There is more to New York State than its urban centers and legendary attractions; the state also has its share of beaches and ocean hide-outs to sleep in, some of the most comfortable on the East Coast. I have spent long days upon sandy beaches of Long Island, and the shores of the Finger Lakes, and on the resort’s pools, and beachside dinners, as the sun sets low. These resorts all offer relaxing waterfront, luxurious facilities, and enjoyable experiences that will leave you wishing to stay longer than you expect. This is an exciting, entertaining look at the 5 best beachfront resorts in New York State, including addresses, a budgeted price, whether or not family-friendly, and real-life impressions that make these locations worth the visit.
Best Beachfront Resorts in New York State
1. Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
2. The Sagamore Resort
3. Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa
4. The Ocean Resort Inn
5. The Capri at Yards Park
5 Best Beachfront Resorts in New York State
1. Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa — Montauk
There is a magical location to the sea, and the Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa in Gurney is the center of it. This would be one of my most memorable beach vacations in New York because this specific resort is situated on Fort Pond Bay with a panoramic water view.
As soon as you enter, this is the feeling of lazy seaside opulence. The rooms, which have a private balcony that commands a view of the water, leave you with that vacation atmosphere as soon as you get to open the curtains in the morning. My most pleasant recollection was enjoying a coffee sitting on the patio outside, watching the sun come up and the bay, as the sound of the waves was heard in the strong breeze.
The seawater pool of the resort is another eye-catcher: the pool is heated, it is also salty (similar to the ocean), and it is an excellent alternative to swimming in the waves. The private beach area inside the resort is literally a short walk when you are ready to have sand and surf.
The prices here are normally between 750 and 1500+ per night in the high season, and it is also important to note that weekends in summer are often sold quickly.
Gurney is family-friendly, particularly to those families who spend time at the beach and dine out. Stays are also accompanied by nearby restaurants such as The Dock House, which are complementary to the stay with local seafood and sunset scenes – how to end a day at the sand.
Whether you are relaxing in the spa or sailboats cross the bay, Gurney’s creates an illusion of a vacation where time is reduced, and the beach breezes are in focus.
Address: 290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954
Average Price: $750–$1,500+ per night (seasonal premiums apply)
2. The Sagamore Resort — Bolton Landing (Lake George)
In New York, a visit to Sagamore Resort on Lake George is a mandatory visit if you are there in search of a freshwater beach. The beach has a clear and still lake, as opposed to oceanfront resorts; therefore, Sagamore is kid-friendly, is good for swimming, and offers family fun.
The first time I visited this place was with a group of friends and relatives on a late summer weekend. We hired paddleboards, swam in the mild lake water, and none of us was in a hurry to leave the sandy beach under the umbrellas by day. Towards the evening, we were all sitting around one of the outdoor fire pits and sharing stories as the sky changed to pink.
The resort is a classic in its own right, with white pillars, porches going all around it, and a view stretching over the long lake. There will be rooms in the form of small lakeside rooms or suites with individual balconies.
Rates range between approximately 400 to $800 or more per night in the summer season, but rarely do the packages of a boutique hotel come at a lower price and include water activity rentals or even dinner credits.
Sagamore is very kid-friendly, and the beach is calm and shallow in most areas, and this is where kids who are learning to swim or even walking about the water line can have their fun. There are various options near the place, such as mini golf and scenic boat tours.
In case you are in the mood for a beach vacation but not salty ocean breezes, the Lake George environment of Sagamore is a relaxing and nostalgic retreat that does not require a tradeoff with the scenic beauty.
Address: 110 Sagamore Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Average Price: $400–$800+ per night (seasonal)
3. Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa — Lake Placid
The northern part of New York has Lake Placid, which has a history of the Olympics and outdoor beauty, and the banks of Mirror Lake are the place where you will find the classy Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa. The first time to visit this place was during one of my fall visits, and I have to say that the most striking feature was the picturesque and serene feeling of the waterfront: it is a deep blue lake in the front, and wooded hills in the background, and clear air telling me to relax.
