7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways
7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Rockaway Beach, New York Budget-friendly Surf Haven
The 5.5-mile stretch of sand caters to surfers of all levels, with the area between 67th Street and the boardwalk being a particular hotspot for wave enthusiasts.
Beyond surfing, visitors can indulge in local culinary delights, from fresh pastries at Rockaway Beach Bakery to mouthwatering seafood at beachside eateries, all while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city bustle.
The beach's sand is not naturally occurring but was artificially placed there in the 1930s as part of a major beach nourishment project, making it a feat of coastal engineering.
Rockaway Beach is home to the city's only surf-specific subway stop, Beach 67th Street-Rockaway Beach Station, which sees a significant spike in ridership during summer months.
The area features a unique geological formation called the Rockaway Reef, an underwater ridge that creates ideal wave conditions for surfing, particularly during hurricane season.
In 2012, Rockaway Beach became the first beach in the United States to install tsunami warning signs, despite the extremely low probability of such an event occurring on the East Coast.
The beach's iconic concrete boardwalk, rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy, incorporates advanced storm surge protection measures and is designed to withstand category 5 hurricane forces.
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- 7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Rockaway Beach, New York Budget-friendly Surf Haven
- 7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Cape May, New Jersey Historic Charm Meets Beach Bliss
- 7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Boardwalk Fun and Tax-Free Shopping
- 7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Narragansett, Rhode Island Quaint New England Coastal Escape
- 7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Hampton Beach, New Hampshire Family-Friendly Atlantic Getaway
- 7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Hull, Massachusetts Boston's Secret Seaside Retreat
- 7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Long Beach, Washington Kite Festival and Clam Digging Paradise
7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Cape May, New Jersey Historic Charm Meets Beach Bliss
Cape May's historic charm is beautifully complemented by its pristine beaches, creating a unique seaside experience.
The town's Victorian architecture, particularly along Beach Avenue, offers a picturesque backdrop to the Atlantic Ocean views.
Cape May is home to the oldest operating lighthouse on the East Coast, the Cape May Lighthouse, built in It stands 157 feet tall and visitors can climb its 199 steps for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Cape May's beaches are composed of quartz sand, which remains cool even on the hottest days due to its high reflectivity.
This geological quirk makes it more comfortable for beachgoers compared to darker sand beaches.
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry, operating since 1964, connects Cape May to Lewes, Delaware, across the Delaware Bay.
The 17-mile journey takes about 85 minutes and can transport up to 100 cars per trip.
Cape May Point is a crucial stopover for migratory birds, with over 400 species recorded.
The town's Congress Hall, built in 1816, is America's oldest seaside resort and has hosted five US presidents.
Its recent $25 million renovation restored many original architectural features while adding modern amenities.
Cape May's beaches are known for their unique "diamond" quartz pebbles, locally called Cape May Diamonds.
These clear quartz crystals, washed down from the Delaware River, can be found along Sunset Beach and are popular among treasure hunters.
7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Boardwalk Fun and Tax-Free Shopping
Rehoboth Beach, often referred to as the "Nation's Summer Capital," offers visitors a vibrant boardwalk experience with a variety of shops, restaurants, and amusement options like the Funland amusement park.
Beyond the boardwalk, the area provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing, while also being known for its tax-free shopping, allowing visitors to enjoy significant savings on purchases.
Rehoboth Beach's mile-long boardwalk is a hub for summer festivities, featuring a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and the iconic Funland amusement park, which offers thrilling rides and timeless carnival games.
The boardwalk and the beach itself are free to access, providing a scenic spot for visitors to soak up the sun, surf, and ocean views without any admission fees.
Beyond the boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking in the nearby Cape Henlopen State Park and various water activities like kayaking and fishing.
The town's picturesque setting and blend of coastal activities, tax-free shopping, and public transport accessibility make it a highly appealing weekend getaway destination.
Rehoboth Beach is home to the Funland amusement park, which has been a beloved local institution since its establishment in 1962, providing generations of visitors with timeless family-friendly entertainment.
The town's beach is not entirely naturally occurring, as a major beach nourishment project in the 1930s involved artificially placing sand along the coastline, showcasing the engineering feats behind maintaining these vibrant coastal destinations.
Rehoboth Beach has earned the nickname "The Nation's Summer Capital" due to its long-standing reputation as a popular summer retreat, attracting visitors from across the country to experience its unique charm and offerings.
7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Narragansett, Rhode Island Quaint New England Coastal Escape
Narragansett, Rhode Island, offers a quintessential New England coastal experience with its charming beaches and historic landmarks.
The town's culinary scene is a highlight, featuring local favorites like Aunt Carrie's, known for its delectable clam cakes, and Crazy Burger, which serves up an eclectic menu of creative burgers and all-day breakfast.
Narragansett's iconic towers, built in 1886, once marked the entrance to a luxurious casino that rivaled those in Newport.
The casino burned down in 1900, but the towers remain a symbol of the town's Gilded Age history.
The town is home to one of the oldest working lighthouses in New England, the Point Judith Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1857 and continues to operate with its original Fresnel lens.
Narragansett Bay is home to the largest population of quahogs (hard-shell clams) in the world, making it a prime spot for shellfishing enthusiasts and seafood lovers.
The Break Hotel in Narragansett features the only rooftop bar in South County, offering panoramic ocean views and craft cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients.
The town's name "Narragansett" comes from the Native American Algonquian word meaning "people of the small point," referring to the indigenous tribe that originally inhabited the area.
