3 Best Beaches By Subway or Bus From Ditmas Park

When I was growing up, my mother used to lure families from France to Flatbush for a house-exchange by touting our Cortelyou Road/E. 17th Street home as "halfway between Manhattan and the beach."

Now, as a mother myself, I make full use of Ditmas Park's special location by getting over to the beach every chance I can get (and dragging at least one of my sons with me). 

So, here are my picks, in order, of the three best beaches to get to from Ditmas Park via public transportation. If you have a car and are a fan of huge waves, check out Riis Park, just a 20 minute drive.

There are lifeguards and bathrooms at all three beaches until 6 p.m. After that park workers will do their best to make you get out of the water. 

1. Brighton Beach – Less than a 5-minute walk from the subway, with ample sand and nice waves, why go further? Plus, since it's in the neighborhood of Little Odessa, stay for dinner at one of the boardwalk cafes after your swim. Load-up on the ultra-greasy but delicious street food and super cheap fruit on your way home. If you want a less-crowded beach, get off one stop later at Ocean Parkway. 

Time: 15 minutes on the B from Newkirk, 17 minutes on the Q from Cortelyou.


2. Manhattan Beach – This sheltered spot is perfect if you have small children because the waves are gentle, and the beach small enough to easily keep track of the little ones. There's a snack bar, an extensive playground and lots of shady picnic tables and benches. If you do have a car there's no street parking, but there's a lot that costs $6 on weekdays and $10 on weekends.  

Time: 35 minutes via the Q to Brighton Beach then the B1 to Oriental Blvd/Mckenzie St. or 53 minutes direct via the B49 (Ocean Avenue bus). 


3. Coney Island – Stay on the Q train a few stops past Brighton Beach and you're at Coney Island. Go there if you're looking for an old-timey carnival scene and make sure to ride the Wonder Wheel for great views of both ocean and city skyline. The recently refurbished station has a ramp for strollers and wheelchairs and a bathroom. 

Time: 30 minutes on the Q

See our full list of Brooklyn's best beaches and pools here.