Its quite a trip out there but so very worth it if you wanna have the very special beach-experience! You can go there by car and then take the ferry either to Pines or Cherry Grove (I would prefer Pines!) or you do all by public transportation - there a "getaway tickes" for 36Dollars and the transfer works really smooth - may even be faster than by car!

Good vibes bar with some of the best food-next-to-your-drink in the city.

The amazing sidewalks across the street from the New York Public Library.

An awesome, and sometimes free, ferry that links Manhattan at the Financial District to Ikea in Brooklyn via Red Hook. Very great views of the city and if you end up having to pay it's redeemable for a monetary discount towards an Ikea purchase. I think of it as a treat and an investment.

The best place to see a dramatic sunset is right by Valentino Pier in my neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. This was right after a storm. It's wild and brilliant and peaceful all at once.