The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You New York Like Never Before
By Lea Monroe|Updated on May 27, 2023(Originally published May 26, 2023)
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
With so many beautiful bodies of water right at our fingertips, it’s not difficult to find great beaches near me in New York once the heat goes into full swing for the season. The one issue we will run into though is finding a beach that won’t be insanely crowded to the point where it could possibly ruin the entire relaxing adventure we had envisioned for the day. Giving you a handful of lesser-known gems and remote locations, this road trip to the best-hidden beaches in New York provides you with great alternatives to the more popular swimming destinations you may be used to visiting!
One of our favorite reasons to head up to the town of Long Lake during this time of year, Long Lake Town Beach in Hamilton County is a great way to kick off this road trip to the best beaches in NY. A town we like to consider one of our best kept secrets, not every beach up north in the Adirondacks offers what this one can. From the public beach, you can swim out to the dock where you'll find rope swings, slides, and a trampoline to make your day in the sun at beaches near me in New York all the more exciting.
Next, you'll drive an hour east of Long Lake, hitting the small town of Schroon. One of many scenic towns you'll find in Essex County, this beautiful spot offers gorgeous views of our Adirondack Mountains while you swim. Perhaps one of the best secret beaches in New York, Schroon Lake Town Beach is a favorite spot for families to visit, with lifeguards on duty and a roped-in area for you to enjoy. Learn more about Schroon Lake, one of the best NY beaches.
After enjoying all that Schroon Lake has to offer, you can next head a half an hour south to Warren County! If you're interested in enjoying a beach in New York along the shores of Lake George that won't be quite as populated as other well-known spots in Lake George's Village, like Million Dollar Beach or Shepard Park, this is the spot for you. Roughly 15 minutes north of the popular village, Rogers Memorial Park is tucked away within the town of Bolton Landing and offers equally amazing views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Find out more about visiting this beach at the website for Rogers Memorial Park.
4. Moreau Lake State Park - Gansevoort
Moreau Lake State Park, 605 Old Saratoga Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831, USA
Once you're finished soaking in the views of beautiful Lake George, you'll head another half an hour south until you reach Saratoga County. Bringing you into the southern Adirondacks, Moreau Lake State Park is not only a great place to camp, but it features a sizable beach that's great on any hot summer day. At the top of Moreau Lake State Park Beach in New York, you'll find bathrooms and a concession stand where you can grab snacks and even rent kayaks to get out on the water! Get all the details about visiting Moreau Lake State Park, another one of the best beaches near me in New York.
After enjoying some shorter drives and distances between these stunning bodies of water, you'll take an hour and a half drive back up north until you reach one of our favorite campgrounds and New York beaches. Surrounding you with the beautiful forests of the Adirondacks, the majority of the campsites at Moffitt Beach Campground are right on the water. At Moffitt Beach in Lake Pleasant, you can experience what it's like to be at a more secluded swimming spot up north, a trip you won't regret taking! Get more information on camping at Moffitt Beach. You'll love that this is one of the most secluded New York beaches to visit.
6. Blue Mountain Lake Public Beach - Hamilton County
Blue Mountain Lake Beach, 3464 NY-28, Indian Lake, NY 12812, USA
Last but not least, you'll drive for another 45 minutes up north, bringing you almost completely full circle and putting you just 15 minutes away from the very first stop on this trip. If you've yet to get a view of Blue Mountain Lake — whether from above while you're hiking or simply driving by — you'll be pleased to end your trip in this town. A beautiful gem of the Adirondacks, Blue Mountain Lake Public Beach in Hamilton County is one of the highest elevated public New York beaches to visit in the region! Read further on about Blue Mountain Lake, one of the many great beaches near me in New York.
Does anyone else already have one foot out the door with their bathing suit on in anticipation of getting to these New York beaches? What do you think are the best beaches near me in New York? Tell us in the comments!
If you love crystal-clear water and soft sand, you’ll definitely want to spend a day at Green Lakes Beach in Fayetteville.
Sodus Point Beach in New York, on the other hand, boasts a beautiful wooden pier and a lighthouse in addition to a sandy beach that leads into the water.
Other gorgeous beaches in New York include Beaver Island State Park Beach in Grand Island and Southwick Beach in Woodville.
Plan a visit to Plattsburgh, a hidden beach town in New York that promises so much for the whole family. Drink in gorgeous views of the Green Mountains of Vermont as you sunbathe on the soft sand of Plattsburgh City Beach. You’ll also find beaches at Cumberland Bay State Park and Point Au Roche State Park. The town itself features a plethora of charming restaurants.
If you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, you’ll also want to check out such New York beach towns as Sodus Point, Sylvan Beach, and Sackets Harbor.
Green Lakes Beach in Fayetteville earns props for having the clearest water in New York. It’s so clear, in fact, that you can see the fish swimming around below the surface. The clear water is perfect for swimming and for kayaking. (You must, however, rent a clear kayak from the state park to go out on the water.)
For more clear water, plan a trip to Skaneateles Lake, the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes. Stop by one of the waterfront parks that offer swimming access to the crystal clear lake.
