Your Pool and Beach Guide for the July Fourth Weekend

Article by Megan Riesz 

There's no getting around it: it's hot out. To escape the heat while having fun in the sun, head to the beach or to a local public pool. There are many local options, and Patch has narrowed down the best of the best for you to choose from: 

Beaches

Coney Island – Look no further for outlandish 4th of July celebrations. Events include the 79th annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow (runs from 1 to 8 p.m., $10 for adults and $5 for kids) and fireworks extravaganza (starts at 9 p.m.). Check out Friday Night Fireworks on July 5, too (starts at 9:30 p.m.). Take the Q, D or F train.

Jacob Riis Park – Situated on the Rockaway Peninsula, Riis Park has a historic ocean beach and bathhouse, as well as a snack bar. Easy to get there by car but also accessible via Q35 and Q22 buses. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Manhattan Beach – This small beach on the edge of Brooklyn is bookended by playgrounds and boasts two baseball diamonds as well as tennis, volleyball, basketball and handball courts. Take the B49 bus.

Brighton Beach – Located in the neighborhood of Little Odessa, Brighton Beach has a boardwalk, ocean-facing restaurants (check out Volna) and nightclubs. Take the Q or B train to Brighton Beach Avenue.


Pools

Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a break for pool cleaning between 3 and 4 p.m.

Commodore Barry Park Pool – Located at Commodore Barry Park, this one is fairly large (75’ x 60’ x 3’) and has a separate kiddie pool. From July 4 to 7, the park will hold the International African Arts Festival featuring musical performances and fashion. Between Flushing and Park Avenues, and Navy and North Elliot Streets.

The Double D – This 75’ x 60’ x 3’ historic pool, built in the early 1970s, still flows at the Thomas Greene playground at Third Avenue and Nevins Street – as does a kiddie pool.

The Clermont Pool – For those trying to avoid the crowds, this kids-only pool is smallish: 40’ x 20’ x 3’. P.S. 20/Parnham Playground, 225 Adelphi St. at Willoughby.

McCarren Pool – This 37,950-square-foot pool in Greenpoint has a wading area, sprinklers, a sand volleyball court and locker rooms. 475 Lorimer Street between Bayard Street and Driggs Avenue (take the G to Nassau Avenue). For entry, you must arrive in swim gear.

Kosciuszko Pool – This Bed-Stuy pool is massive at 230’ x 100’ x 4’. The facilities also include a kiddie pool and locker rooms. Located on Marcy Avenue between DeKalb and Kosciuszko (take the B38 up Lafayette Avenue or the G to Myrtle-Willoughby).