With nearly 3 miles of free sandy beaches, Coney Island’s rolling waves have been cooling off New Yorkers for centuries. Cleaner than it used to be with lots of character and attractions.

* Find courts for beach volleyball, handball, and basketball as well as playgrounds, amusement rides at Luna Park and the New York Aquarium.

* Lifeguards are on duty 10am to 6pm, every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

* Wear your bathing suit; changing in the public bathrooms is forbidden.

* If Coney’s beach is too crowded, walk to clean, calm Brighton Beach among Little Odessa’s Russian and Ukrainian shops and restaurants.

🍽  Get a hot dog (or corn dog) and fries, at  Nathan’s Famous German-style all-beef dogs on toasted potato buns at Feltman’s of Coney Island. Grab a slice of thin-crust pizza at legednary Totonno’s,  seafood at Paul’s Daughter ,Caribbean food at Footprints Cafe, tacos, tortas & Las Frutas Locas. at Dona Zita Mexican Restaurant. Dessert options include gelato at Coney’s Cones and candy apple and homemade marshmallow balls at 75 years-old Williams Candy

🚊 Near the last stop, Stillwell Avenue, of the D, Q, N, or F train.

🚙 Drive to Surf Avenue for (mostly metered) street parking or pay less than $20 in the lot at MCU Stadium.

Bronx’s sole public beach, a 1.1-mile-long stretch along the Long Island Sound, was dubbed the “The Riviera of New York” when it was created in the 1930s

* Features include a two playgrounds, one of them in the sand, a hexagonal-block promenade (skates & scooters welcome), a central pavilion, a large parking lot, and 26 courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball.

* Changing areas and showers available. Swimming allowed while lifeguard on duty (10 am–6 pm). Water is calm with small waves but not always the cleanest.

* No fee for beach access. Can get crowded and a bit rowdy so come early.

🌭 Ge the usual at two snack bars, or bring your own meal at two areas with picnic tables.

* Nearby attractions in the beautiful 2,700 acre Pelham Bay Park include horseback riding, historic Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum and the inclusive Playground for All Children.

This clean beach on the Atlantic Ocean features wide stretches of soft sand, a 5.5-mile boardwalk, playgrounds and a vibe so cool it was featured in a Ramones song.

* Ride the waves at the city’s only legal surfing beach (67-69 Street) with private, semi-private & group surf lessons & camps for kids & adults  with Skudin Surf or Locals Surf Camp (whose owners run a great cafe/coffee shop a  few minutes inland).

* Visit nearby Fort Tilden, a decommissioned U.S. Army Base with WWII historic artifacts and public art – look for Nancy Baker Cahill’s Liberty Bell with  augmented reality.

* Free parking lots at  11th to 15th Street  and 95th Street; also free street parking. Or arrive in style via ferries ($2.75) that depart frequently from Wall Street/ Pier 11 & Sunset Park (or take the subway).

🌭 Find some of the best food in NYC at the concessions, especially the one at 97th Street. Get excellent burgers at Rippers on 86th Street and an array of food and drink at Riis Park Beach Bazaar. A block inland at Rockaway Beach Boulevard (aka Restaurant Row) dine outdoors at Bungalow Bar or pick up inventive pizzas at Whit’s End.