This June started off cool and rainy but the summer heat wave has now definitely descended upon New York. The sweltering subway stations alone will have you pining for the beach. Fortunately there are some sandy escapes right in NYC that serve as a welcome alternative to the concrete jungle. Enjoy a cool breeze coming in off the water and BBQ-style food at one of three Water Taxi Beaches, located in Long Island City, South Street Seaport and Governors Island.
All along the East and Hudson Rivers, yellow-checkered water taxis zip through the waterways. These taxis, owned by the New York Water Taxi Company, serve commuters and sightseers alike. In 2005, the company opened a man-made beach in Long Island City, Queens, hauling in over 1,000 tons of sand. The free beach – just a 4-minute water taxi ride from Midtown — was an instant hit. Although swimming isn’t allowed, beachgoers can enjoy burgers, hotdogs and tropical drinks from “Harry’s @Water Taxi Beach” while looking at the sweeping Manhattan skyline.
This May, Manhattan got it’s own Water Taxi Beach, located at the South Street Seaport next to Pier 17. It is located in the Financial District, a hip neighborhood offering convenient and central apartment rentals. Dotted with picnic tables and palm trees, the sandy beach also has a 9-hole miniature golf course, skeeball and ping pong tables. Not to be outdone by Harry’s, the Seaport location serves up beach eats at the Fish Shack and Raw Bar. At night, DJs spin music while partygoers dance against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Whether you want to explore one or all three of the Water Taxi Beaches, we have the perfect accommodation in New York for your summer stay. Check out:
– This Vacation Rental studio apartment (NY-11925) located in Battery Park City in a luxury doorman building.
– This pristine, elegantly modern Tribeca 1-Bedroom Accommodation (NY-8901). The “yacht loft” was custom designed and decorated. Enjoy the high ceilings (over 12-and-a-half feet!) and hardwood floors.
Spending an afternoon or evening at one of the Water Taxi Beaches is a great way to relax in New York City. Order up a piña colada and enjoy the beach escape.
Have you ever been to Water Taxi Beach? Share you comments with us!
If you like the beach read our article summer adventure with A Day at the Beach in New York City for more great New York City Beach tips.
A BBQ at the beach…in New York City? What more could I ask for?
No I never been on a water taxi in New York, but I think this is a really god idea for at least 2 reasons : 1) You can avoid traffic 2) You can help the environment.
I agree with Chad! And today’s weather is making me miss the New York City summer already 🙁 oh well, guess I will just stay in my apartment al day and watch movies 😉
I have never been to Taxi Beach, but my roommate goes there all the time. She says it’s a lot of fun. I’d really like to go with her sometime, although, I don’t know if we need two paits of feet dragging sand back to the apartment.
Water Taxie Beach, now that’s a way to really put the fun into summer in New York City. Too bad I just came upon this now that summer is almost over, hopefully one or all of these beaches still have sand on them so I can enjoy the last days of the hot sun. If it’s anything like last year when the weather was nice and I was still going to the beach right up until the end of September… that will be awesome!
My friends and I are seriouly thinking about bucking the apartment on the boat, (ny-14061) What a great way to experience the city.