The idea of exploring a beach in New York during the off-season can be off-putting to some. After all, it gets quite cold here, and beaches tend to be windy. But if you’re willing to bundle up and deal with a little cool air, the colder months can be a wonderful time to visit the best beaches in New York. There are few crowds, so you get a secluded walk on the shore all to yourself… sounds pretty great, huh? Here are a few of our favorite New York beaches to explore in the off-season.

1. Fire Island National Seashore: Ocean Beach, NY 11770
Fire Island National Seashore, Fire Island, NY 11770, USA
Lewis VanAusdle/Google Maps
Fire Island is a narrow barrier island that is about 30 miles long. The island is also home to Robert Moses State Park, which is great to visit at any time of year. Transportation to Fire Island can be limited in the off-season, so make sure to check the ferry schedule before planning a trip.

Enjoy this overview of Fire Island National Seashore:

2. Ditch Plains Beach: 18 Ditch Plains Rd, Montauk, NY 11954
Ditch Plains, Montauk, NY 11954, USA
Susan Torrone/Google Maps
Montauk has some of the most-visited beaches in New York, but in the off-season, they tend to be much more peaceful. Many of the businesses remain open year-round, and it's a popular spot for winter surfing. The nearby Montauk Lighthouse isn't open for visitors year-round, but you can get a great look at it nonetheless.

Get an aerial view of this stunning beach:

3. Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk: Queens, NY 11694
Rockaway Beach, Queens, NY, USA
Urielevy/Wikimedia Commons
Rockaway Beach is the largest urban beach in the United States. The name is derived from the Canarsie Native American tribe word meaning "the place of our own people." The Canarsie were the first to live in the area. The summer brings more than 8 million people to the area, but you'll find far fewer visitors in the cooler months. Many of the area's tourist attractions are only open seasonally, making this a great opportunity to explore the local haunts.

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4. Wolfe's Pond Beach: Wolfe's Pond Park, Cornelia Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312
Wolfe's Pond Beach, Wolfe's Pond Park, Holton to, Cornelia Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312, USA
Igor Ostrovsky/Google Maps
Wolfe's Pond is not nearly as popular as some of the beaches in New York on this list, but it's a stunning area. The park houses many plants and animal species you wouldn't typically see in the city. The beach is small, located on Raritan Bay, with most of the inland portion of the park being woodland and pond area.
5. Cooper's Beach: 268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968
Cooper's Beach, 268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968, USA
Brandon Voller/Google Maps
Cooper's Beach is one of the more exclusive beaches on this list. The parking fees are hefty in the summer, but you don't have to worry about that (or crowds!) in the less popular months. The beach is extremely clean and it's a great place for a relaxing stroll.

Take a closer look at this gorgeous beach:

6. Brighton Beach: Brooklyn, NY 11235
Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, NY, USA
doug turetsky/Flickr
Nicknamed "Little Odessa," Brighton Beach is located at the end of Coney Island. This spot is the largest Russian enclave in the country, and there are plenty of great restaurants to check out. The area is not quite as touristy as the Coney Island boardwalk area, so there are lots of hidden gems to explore here.

Are you a fan of visiting beaches in New York in the colder months, or do you prefer to only go in the summer? Share your thoughts in the comments! For warm weather fun, check out these summer beaches in New York.

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More to Explore

Natural Attractions in New York

William Suphan | May 27, 2023

What are the most incredible natural attractions in New York?

The most incredible natural attractions in New York include:

  • Kaaterskill Falls. This is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state and a picturesque stone staircase will take you to the upper tier.
  • Watkins Glen State Park. This popular natural attraction has breathtaking gorges with waterfalls cascading down the sides.
  • Panama Rocks Scenic Park. This area looks like something from a fantasy novel with its mossy, wavy rock formations.
  • Devil’s Hole State Park. The trails here have some of the most stunning views in the state, especially with the churning Niagara River.

Learn more about the most incredible natural attractions in New York. 

What are some bucket list natural wonders in New York?

Bucket list natural wonders in New York include:

  • Niagara Falls. This is the most famous natural wonder in the state and one of the best known around the world.
  • Letchworth Stae Park. The gorgeous falls in this park with take your breath away and camping here is quite an experience.
  • Thousand Islands Region. There are actually 1,864 islands here and they are each a lovely sight to behold.
  • The Adirondacks. This mountain range spans 5,000 square miles and has over 200 lakes. Everywhere you look there’s a magnificent view.

Find out more about bucket list natural wonders in New York.

What are some hidden gem natural spots in New York?

Hidden gem natural spots in New York include:

  • Wilton Wildlife Preserve. This park’s wetlands and wildlife are protected and this makes a perfect getaway from the city.
  • Scoby Dam Park. You’ll find this park nestled along Cattaraugus Creek in Springville with lovely hiking trails all over. 
  • Robert G. Wehle State Park. You’ll find some of the clearest and most beautiful water in this park near the northern tip of Lake Ontario.
  • Ferncliff Forest. There’s an amazing trail to a fire tower where you can see stunning views of the Hudson Valley.

Discover more about hidden gem natural spots in New York. 

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