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Why make the long trek out to Long Island when there’s plenty of surf and sand in our own county? Westchester’s beaches are totally tubular!
By Joseph Carosi & Dave Zucker
Additional research by Caleigh Russo
Those eager to lounge out by the ocean or splash around in the water needn’t drive an hour or more back and forth to Jones Beach. Unbeknownst to many is that Westchester County has several beaches open and available to the public. So pack up the car and travel the relatively short distance to one of the county’s several surf-side havens.
Croton Point Park Beach
Westchester County Film Locations | Flickr
If you’re looking for something on a wider expanse of land, then this 508-acre park on a peninsula along the Hudson River’s eastern shore is perfection. It’s also a rich locale for history buffs, as archeologists have dated human life there to as far back 7,000 years ago. The beach area wraps around the property and has plenty of space for lying out.
Open: 11 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (final entry 6 p.m.) Sat, Sun, and holidays through June 18; Wed-Sun June 23 through September 4
Fees: $10 parking without a Parks Pass; $5 with a Park Pass
1A Croton Point Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson
914.862.5290
Glen Island Park
Muzzlehatch1 | Flickr
You probably don’t think beach when New Rochelle comes to mind, but this 130-acre property — connected to the city by a drawbridge that was built in the 1920s — is perfectly situated right on the Long Island Sound and offers picnic pavilions, reserved and open picnic areas, boat launching, pathways, a catering hall and restaurant, and plenty more.
Open: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (final entry 6 p.m.) daily, June 3 through Labor Day, September 4, for Westchester residents
Fees: $4 parking with Parks Pass, $10 without; weekends only after Labor Day
1 Pelham Rd, New Rochelle
914.813.6720
Harbor Island Park – Stephen E. Johnston Beach
Photo courtesy of seeswim.com
If you’re looking for a more modest-sized getaway that still boasts plenty of amenities, Stephen E. Johnston may only stretch 750 feet, but that’s enough space to bask in the sun while enjoying the proximity to a playground area, picnic tables, a tennis club, ball fields, spray ground, and fishing docks, in addition to regular concerts and family fun nights. Kayak classes are also available.
Open: Swimming 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty
Fees: $8 parking on weekdays, $12 weekends; $13 adults, $8 children, $6 seniors
123 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck
914.777.7784
Hudson Park & Beach
If you want a beach that satisfies the perfect balance of relaxation and recreation, this is the one for you. At Hudson Park & Beach, you can read a book, take a nap, or just chill in the sand before heading over to the grassy recreation area which hosts a playground, music bandshell, and plenty of seating.
Open: Weekends-only in June; daily from June 25 through Labor Day
Fees: $5 parking for residents without Park Pass; free admission
1 Hudson Park Rd, New Rochelle
914.654.2087
Rye Town Park & Beach
Andy Newbold | Flickr
Rye’s crescent-shaped, 1,200-foot long turf offers general-public access to the Long Island Sound via three separate gates (the center one, next to The Barley Beach House restaurant, is typically busiest). Rye Town doesn’t offer as many amenities as some of the others above, but it is located next to Playland, whose weekly fireworks displays can be viewed from either beach. For non-residents and non-permit holders, parking is $15 per car on weekdays, $25 on weekends, and $35 for holidays.
Open: 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Sat, Sun, and holidays
Fees: Daily beach rates for residents are $5 on weekdays, $10 on weekends, and $15 on holidays. For non-residents, $15 on weekdays, $20 on weekends, and $25 on holidays.
Dearborn Ave, Rye
914.939.3075
Playland Beach
Immediately adjacent, Playland’s own beach adds concessions and privately operated bathrooms—both appealing options—plus the scenic vistas of the park’s architecture and rides.
Open:11 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (final entry 6 p.m.) Sat, Sun, and holidays through June 21; Wed-Sun June 22 through August 19
Fees: $10 parking; $9.99 adults, children, and seniors. Kids 2 years and younger are free