Folks don't usually have visions of digging their toes in the sand when thinking about a trip to New York City.

But we're here to tell you that you can fit in a day at the beach in between shopping, museum visits and people watching on the subway.

Here are a few beaches we love, all easily reached by public transportation:

Travel to Jones Beach on Long Island via the Long Island Railroad and a short bus ride. There's six miles of white sand awaiting you, along with plenty of activities to keep you busy after your dip in the Atlantic. There's a great boardwalk, miniature golf, basketball, ping pong, pickleball, corn hole, even an amusement park. (And a swimming pool for the ocean-adverse.) There's no entrance fee if you arrive on foot. Stay on past sundown for great music at the Jones Beach Theater.

The Long Island Railroad drops you off right at Long Beach on the island, after a quick 45 minute ride. The boardwalk is two miles long and is filled with joggers, bicyclists and families soaking in the sun. Daily beach passes will set you back $15.

Rockaway Beach was the favorite hangout of the Ramones back in the day, and is the city's only legal surfing beach. There you'll find a variety of concessions stands, playgrounds and outdoor activities like volleyball and handball. Just hop on the A train near the hotel, head toward Rockaway and you'll be there in no time.

Coney Island Beach is also reachable easily by subway. The big attractions here are the famous theme park and the original Nathan's hot dogs, along with volleyball, handball, basketball and an aquarium. A short ride on the D or F train from the hotel will get you to Coney Island.

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