The historic Coast Guard House Restaurant, built in 1888 as a lifesaving station, survived Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and has been meticulously restored, preserving its original architecture while offering modern dining experiences.
Narragansett's The Towers, which survived the great casino fire, now serve as a unique event venue and contain a small museum showcasing the town's rich history.
7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Hampton Beach, New Hampshire Family-Friendly Atlantic Getaway
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, emerges as a premier family-friendly Atlantic getaway, boasting a 1.35-mile pristine sandy beach and a vibrant boardwalk teeming with entertainment options.
From the Cascade Waterslide and Bucx's Lagoon mini-golf to opportunities for helicopter rides and a variety of water sports, the area caters to visitors of all ages, offering ample activities for a weekend getaway accessible by public transport.
The beach's sand is not naturally occurring but was artificially added as part of a major beach nourishment project in the 1930s, making it an impressive feat of coastal engineering.
The beach's Cascade Waterslide, a popular attraction, is one of the longest public beachfront waterslides in the United States, stretching an impressive 240 feet.
Hampton Beach is home to the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear power station in New England, which is visible from the shoreline and has become an integral part of the local landscape.
The beach's water quality is consistently recognized as one of the cleanest in the region, thanks to an advanced wastewater treatment system that helps maintain high standards for swimmer safety.
Hampton Beach is a designated "Dark Sky Community," meaning it has taken measures to minimize light pollution, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky, including regular meteor shower events.
The beach's iconic Boardwalk features a unique "wave-like" design, which not only enhances the aesthetic but also incorporates advanced engineering to withstand the powerful coastal storms that periodically strike the area.
Hampton Beach is the site of an annual Seafood Festival, attracting over 100,000 visitors to indulge in a wide variety of fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes, from classic New England clam chowder to innovative culinary creations.
The beach's Bucx's Lagoon mini-golf course is a beloved family attraction that has been in operation since the 1950s, maintaining its retro charm and challenging layouts over generations of visitors.
Hampton Beach is home to the only oceanfront casino in New Hampshire, the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, which has hosted legendary performers since its opening in 1899 and continues to draw crowds for its diverse entertainment lineup.
7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Hull, Massachusetts Boston's Secret Seaside Retreat
Hull, Massachusetts, located on a peninsula at the southern edge of Boston Harbor, is recognized as a charming seaside retreat accessible via public transport, including ferry services from downtown Boston.
The town's popularity has surged in recent years due to the establishment of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, which promotes various outdoor activities and experiences.
Hull combines a rich history with scenic beauty, providing visitors with picturesque views of the harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.
Hull is located on a peninsula at the southern edge of Boston Harbor, providing easy access to the city while offering a secluded seaside retreat.
Fort Revere Park in Hull showcases historic seacoast fortifications, offering picnic spots with breathtaking vistas of Boston Harbor.
The Hull Lifesaving Museum provides a glimpse into the town's maritime history, highlighting the pivotal role it played in rescuing sailors and vessels in distress.
The town's rich history includes the establishment of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, which has contributed to its growing popularity as an outdoor destination.
Hull's peninsula location creates a unique microclimate, resulting in slightly cooler temperatures compared to inland areas, making it a refreshing escape from the city's summer heat.
The town's coastal geography has led to the development of a thriving charter fishing industry, offering visitors the opportunity to experience deep-sea angling just a stone's throw from Boston.
Hull's proximity to the ocean and its historic military fortifications have made it a strategic location, with the town playing a significant role in the defense of Boston Harbor throughout its history.
7 Underrated Beach Towns Accessible by Public Transport for Weekend Getaways - Long Beach, Washington Kite Festival and Clam Digging Paradise
The annual Washington State International Kite Festival in Long Beach, Washington, is a vibrant celebration of kite culture, featuring colorful competitions, vendor stalls, and live music.
With its combination of the kite festival and the availability of clam digging, Long Beach emerges as an attractive weekend getaway destination that is easily accessible via public transport.
The Washington State International Kite Festival (WSIKF) in Long Beach is the longest-running kite festival in North America, having started in
The festival features a wide array of kite-flying competitions, including categories for the largest kite, most beautiful kite, and the most innovative kite design.
The festival's kite displays and choreographed kite shows have been recognized as some of the most impressive in the world, attracting kite enthusiasts from across the globe.
The area's beaches have seen a surge in clam diggers in recent years, partly due to improved access and increased leisure time among visitors.
Beyond the kite festival, Long Beach also hosts diverse events throughout the year, such as the Rod Run, Loyalty Days Parade, and Surf Perch Derby.
The Long Beach Peninsula's combination of scenic coastline, recreational activities, and annual festivals has made it a compelling weekend getaway destination accessible by public transport.
The kite festival's timing in the third full week of August coincides with the peak season for razor clam digging, allowing visitors to enjoy both activities during their visit.
The festival's main venue, the Long Beach Kite Flyers Field, is specifically designed and maintained to provide optimal conditions for kite flying, with its wide, open space and consistent winds.
The festival attracts a diverse range of kite enthusiasts, from beginners to professional kite flyers, who come to showcase their skills and admire the vibrant displays.
Long Beach's coastal location and unique microclimate create ideal conditions for kite flying, with reliable winds and moderate temperatures throughout the festival period.
The kite festival's growth from a small local event to the largest of its kind in North America is a testament to the town's commitment to promoting its kite-flying heritage and outdoor recreational opportunities.