NYC beaches official opening weekend

New York City’s public beaches open for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 23, marking the start of Memorial Day weekend access across the five boroughs. NYC Parks says the city maintains 14 miles of beaches and will staff lifeguards daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through September 13, 2026. The beaches are free and open to the public, according to the agency. Swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty and in sections marked closed with signs or red flags. ### Which beaches are opening on Saturday, May 23? NYC Parks lists eight public beach sites citywide for the summer season. In Brooklyn, the city operates Coney Island and Brighton Beach, as well as Manhattan Beach. In Queens, Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk runs from Beach 9th Street in Far Rockaway to Beach 149th Street in Neponsit. The Bronx has Orchard Beach and Promenade in Pelham Bay Park. Staten Island’s public beach sites include Cedar Grove Beach and the Midland Beach and South Beach stretch along the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, according to NYC Parks. ### What are the swimming hours and safety rules? NYC Parks says lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during beach season. The agency says swimming is not allowed when lifeguards are off duty or in beach sections that are closed. Closed areas are marked with signs or red flags, according to the parks department. NYC Parks also directs visitors to sign up for Notify NYC beach notifications and to check the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s beach water-quality page before heading out. ### What does the city say beachgoers should know before they go? NYC Parks says all city beaches are free and open to the public. The agency also says it is continuing a free sunscreen program at all eight beaches, with SPF 30 sunscreen available for visitors. Rockaway Beach, Coney Island, Brighton Beach and Orchard Beach are among the city’s best-known beach destinations, and New York City Tourism highlights them as the core public options for swimming, surfing and waterfront recreation during the season. The city tourism agency lists the season opening as running from May 23 through September 13. ### Why is this weekend the official start of beach season? Memorial Day weekend marks the city’s annual opening of supervised beach access, according to NYC Parks and New York City Tourism. Time Out New York included the official opening of NYC beaches in its list of things to do in the city for the week of May 18 to May 24. The timing puts lifeguards back on duty ahead of one of the busiest outdoor weekends on the city calendar. NYC Parks says beach season will continue through Sunday, September 13 this year. ### Where can people find borough-by-borough details and updates? NYC Parks publishes the city’s beach directory with locations for each site, including Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island beaches. The department also posts beach status information and safety guidance on its beaches page. Time Out New York’s weekly city guide flagged the opening as part of this week’s events calendar, while New York City Tourism lists the seasonal opening dates and general visitor information. NYC Parks says real-time notifications are available through Notify NYC, and the city’s health department posts water-quality information during the season.