Inn private beach is not very extensive but still very adorable – nice to have a peaceful swim, rent a kayak, or even to enjoy the way the sunlight reflects upon the water. It is very welcoming, especially during sunrise when the lake is smooth and reflects like a mirror.
The rooms are traditional and comfortable with good, tasteful decor that is luxurious and home-like. The prices vary between $450 and $900 +/night based on the season and category of room.
Mirror Lake Inn does not qualify as a classic ocean beach resort, but being located on the lake, it seems no less special. It is quite kid-friendly and particularly to the families who love water sports, taking a walk around the lake, and have a scenic outing.
Fail to eat dinner at the restaurant of the inn–the lake vistas in the dining room make dinner a long, memorable experience.
Address: 77 Mirror Lake Dr, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Average Price: $450–$900+ per night (varies by season)
4. The Ocean Resort Inn — Long Beach (Long Island)
In other cases, the most appropriate beachfront accommodation is the one that offers comfort, convenience, and a true beach feel, and Ocean Resort Inn in Long Beach is just that.
Long Beach is a typical town of the Long Island coastline – relaxed, wide sandy beaches, and the summer day rhythm. The Ocean Resort Inn is only within a few minutes’ walk of the boardwalk, and this makes it an ideal place that families and couples would go when they want an ocean and do not have to guess where they will find parking.
Here, rooms are basic yet cozy, and most of them have ocean views when one books the correct category. Night charges are generally around 150-300+, so it is one of the cheaper coastal resorts on the list.
The beach itself is spacious and clean, and lifeguards are in high season, which makes the beach suitable with children. The boardwalk of Long Beach does not fail to entertain little ones when they get bored with swimming by renting bikes, shopping for ice cream, and having fun walks during sunset.
One night when I was staying there, I picked up a slice of pizza in a local boardwalk cafe and strolled back to watch the sun sink into the horizon – an unsophisticated and complete beach experience that you will remember forever.
Ocean Resort Inn is not an ultra-luxury resort, yet it is one of the finest beachfront experiences in New York that families and budget-conscious travelers prefer, which are in need of classic sand, surf, and salty breeze, and comfortable accommodations around.
Address: 101 W 10th St, Long Beach, NY 11561
Average Price: $150–$300+ per night
5. The Capri at Yards Park — Hudson Valley (not ocean beachfront but riverside beach vibes)
The reason this one is a tradition breaker is that it is not on an ocean beach, but, should you be seeking beachlike atmosphere in the Hudson Valley of New York, then The Capri at Yards Park should qualify as a member of a well-balanced list.
In the proximity of the Hudson River, this resort offers beach vitality by way of river side views, lawns, and gorgeous sunsets at the river side. The atmosphere is also airy and open, and though there is no sea surf, there is much waterfront allure.
The rooms are contemporary and cozy, and most of them have access to the river view or the area of the Yards Park. The cost is usually between 200 and 350 dollars per night, and it is an excellent middle-range accommodation in the upstate of New York.
The hotel is quite kid-friendly – the family likes taking strolls along the river path, outdoor concerts in the summer seasons, and touring around the local historic downtown Troy, exploring its shops and restaurants.
In case your vision of a relaxed beach experience is not surfing and sand, but rather calming water with pleasant wind and walks overlooking the stunning landscape, The Capri at Yards Park is a great place to have a memorable vacation at a very reasonable cost.
Address: 41 Hudson St, Troy, NY 12180
Average Price: $200–$350 per night
Conclusion
New York State is not only about tall buildings and museums, but it also provides the benefits of coastal beauty and a waterfront resort that can compete with most of the destinations along the entire coast of East Coast. All five beachfront (or beach-like) resorts have something unique: the ocean breezes in Long Island, serene lakes in the Adirondacks, or the riverfront in the Hudson Valley.
The following is a summary of what makes them all glitter:
You want to pursue waves, lake pristine, sunset river scenes. New York has a coastal vacation that suits your travel disposition and budget.
That is why you need to take your sunscreen, your beach towel, and make your reservation because the beachfront resorts are waiting to make your next vacation a vacation to remember.
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