Manhattan beach
Located on the eastern end of Brooklyn, near the vibrant Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach stands as the pride and jewel of a district sharing its name. Once heralded as one of the premier luxury New York resorts in the late 19th century, this area owes its development to the esteemed businessman Austin Corbin. His vision led to the construction of a railway, which eventually evolved into the subway system, and spurred the growth of opulent hotels, casinos, and even a hippodrome along the shore. Although Manhattan Beach's allure as a resort has waned over time, it retains its status as a prestigious residential enclave. Today, it boasts elegant luxury mansions, a well-maintained park complete with children's playgrounds and tennis courts, top-tier schools, an exclusive kindergarten, and, of course, a beautifully equipped sandy beach. This beach remains a beloved retreat for New Yorkers and visitors alike, offering a serene escape from the city's bustle.
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Beach description
The horseshoe-shaped beach is rather wide and spacious, covered with soft golden sand and surrounded by tall, shadowy trees. The ocean is generally calm, without high waves or treacherous currents. Small ebbs and flows mix the water, so it reaches its maximal temperature only in August and September. During the entire summer season, beach rescuers are on duty, and at 9 PM, the beach's central entrance closes.
Manhattan Beach is a municipal beach with free entry, and coastal police ensure safety. The adjacent territory is equipped with amenities such as water closets, shower cabins, changing rooms, and drinking fountains.
Manhattan Beach is much quieter and cozier than its noisy neighbors, Brighton Beach and Coney Island, attracting many families with kids and mature couples. On weekends, picnic enthusiasts come here from all over Brooklyn to occupy special BBQ zones with tables and outdoor grills. It's advisable to bring along food and drinks because the beach has only a small diner offering ice cream and beverages.
The beach boasts numerous activities for outdoor enthusiasts - water rides, a volleyball court, and sport equipment rentals. The eastern part of the beach, where the sand ends and a line of large boulders stretches along the coast, is popular among fishermen; a wide concrete quay is situated there as well, perfect for riding on a bicycle, rollers, or a skateboard.
The most convenient way to get to the beach is by subway; the station is located just a ten-minute walk away. Automobile enthusiasts can use the large parking lot in front of the central entrance, which costs $25 on weekends. Parking on the streets adjacent to the park is prohibited.
When is the best time to go?
The East Coast of the USA boasts a variety of picturesque beaches that are perfect for vacationers. To make the most of your beach holiday, timing is key. Here's when you should consider planning your trip:
- Summer (June to August): The quintessential beach season. This is when the weather is warmest, and the water temperatures are ideal for swimming. Beach towns are bustling with activities and events.
- Late Spring (May) and Early Fall (September to early October): Best for those seeking fewer crowds. The weather is still warm enough for beach activities, and the ocean remains swimmable, especially in the southern parts of the East Coast.
- Winter and Early Spring (November to April): Not recommended for beach vacations due to cooler temperatures. However, this period offers the lowest rates for accommodations.
Ultimately, the best time for a beach vacation on the East Coast depends on your preferences for weather, water activities, and crowd levels. Summer offers the full beach experience, while the shoulder seasons provide a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of sunny days.
Video: Beach Manhattan
Infrastructure
In close proximity to the beach, a vast park boasts numerous tennis courts, a variety of playgrounds, and an excellent football field. The expansive children's playground features an original shower shaped like a palm tree, which becomes the best entertainment for young visitors on hot days.
In Manhattan Beach, private residences are the norm, and high-rises are nearly nonexistent, unlike the neighboring Brighton Beach. Accommodations are scarce, primarily consisting of rented apartments or small guesthouses. The most sought-after is the apart-hotel Manhattan Beach. Nestled in the western part of the neighborhood on a tranquil, cozy street, it is a mere five-minute walk from the beach. The hotel offers spacious rooms outfitted with comfortable furniture, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms. All rooms are equipped with satellite TV and wireless internet. A private parking lot is adjacent to the building, and guests are welcome to use beach towels and umbrellas. Pet-friendly accommodations are available, and room service is offered for an additional fee. Just five minutes from the hotel, guests will find a subway station and a bus terminal; Emmons Avenue, with its upscale restaurants and picturesque marina, is also within walking distance.
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In the north, Manhattan Beach borders ona very colorful district named Sheepshead Bay. A nice wooden bridge decorated with old lanterns leads to it across the gulf with the same name. The bay is surrounded with picturesque quays, and it is pleasant ot walk along them, feasting eyes upon snow white yachts. Emmons Avenue is located here as well; it is famous throughout Brooklyn with its excellent restaurants of Turkish, European, Asian, Russian, and even Georgian cuisine.
Sheepshead Bay is famous for its traditions and spiritual life: four churches belonging to different confessions are located on its territory. The oldest and the most stately is the Methodist, with the Orthodox temple situated close to it. On the place of a former hippodrome, a synagogue stands now, and one block away from it, there is Saint Marks Church, the bell tower of which is seen from every corner of Sheepshead Bay.
In the western part of the bay, a small park is planted, with a monument in memory of Holocaust victims in the center, and wild swans walk down the shadowy alleys.