Explore New York’s beaches and find a great place to swim.
We can tell you the water's perfect in New York, but you should really dip your toes in and find out for yourself. With over 9,700 miles of lake and ocean shoreline in New York, you won't have a problem finding a place to dive in—from the Atlantic Ocean and sandy bays to crystal-clear lakes surrounded by pine forests to secluded swimming holes.
Legendary beaches in the Hamptons turn into a summertime playground and the place to go people-watch. Take your choice of two beaches that have made Dr. Beach's list of the Top 10 in America: Coopers Beach in Southampton and Main Beach at East Hampton. If you prefer to really get away, travel further along the South Fork to peaceful Montauk, Long Island's easternmost beach village. Enjoy the ocean views at Montauk Point or Camp Hero State Park. Ditch Plains, Long Island's most well known surfing beach is also nearby. It has the reputation for having some of the best and most consistent waves on the East Coast. Closer to New York City, Jones Beach has over seven miles of beaches. Robert Moses State Park has over five miles of ocean shoreline.
Upstate, take a dive into beautiful freshwater swimming holes, like the natural pools at the bottom of Buttermilk Falls or in lower Treman Park. Many of New York's state parks have family-friendly swimming areas with lifeguards on hand. Green Lakes State Park has two glacial lakes with unique water properties that give them a blue-green color.
Sandy Island Beach on Lake Ontario is the only major freshwater dune site in the Northeast. On Beaver Island in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region, you can lounge on a half-mile swimming beach on the Niagara River.
You'll also find family-friendly swimming beaches on the shores of Lake George and at swimming areas on Alexandria Bay, including Wellesley Island State Park's. If the water's deep enough, it's cannonball time.
For a unique swimming experience, do your laps in the Victoria and Peerless pools at Saratoga Spa State Park. The historical pools feature classical architectural stylings, such as colonnades and lion water spouts.