Amidst all the skyscrapers, it can be easy to forget that Manhattan is an island and New York City is surrounded by water, which means there are a number of options for beach-going. This list includes beaches that are located within New York City, as well as nearby.

Access to all New York City beaches is free. Swimming is only permitted when a lifeguard is on duty, from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Home to the famous Mermaid Parade (every June) this beach is a "must-see." The Original Nathan's hotdog stand is located just off the boardwalk. There are also freak shows and carnival rides nearby when you get tired of relaxing in the sand.

Beach Address: Surf Ave at Atlantic Shore, Brooklyn NY (718)946-1350 Lifeguard hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm from Memorial Day - Labor Day Nearest Subway: B, D, F, N, R at Stillwell Ave-Coney Island; D, F at W 8th St More

Rockaway Beach is one of the best beaches located within New York City limits. It is also New York City's only surfing beach, with two separate stretches for surfing, as well as a boardwalk.

Beach Address: Atlantic Ocean, from Beach 1st St., Far Rockaway, to Beach 149th St., Neponsit Beach Phone: 718-318-4000 Subway to Beach: A train to Broad Channel Ferry to Beach: New York Beach Ferry More

This beach is among the cleaner NYC area beaches and has a topless / clothing-optional area. Facilities are somewhat limited, though there are attended bathrooms and some vending available.

Pictures of Gateway National Recreation Area More

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach spans 2.5 miles in the South Beach and Midland Beach neighborhoods of Staten Island. More

Brighton Beach offers visitors a spacious beach with a boardwalk, just a short distance from the more hectic Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk.

Brightwater Ave. Brooklyn NY 718-946-1350 Lifeguard hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm from Memorial Day - Labor Day Nearest Subway: B or Q to Brighton Beach

More: Brighton Beach Rules More

Great Kills Park in Staten Island is home to four beaches: New Dorp Beach; Cedar Grove Beach; Oakwood Beach; and Fox Beach.

Beach Address: Ebbitts Street and Cedar Grove Avenue, Staten Island NY 718-351-6970 Lifeguard hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm from Memorial Day - Labor Day Bus Directions: S76, S86 to Oakwood Beach to Ebbitts Street and Cedar Grove Avenue More

Beach Address: On Atlantic Ocean, Oriental Blvd., from Ocean Avenue to Mackenzie Street, Brooklyn NY 718-946-1373 Bus Directions: B1 from Brighton Subway Directions: Q to Sheepshead Bay Road. B49 to Cheapside to Oriental and Hastings Street More

Beach Address: Located in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, Orchard Beach and Long Island Sound, Bronx, NY Beach Phone: 718-885-3273 Bus Directions: Bx12 & Bx5 go to Orchard Beach in the summer. In the Winter, take the Bx29 to the City Island Circle and walk to the beach. Subway Directions: Take the 6 line to its last stop, Pelham Bay Park and take the bus More

Breezy Point Beach is a private beach in Queens, but you can access it from Fort Tilden Beach in the Rockaways.

Beach Address: Rockaway Point Blvd Breezy Point, NY 11697 More

Located in Wolfe's Pond Park, visitors to this Staten Island Beach will enjoy the option to explore the nearby wildlife preserve and open space of the park as well as the beach.

Beach Address: Raritan Bay and Prince's Bay, Holton to Cornelia Avenues in Staten Island NY Beach Phone: 718-984-8266 Lifeguard Hours: Mon-Sun 10 am-6 pm Beach Directions:

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New York City Beaches and Topless Beaches