Growing up in New York City, I always wondered why we weren’t known for our beaches. There are so many around, but every time I would mention a NYC beach to someone, I’d get weird looks as though I had three eyes.Well, contrary to common belief, the beach culture is definitely one that is prominent here. Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of beach season, and you should definitely take the time this summer to join in on the fun.Listed below are a few beaches that are worth the trip by train, car, or ferry.Rockaway BeachMy personal favorite, Rockaway Beach is known for having some of the best waves in this area of the country. With a lively environment filled with surfers, playgrounds, amazing tacos, and big waves, you won’t be blamed for thinking you’re in California.This is the beach to which I usually take the visiting out-of-towners because it’s relatively clean by NYC standards. Although my European friends find it strange that you can’t drink your alcohol openly on the beach, make sure to take your big coolers and nice lawn chairs to fit in with the crowd. In addition, the ride here on the A train is definitely one you won’t forget, since it goes through so many varied neighborhoods of this great city.This summer be sure to check in at the Boggsville Boatel, which lets you rent a boat for a night for as low as $50. Bonus: You can watch movies on the boats as well!Directions: Take the A train to Broad Channel, then transfer to the S to Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street.Coney Island BeachThis iconic beach is a must for anyone living in or visiting New York, and I really love Coney Island because of its lively ambience. Growing up, it was a bit of a dangerous neighborhood to visit, but it has dramatically improved in recent years. The area boasts three miles of shoreline filled with tons of activities. Major attractions include the New York Aquarium and Luna Park (a great way to keep your kids busy!).I’ve had a couple of my friends visit the city just to see the Coney Island Mermaid Parade or Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest every Fourth of July weekend. But no matter the reason for your visit, make sure to eat a corn dog while you’re there!Directions: Take the D, F, N, or Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue, get off at Eighth Street, Aquarium. Jones BeachI rarely ever go out to Jones Beach, which is out on Long Island, because I’m a bit biased towards New York City. However, Jones Beach is a really nice place to go for a fun time with friends and family. Plus, it’s a fairly easy beach to get to if using the Long Island Rail Road (always a fun ride for us city kids).Jones Beach is located within Jones Beach State Park, and I usually go there for concerts and music festivals that take place at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater. Nothing beats music and sand!Directions: Take the LIRR to Freeport and then take a shuttle bus to the beach. Enter at Field 4. Brighton BeachOften forgotten because of its proximity to Coney Island, Brighton Beach is located in a predominantly Russian neighborhood of Brooklyn. I’ve never actually been to any of the heralded Russian restaurants around the beach, but some of the more famous ones include Café Glechik on Coney Island Avenue and Winter Garden on Brighton Sixth Street.If a less crowded, quieter beach is what you are looking for, I highly recommend Brighton Beach — but of course, if you’re looking for noise, Coney Island is just a few steps away!Directions: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue. Fire IslandOne of my favorite New York City weekend getaways, Fire Island is the perfect beach to go to for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. I used to go every summer, and now that I’m older, it’s a great place to rent a small house or apartment for a weekend with some friends.I always felt like I had travelled to another universe visiting Fire Island because it’s so relaxing. There are parts of the island where you will need a car, but it’s very easily accessible by ferry, which is quite a cool experience as well!Directions: Take the LIRR (Montauk) to Bay Shore, Sayvine, or Patchogue. Then take the ferry to the island.Sandy HookBeginning Memorial Day weekend, New Yorkers are able to take a ferry from Manhattan to Sandy Hook, New Jersey. The ferry ride is very soothing and fun for the entire family, and it takes you through the New York Harbor past Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Hoffman Island, among other NYC attractions. Although the ferry is a bit on the expensive side ($45), it beats the traffic to the beach! Once at the beach, you will have to take a shuttle bus the rest of the way (just make sure to head to the regular beach, since there is also a nudist beach).While recent media attention has given New Jersey’s shore a bad rap, this trip will have you wishing you could live there for the entire summer.Directions: Ferries depart from Pier 11, which is near South Street Seaport. ***A few tips for my international friends: Definitely prepare yourself for large crowds at the beach. As you well know, New York City is home to more than 8 million people, and so the beaches can get crowded and loud. But of course, it’s all part of the New York experience!Happy Summer!