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Beach season is here — and so is the seemingly endless beach traffic, as everyone flocks to one coast or another for some rest and relaxation.
But there is a way East Coast travelers hoping to enjoy some sun, sea and sand this summer without gridlock can avoid that snarl — by visiting one of the many popular beach towns that are accessible by train.
“You can’t do it everywhere but in the places you can, you just bring all your stuff on the train, have a few drinks and relax, and then when you get off at the right stop, you just carry your beach towel and your little fold-up chair and your umbrella and walk a block or two, and there you are,” Jim Mathews, president and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, told The Washington Post.
Obviously there are trade-offs if you choose to take the train. If you aren't planning on renting a car at your destination, hauling beach gear and luggage around on foot in the heat isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. East Coast beach resorts can be spread out, so train travelers will be limited to what they can cover on foot - or else start racking up more costs in ride shares.
But there are benefits, too. On top of avoiding traffic, train passengers avoid parking headaches and costly gas - with typically high summer prices seeing more increases due to the Iran war.
Travelers looking for a New England vibe can take Amtrak trains to Old Orchard Beach, just south of Portland, Maine.
Or in Boston, they can take the T Blue Line to visit the nation's oldest public beach, Revere Beach. Other beaches in Boston include the M Street Beach and Carson Beach, with the latter reached via the T's Red Line.
The CapeFlyer train — which operates seasonally on the weekends — provides access to Cape Cod, where vacationers can visit Veterans Beach and Kalmus Beach.
In Connecticut, travelers can take the Metro North Railroad to visit Silver Sands State Park in Milford, or the CTrail Shore Line East to visit Madison and Hammonasset Beach State Park. That train also stops in New London, which has not only a beach but other family-friendly activities like mini-golf and a waterpark.
New Yorkers can take the A train to Rockaway Beach and the D, F, N, or Q trains to Coney Island Beach. The Q and the B will also take sun-starved travelers to Brighton Beach. The benefit with a New York beach vacation is that the city's subway provides access across the city, making it ideal for those who want to spend a car-less day on the coast.
For those seeking a little upper-crust flair, the Long Island Rail Road has a stop in the Hamptons. A little further out, travelers can visit Montauk and Hither Hill State Park.
Not everyone will want a Hamptons vibe for their beach day. For a little more lively beach-going experience, travelers can take NJTransit's North Jersey Coast Line or the Atlantic City Rail Line to various stops on the Jersey Shore and in Atlantic City.
Those looking to head a little further south for their beach vacations can hop on Amtrak's Northeast Regional and ride it to Norfolk, Virginia, where they can then take an Amtrak Connection bus another 20 minutes to visit Virginia Beach. Visitors can use a ride-share app to take a short trip north of the beach for hiking or camping in First Landing State Park.