The 12 Hidden Beaches In New York Locals Don’t Want You To Find

New York might be famous for crowded tourist spots, but tucked away from the hustle are stunning beaches that locals keep under wraps. These secret sandy shores offer peaceful escapes without the massive crowds you’d find at Coney Island or Jones Beach.

Ready to discover where New Yorkers actually go when they want to feel like they’re miles away from the city?

1. Cedar Grove Beach (Staten Island)

Staten Island’s best-kept secret sits quietly along the South Shore, where soft sand meets surprisingly clear water. Cedar Grove Beach feels more like a private retreat than a public spot, with locals lounging under shade trees and kids building sandcastles without bumping into tourists every five seconds.

Getting here requires a bit of insider knowledge since there’s no flashy signage screaming “BEACH THIS WAY!” Pack your own snacks because you won’t find hot dog vendors lining the shore. The peaceful vibe makes it perfect for reading, picnicking, or just pretending you’re nowhere near the city.

2. Plumb Beach (Brooklyn)

Sandwiched between the Belt Parkway and Jamaica Bay, Plumb Beach doesn’t exactly scream paradise at first glance. But here’s the twist—this rugged stretch attracts nature lovers, fishermen, and kiteboarders who appreciate its wild, untamed character instead of manicured resort vibes.

Birdwatchers flock here during migration season, binoculars in hand, spotting rare species most New Yorkers never knew existed. The beach isn’t your typical sunbathing destination, but that’s precisely why locals love it. Bonus points: watching planes descend into JFK while waves crash at your feet creates an oddly mesmerizing experience.

3. Louis J. Valentino Jr. Park & Pier (Brooklyn)

Who needs the Hamptons when you’ve got killer Manhattan skyline views right from Red Hook? This gem combines a small beach area with grassy picnic spots and a pier that stretches into the harbor like it’s reaching for the Statue of Liberty herself.

Locals bring blankets, order pizza from nearby spots, and settle in for sunset shows that rival any expensive rooftop bar. The water might not be swimmable, but the vibe is unbeatable—especially when the city lights start twinkling across the river. Families, couples, and solo wanderers all claim their favorite corners here without stepping on each other’s toes.

4. Swindler Cove (Manhattan)

Yes, Manhattan actually has a beach—sort of. Tucked away in Inwood Hill Park’s northern tip, Swindler Cove offers a tiny slice of shoreline that feels impossibly remote for being on the same island as Times Square.

The name comes from colonial-era shenanigans involving shady land deals, which honestly makes it even cooler. Kayakers launch from here, exploring the Harlem River while avoiding the tourist traps downtown. Don’t expect lifeguards or beach chairs; this is raw, authentic nature where you might forget skyscrapers exist just a subway ride away. Bring bug spray and a sense of adventure.

5. Midland Beach (Staten Island)

Midland Beach flies completely under the radar compared to its flashier cousins, which means more space for you to spread out your towel without accidentally invading someone’s personal bubble. The boardwalk stretches nicely for evening strolls, and the sand is actually clean enough to walk barefoot without playing “avoid the mystery debris” game.

Local families have claimed this spot for generations, arriving early on summer weekends with coolers and umbrellas. There’s a nostalgic, old-school beach town feeling here that modern resorts try desperately to replicate but never quite capture. Plus, parking doesn’t require taking out a second mortgage.

6. Wendt Beach Park (Evans)

Way out in Western New York along Lake Erie’s shore, Wendt Beach Park proves that you don’t need ocean saltwater to have a proper beach day. The lake stretches to the horizon like it’s trying to convince you it’s actually the sea, and most downstate New Yorkers have zero clue this place exists.

Locals from Buffalo and nearby towns guard this secret jealously, enjoying warm summer days without the crowds that plague Long Island shores. The water stays surprisingly warm in summer, and the sunsets over the lake create postcard-worthy moments. Pack a picnic and prepare to understand why Buffalonians don’t complain about missing the ocean.

7. Gallagher Beach (Buffalo)

Another Lake Erie treasure that Buffalo residents prefer to keep on the down-low, Gallagher Beach sits conveniently close to the city while maintaining a laid-back neighborhood vibe. Unlike the party atmosphere at some beaches, this spot attracts folks who actually want to relax without DJs blasting music or vendors hawking overpriced everything.

The beach has been beautifully maintained with clean facilities and enough space that you’re not eating sand kicked up by strangers playing volleyball. Families arrive with kids and dogs, settling in for the afternoon without drama. If you’re exploring Western New York, skip the tourist guidebooks and head here instead.

8. Buono Beach (Staten Island)

Staten Island apparently hoards secret beaches like a dragon guards treasure, and Buono Beach ranks among the most jealously protected. This tiny stretch of sand feels like someone’s private backyard, except it’s technically public—though you’d never guess from how few people know about it.

The intimate size means you’ll recognize the same faces if you become a regular, creating an unexpected sense of community. No fancy amenities here, just simple beach pleasure: sand, water, and peace. Locals bring their own everything and leave no trace, maintaining the spot’s pristine condition. Finding it requires determination, but that’s exactly the point.

9. Jacob Riis Park (Queens)

Technically not unknown, but Jacob Riis Park operates under a weird radar where tourists flock to nearby Rockaway Beach while locals sneak over here for more elbow room. The stunning art deco bathhouse adds vintage charm that Instagram influencers would absolutely lose their minds over—if they knew it existed.

Different sections attract different crowds, from families to LGBTQ+ beachgoers who’ve claimed certain areas as welcoming spaces for decades. The sand is gorgeous, the waves are legit, and you can actually find parking on weekdays. It’s like Coney Island’s cooler, less commercialized cousin who doesn’t need constant attention.

10. Orient Beach State Park (North Fork, Long Island)

All the way at Long Island’s tippy-top, Orient Beach State Park rewards those willing to drive past the Hamptons hype. This maritime forest and beach combo offers a completely different vibe—think nature preserve meets secret getaway, where the journey itself filters out impatient tourists.

The protected waters stay calm and kid-friendly, while trails wind through ecosystems most people associate with exotic destinations, not New York. Locals from nearby towns treat this as their personal paradise, arriving with kayaks and fishing gear. September visits are magical when summer crowds vanish but the weather stays gorgeous. Worth every mile of the drive.

11. Breezy Point Tip (Queens)

At the absolute end of the Rockaway Peninsula, Breezy Point Tip feels like you’ve reached the edge of the world—or at least the edge of New York City. This isn’t your typical beach setup with lifeguards and snack bars; it’s raw, windswept, and gloriously wild.

The tight-knit community guards access somewhat fiercely, though public areas exist for determined visitors. Surfers love the waves here, and fishermen cast lines while contemplating life’s mysteries. Walking where the Atlantic Ocean and Jamaica Bay meet creates an almost spiritual experience. Just respect the locals’ space, follow the rules, and you’ll understand why they’re protective of this special place.

12. Amsterdam Beach Preserve (East End, Long Island)

While everyone piles into the Hamptons’ famous beaches, Amsterdam Beach Preserve sits quietly nearby, practically invisible to anyone not paying attention. This protected area prioritizes conservation over commercialization, meaning no beach clubs, no crowds, and definitely no velvet ropes.

The preserve’s natural beauty remains largely untouched, with dunes and beach grass creating that “deserted island” aesthetic people pay thousands to experience elsewhere. Locals hike in with minimal gear, respecting the fragile ecosystem while enjoying its rewards. Swimming here feels like a privilege rather than an entitlement. If you visit, leave only footprints and take only memories—seriously, they’re watching.