combine new york and beach

Please could you advise on a budget trip for 4 (husband and wife, daughter aged 21 and son aged 17) to combine city and beach. Will not be hiring car. Travelling from UK in July 08 for 2 weeks. I am struggling - all ideas would be welcome!

combine new york and beach

Go to Coney Island for the day..sandy beach for you an hubby to relax on and funfair attractions to keep the kids amused.

Subway journey took approx 35 mins from Midtown Manhattan. Nice day out.

combine new york and beach

Oh just noticed age of your kids ..they%26#39;ll still enjoy it though.

There are many beaches that are reachable from NYC via public transportation.

There are beaches such as Coney Island that are reachable by subway.

Then there are the Long Island beaches that you can take the Long island Rail Road to.

Jones Beach and Robert Moses are state parks. however for a day trip you would be better off going to Long Beach. It is closer to Manhattan and easier to reach by train.

Fire Island is a barrier island that runs along Long Islands south shore. There are beautiful beach communities where you could easily spend a few days. You could take the LIRR and then a ferry. it is even p[ossible to do these beaches as day trips. There are no cars allowed on the island(except for service vechicles) it is truly a unique experience.

Then there is the Hamptons or Montauk. Farther east on LI.

Are you looking for day trips to the beach from NYC or do you want to go to a second destination before or after NYC? If you want another stop, it may be a challenge to find a place at the beach where you can manage without a car. There are lots of places you can get to by train or bus (or fly) from NYC, but once you get there, you generally need a car to get around.

What sort of budget?

Thank you for your prompt replies! And, yes, nywhiz I am looking to spend a few days in New York and then on to a second destination by the sea or the other way around.

You can take a day trip to Jones Beach; the MTA LIRR website has information on its day trip package (2008 information will probably be available end of May). Trains leave from Penn Station to Freeport, then connect w/a bus directly to your choice of beaches. You%26#39;ll be there in about an hour. Pick up some bagels %26amp; coffee for the train ride. You will not get lost; just follow the herd of New Yorkers there %26amp; back. Some beach choices have shops, changing rooms, lockers, umbrella rentals, %26amp; cafeterias for hot dogs, burgers, %26amp; fries. All have great people watching. You may also want to go to Coney Island; go to www.coneyisland.com for visitors%26#39; information, but it%26#39;s not so much for the sun %26amp; surf.

You didn%26#39;t give a budget. There are a few places in Montauk (train ride or bus ride) that are near enough to town that it could work without a car. Here%26#39;s a link to the Montauk hotel reviews. The first place listed is across from the ocean and within a walk to town. I know people who stay at Lenhart%26#39;s cottages. It%26#39;s also across from the beach and not too far to town.

tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g48194-Montauk_New_Yo鈥?/a>

You%26#39;d use the Long Island railroad or the Hampton Jitney to get there from NYC. Its convenient if you fly into JFK.

There are also places a few places in Amagansett, the last town in the Hamptons just before Montauk that might be affordable. The first place listed is right on the beach, but a bit of a walk to town.

tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g29806-Amagansett_New鈥?/a>

Spring Lake, New Jersey is also a train from NYC and there are inns and b %26amp; b%26#39;s across from the water and a boardwalk. Don%26#39;t know how affordable it is. It would be more of a trip from here to get to/from JFK.

tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g46841-Spring_Lake_Ne鈥?/a>

You%26#39;d use a Njtransit.com train.

PS You might be able to find a house/cottage rental for a full week on Fire Island or one of the other areas although most are pricey and for larger houses. But if you%26#39;re interested, have a look on vrbo.com

For a day trip to the beach, go to Long Beach. Easiest travel from Penn Station.

Jones Beach is prettier, but it requires railroad and a bus. Personally, I%26#39;m over that.

For a weekend, I love Montauk! Not as expensive or exclusive at the Hamptons.

I%26#39;ve still never been to Orient Point and Greenport, but everyone says they%26#39;re great!

Check out this link from the FAQ ';sticky'; at the top of this forum:

BEACHES! Ever notice that wet, foamy bluish-greenish stuff to the south and west of NYC? Yeah, that%26#39;s the Atlantic Ocean. Why not check it out on a hot day? Reach the beach by subway, railroad, bus or car.

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k735409-鈥?/a>

You can take a train (New Jersey Transit,Coast Line) to a few towns on the Jersey Shore all of which are doable without a car, but that time of year you will not find inexpensive lodging. My favorite is Spring Lake. Here is a nice Inn right across from the beach:

http://www.grandvictorianspringlake.com/.

You might also try Ocean Grove. You will need to take a taxi from the train station, but once there, no car is needed. http://www.oceangrovenj.com/

Point Pleasant is another one that might have more for you kids :http://www.pointpleasantbeach.com/