The Bronx's only public beach (once known as "the Riviera of New York") is located within Pelham Bay Park, and stretches for more than a mile facing the Long Island Sound. Built as part of the Works Progress Administration, the beach retains some of that historic architecture like the Central Pavilion, which is due to get a renovation in the coming years. If you're looking for outdoor sports, this is definitely the beach to check out: It has a total of 26 courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball.

One of Brooklyn's top draws in the summertime, the Coney Island beach can get particularly crowded. If that gets to be overwhelming, walk along the iconic boardwalk or grab a hot dog at Nathan's—a visit to Coney Island isn’t complete without it. And for thrill seekers, there's always Luna Park and all its attractions, including the iconic Cyclone roller coaster.

Though frequently overshadowed by its better known and more touristy neighbor, Brighton Beach is a worthwhile destination in its own right. It's particularly known for its large settlement of Russian-speaking immigrants and as a result the neighborhood is dotted with shops and restaurants serving Russian and Eastern European cuisines.

Once a United States Army base, Fort Tilden is now known as a great destination for fishing and bird-watching. There are a ton of decommissioned military structures to look at as well, and one of them, Battery Harris East, has an observation deck that provides 360 degree views of Jamaica Bay and New York Harbor. Fort Tilden is also known for its art installations.

Nicknamed "The People's Beach," Jacob Riis Beach is perhaps best known for its Art Deco boathouse, which first opened in 1932. During the summer, the beach and the park around it play host to a bunch of activities including a golf center, ball courts, and several food concession stands. Riis Park Beach Bazaar, now entering its fifth year, is one of the big attractions.

Rockaway Beach has exploded in popularity thanks to the plethora of markets, restaurants, and outdoor activities that have popped up there in the past few years. This year, a prime stretch of the Queens beach will reopen with the rest of the coastline this summer after its shrinking shore was replenished with mounds of sand. And yes, you'll likely leave with the eponymous Ramones tune about the beach stuck in your head, but just go with it.

Midland Beach and the nearby South Beach are located just off of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk on Staten Island's eastern shore. Midland Beach is considered the less crowded of the two, but has some pretty neat attractions like a playground and courts for tennis and shuffleboard. There's also a sea turtle fountain for kids.

Located on the eastern shore of Staten Island, the city's Parks Department says Cedar Grove Beach is New York's newest beach. Situated in Great Kills Park, the beach was once part of an oceanfront bungalow colony, but now it's a tranquil alternative to some of the other beaches in Staten Island.

Located toward the southern end of Staten Island, Wolfe's Pond Beach is part of Wolfe's Pond Park, one of the largest parks in the borough. The city acquired the land in 1929, by which time it was already a popular recreational spot with several waterfront homes. In subsequent years, the buildings made way for a playground, a picnic area, a boathouse, and a bathhouse.