Westchester Beaches During COVID-19: What’s Open and When

Andy Newbold | Flickr

Additional research and reporting by Sam Drysdale

Where and how to get your feet wet while still maintaining social distancing guidelines during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Every Memorial Day, Westchester’s beaches and pools begin opening up to allow sun-starved locals to hit the surf, grab a tan, and start their fun-filled summer of revelry. Obviously, that’s not going to work quite the same this year, but county and local governments are still finding ways to balance public health with residents’ needs to take a break from the stress of social isolation.

To wit, Governor Cuomo has allowed state and local beaches to reopen beginning Friday, May 22 for Memorial Day weekend as long as they maintain strict 50% capacity guidelines and others at the discretion of their local governments. Here’s everything you need to know about how and where to swim in Westchester during COVID-19.

Croton Point Park Beach

1A Croton Point Ave, Croton-on-Hudson
914.862.5290

When It’s Open: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (no entry past 6 p.m.), weather permitting
What It Costs: $4 adults, $3 children 5-11, under-5 free; parking $45 per car with Westchester County Parks Pass, $10 without
Restrictions: Reduced capacity through at least May 25; open only to Westchester County residents (must show Parks Pass of driver’s license with Westchester address); masks mandatory; concessions stands, showers, and locker rooms will be closed (bathrooms will remain open); must follow posted safety and distancing guidelines.

Glen Island Park 

1 Pelham Rd, New Rochelle
(914) 813-6720 or 6721
Glen Island Park will remain closed this season, as it continues to host a major county COVID-19 testing site.

Harbor Island Park/Stephen E. Johnston Beach

123 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck
914.777.7784

When It’s Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting, beginning May 22
What It Costs: Season Passes $45 for single village residents, $90 for families, $15 seniors; $100 for single non-residents, $225 for families.
Day passes $8 for adults, $5 children, $3 seniors.
Parking $8 weekdays, $12 weekends; credit card only; seasonal parking passes $41 for residents, $82 non-residents.
Restrictions: Reduced 150 person capacity; no swimming, spray ground, or group activities (including sports); village residents only before 1 p.m.; social distancing and masks mandatory; picnics are welcome but picnic tables will be closed; indoor restrooms closed but portable units available and sanitized twice daily.

Hudson Park & Beach

1 Hudson Park Rd, New Rochelle
(914) 654-2087

When It’s Open: Beach closed; park open 9 a.m. to dusk, restrooms close at 6 p.m.
What It Costs: $5 parking fee (unless you already have a parking pass)
Restrictions: Parking for residents only beginning May 23; masks mandatory

Rye Town Park & Beach 

95 Dearborn Ave, Rye
914.939.3075

When It’s Open: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (beach); park open until dusk
What It Costs: $5 residents/$10 non-residents (over 16) on weekdays, $10/$15 weekends, $15/$20 holidays; additional $5-$25 parking; annual beach passes and beach+parking permits are also available.
Restrictions: Parking for residents/permit holders only until noon on Fridays, weekends, and holidays; no pavilion rentals until at least June 15; masks mandatory; barriers and additional distancing guidelines while waiting to buy permits. (Or buy yours online.)

Playland Beach

Dearborn Ave, Rye
914.939.3075

When It’s Open: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (no entry past 6 p.m.), weather permitting
What It Costs: $4 adults, $3 children 5-11, under-5 free; parking $45 per car with Westchester County Parks Pass, $10 without
Restrictions: Reduced capacity through at least May 25; open only to Westchester County residents (must show Parks Pass of driver’s license with Westchester address); masks mandatory; concessions stands will be closed (bathrooms will remain open); must follow posted safety and distancing guidelines.