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Beekman Beach Beer Garden
North side of Pier 17, Beekman St, (at South St)
Sun-deprived city slickers can pretend they’re boozing oceanside at this waterfront bar. The former Water Taxi Beach location has kept the 300 pounds of sand left by its former occupant, but the rejiggered drinkery now features a menu from Buddakan alum Jason Mayer. Settle into a communal wood table with a wurst, burger or lobster roll, or hit up one of the game tables for a round of Ping-Pong, pool or foosball. Beer lovers can grab one of six drafts—such as Sixpoint Crisp Lager, Ommegang Witte Beer and Magic Hat #9—at two long driftwood bars. On Sundays, indie-rock bands take the stage for free concerts.
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Coney Island Beach
Surf Ave, (between Ocean Pkwy and W 37th St)
Free
Coney Island is one Brooklyn standby that perfectly juxtaposes old and new. While some might say its peak has come and gone, others would disagree, particularly Dick Zigun, the founder of Coney Island USA, the nonprofit responsible for organizing Coney Island’s famed events, including the Mermaid Parade. “The beach is still the main attraction,” says Zigun of the shore’s three miles of southern exposure. “Some people might prefer the Riviera or Montauk, and maybe our sand isn’t as pristine, but we’ve got half-naked New Yorkers here!”
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Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk
Boardwalk, (between Beach 9th and Beach 149th Sts)
Free
Encompassing more than 170 acres of sand, this family-friendly beach attracts New Yorkers from all five boroughs. Seven playgrounds keep kids happy while wave riders enjoy the city’s only surfing areas. Fishing, skating, volleyball, sunning and, of course, swimming are also favorite activities. Rockaway Beach is also an excellent place to test your surfing prowess. If you’re a novice, summer is the ideal time to start riding low waves, while more experienced boarders should savor hurricane season (September and October).
For more info, please visit: http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/best-beaches