Long island

[ohnoherewego]

We are going to NY at the end of May for 10 days. Planning to spend 6 days in Manhattan and 4days (long weekend) by a beach. Where would you suggest? (DCS 6 and 8) moderate budget. Thanks

Bumping this in case the US people are up.

I think in the past MNers have recommended the New Jersey coast.

Thanks underrated. More suggestions anyone?

We won't have a car in NYC but could hire one to go up the coast or travel up by train and hire one when we get there. Don't know the area at all so open to suggestions!

Do an archive search on Fire Island, and see if that appeals.

We looked at long island/the hamptons for summer this year - but finally decided on Cape May, which sounds so retro seasidey that we thought we would have fun there. It is about a 2 hour drive from New York.

If you decide on the Hamptons then the advice we had is to make sure you go further on than East Hampton - as it can be a little bit tacky/ordinary in the areas before that.

The Hamptons are lovely, but quite expensive and generally more upscale than the Jersey Shore, which will IMO have more to do with children 6 and 8 (boardwalk, water parks, theme parks, crazy golf, all that sort of thing). The Hamptons will have lovely quieter beaches and nice restaurants and more boutique-y shopping. You will probably want a car for the beach part of your trip. Personally, my favourite bits of the Jersey Shore to holiday with children are around Seaside, and include Manasquan and Ocean Beach. Then you are between the Point Pleasant and Seaside boardwalks and there is lots to do and lovely beaches as well.

You'd definitely need a car for the Hamptons - but you can get there from Manhattan via bus (not sure about train, but think probably so).

Fire Island is just off Long Island, is accessible via passenger vans (make reservations) or train to 30 minute ferry, and no car is needed once you're on the Island.

I haven't been to Cape May for 20 years, but it was lovely last time I was there. Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks all; I'm off to do my research!

KerryMum - sorry. Not true. There are two gay communities on the island, but there are approximately 20 different communities - some geared toward singles, some toward families, etc. The island is about 30 miles long, so different ferries/stops for the various towns/areas.