ORCHARD BEACH, NY

New York City’s Boricua community represents at Orchard Beach in the Bronx. Reachable by public transportation, the 1 mile crescent shaped beach has been a Latino hangout since back in the day when Hector Lavoe used to play outdoor concerts near the water. Besides sunbathing and swimming, beach-goers partake in everything from dominos to nighttime salsa dancing every Saturday and Sunday night in the summer. Latino Flavor and Seafood Cafe supply the plátanos and camarones. A summer concert series will feature a number of acts en español, with Tito Nieves rumored to be the opening performer this summer. For those who want to make it an overnight experience, City Island is just across the water and has a Victorian B&B with rooms under $150 a night.