Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City

Text and photos by Laurel Angrist

Pickup beach volleyball games take place all day long at Water Taxi Beach. It's not unusual to find barefoot people in business attire among the players.

New Yorkers in need of a little rest and relaxation don't have to venture far these days. The perfect summer getaway exists right here in Long Island City at Water Taxi Beach, where locals of all ages can unwind and wriggle their toes in the sand without actually leaving the city.

• Directions to Water Taxi Beach

This 22,000-square-foot oasis on Long Island City's East River waterfront has stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, a great little beachside grill (see the menu) serving tasty burgers and snacks, and a huge open tent for shade.

The beach was the pet project of the entrepreneurs and open-space activists at New York Water Taxi, who shipped in more than 400 tons of white Jersey beach sand to build the park in 2005. All summer long, Water Taxi Beach is full of sunbathers, sand castles, and beach volleyball games. At night, there's music, dance parties, and entertainment for the 21-and-over crowd.

Hours - Water Taxi Beach

Officially open Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. Check out the beach website to find out when it's open to the public, because the days and hours vary.

Beach Rules - Water Taxi Beach

No dogs. No coolers. No swimming. No kidding.

Admission - Water Taxi Beach

Friday nights from 8 p.m. on is $10 for Turntables on The Hudson. Saturday daytime all season is no charge. Saturday nights for The Beach Party is $5; all other Saturday nights are free. Sundays in July/August are always free. Other Sundays there may be a door charge; check the Water Taxi Beach web site for details.

Music - Water Taxi Beach

Check the Water Taxi Beach web site for details.