Yes, there are excellent beaches not far from the city and I don't mean the Hamptons. July/August is very hot and following the locals is a good idea. Long Beach is a pretty town by the sea with a long boardwalk, good swimming and surfing (non-residents pay $6 entry), and Jones Beach State Park ($8 parks entry fee) has 6 miles of seafront, 2 bathhouses and tons of amenities (but bring your own food).
Both feature white dune sand, blazing sun (remember the sunblock!) and safe swimming with lifeguards during the summer.
Long Beach: Catch the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station to Long Beach, then walk to boardwalk;
Jones Beach: Catch the LIRR (Babylon branch) to Freeport, a special bus service, or drive
Jacob Riis State Park is also wonderful - as nice as Long Beach, but free. Take the 2 train to its terminus in Brooklyn, and then hop on the Q35 bus (the beach is at the end of the route, so you can get on any Q35. Or, just follow the surfboards and coolers). Great sand, surf, and concessions. Beer is also available at some of the stands.
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