, pack up their belongings and leave what had been a peaceful beach before this group arrived. TO BE CLEAR, this is not about the type, language, or culture of the music. It could have been American, Caribbean, Chinese, Pakistani, Russian, or any other genre or language. The issue is not the music itself--it is the VOLUME. No one person's music should be so loud that everyone around them is forced to listen to it or leave. Public spaces are meant to be shared respectfully so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy them. A few days later, I returned to Plumb Beach hoping my experience had been an isolated incident. Unfortunately, what I found was even more discouraging. The area where the large gathering had been was covered with garbage. There were beer bottles (including broken glass), food containers, disposable plates and cups, plastic bags, charcoal remnants, citrus fruit, and even soiled diapers scattered throughout the sand and among the protected dune vegetation. These aren't just cosmetic issues. Broken glass creates a hazard for people, pets and wildlife, and trash left in the dunes damages one of the most environmentally sensitive parts of the beach. My concern has never been about families gathering or people enjoying themselves. It's about respecting a public beach that belongs to everyone. If you can carry coolers, grills, diapers, food, beverages, and supplies onto the beach, you can carry the empty containers and garbage back off the beach. Plumb Beach WAS one of Brooklyn's peaceful hidden treasures. I sincerely hope stronger enforcement of littering, noise, grilling, and dune protection can help restore the beach so future visitors can enjoy the natural beauty that once made this place so special.

    Photos
    Plumb Beach
    Plumb Beach
    Plumb Beach

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    Breezy Point Tip

    Breezy Point Tip

    4.2
    (12 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    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!

    As a self professed beach lover and comber, I've scoured many locations for what I would consider a…read morebefitting location. Not overcrowded, clean and somewhat family oriented. A buddy of mine has had a house on Breezy Point for years, its been with his family for about three generations. From Grandpa, the ole salty dog, too his parents, everyone within his family and amongst his friends -- everyone seemed so happy and light of heart. Beach living can do that for a person. Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes. We fished off the docks, we swam in tbe water at sunlight, played music, danced and sang after the clam bakes at moonlight. Cracked a brew or two in the process. The strip of stores have minimal offerings, but with all the peaceful and easy feelings to swim within on land, the necessities can wait.

    Photos
    Police boat
    Police boat
    We hoped the seagull would catch some for us...wasn't to be. Credit for pic to sis.
    We hoped the seagull would catch some for us...wasn't to be. Credit for pic to sis.
    After our long trek, sis fired away with the camera

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    After our long trek, sis fired away with the camera
    Fort Tilden

    Fort Tilden

    4.1
    (71 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    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

    Probably one of the best beaches in the city, simply because no one comes here. And the people that…read moredo are really nice and respectful. It's a serene spot, and you can find some naturalists and hipsters along the way. There are lots of rules, which can be a little annoying and they are heavily enforced, like no dogs on the beach and no alcohol. I hate that there are park rangers all over the place. There are no lifeguards on duty, so even if you're a good swimmer, don't go out too far in the water. The beach is immaculately clean with little trash, although it would be nice to see some more trash cans set up.

    Photos
    Fort Tilden
    Fort Tilden
    Fort Tilden

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    Jacob Riis Park

    Jacob Riis Park

    3.8
    (160 reviews)
    4.6 mi

    Fabulous beach! We brought our own food and drinks, but was…read moreshocked to see all the food choices offered. All the proces of food and drinks were reasonable for NYC. A glass of wine was about $10 and a glass of beer about 8 bucks! I was also glad to see a coffee and matcha spot. There are bathrooms to the left of the clock and the right of the clock. Each restroom had about 20 stalls. I didn't notice if there were changing rooms. I did see outside showers. You can walk in for free but if you drive in, it is $20. It was very confusing because there was no staff at the booth. There are QR codes, to apply to park. When we asked other drivers they said it's free but when you get to the beach they have signs reminding you to pay. Other than that. I would definitely return.

    Ive been coming to beach for yearssss and it is one of my favorites in the city. It is very easy to…read moreget to. I usually drive and park in the lot for a fee. Im not sure how much it was this year. This time I took the bus right into the beach from Brooklyn. It was crowded as I forgot it was Labor Day which was cool. I was able to get a decent spot. The concessions were open and the beach was hot and the water was clean and cool. Years ago I use to come for brunch in winter which was good. I wonder if they still have it. I would be back soon. Hopefully for brunch or coffee at least since fall is upon us :-)

    Photos
    Plenty of seating for eating
    Plenty of seating for eating
    6/21/2024
    6/21/2024
    Jacob Riis Park

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    Brighton Beach - beaches - Updated August 2026

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