For those who love New York City–until the summer heat sets in–Westchester County is a heavenly escape. It’s filled with county parks, pools, and lush, green beauty, yet is easily accessible from the city that never sleeps. If you’re living in Westchester,–or looking to escape the city–this summer, there’s plenty of local fun to be had for the whole family by taking advantage of the boardwalks, golf courses and parks available at area beaches just outside the city limits. Pack a lunch, a blanket and plenty of water and sunscreen, hop on mass transit and enjoy these great locations.
Jones Beach State Park in Long Island has long been a family favorite and, as one of the best-known beaches in New York, it’s sure to draw the crowds. You’ll find ocean waves, two swimming pools, fishing and plenty of restaurants and deck games along the two-mile boardwalk. An 18-hole golf course and miniature golf are also available. An $8 vehicle fee gains you access to the park and beach; other attractions carry additional fees. Open sunrise to sunset. From the Throgs Neck Bridge going south, take the Cross Island Expressway southeast to the Northern State Parkway heading east. Take the Northern State Parkway to the Meadow Brook State Parkway and follow the signs into the park. For information call (516) 785-2420.
Just beyond Jones Beach, Robert Moses State Park offers five miles of ocean beach, with fewer crowds. You can swim at the beach or try fishing from one of the piers. Picnic areas and an 18-hole pitch & putt golf course round out a full day. A vehicle fee of $6 to $8 will get you into one of five beach areas. Open dawn to dusk after Memorial Day. Take the Throgs Neck Bridge to the Cross Island Expressway south, to the Southern State Parkway going east. Follow to the Robert Moses Causeway, exit 40, south. The park is at the western end of Fire Island. Call (631) 669-0470 for more information.
Orchard Beach, the Bronx is a part of Pelham Bay Park, which offers playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts, stables, a golf course and even a museum for when you tire of sunbathing. Parking is $5 during the week, $6 on weekends, and the beach is free. Take the Hutchinson River Parkway south and follow signs to the park. Open 10am to 6pm. Call (718) 885-2275 for information.
For Westchester residents, Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle offers picnic tables, miniature golf, playgrounds, fishing and more. Parking is $4, and admission to the beach is $5 for adults, $3.25 for children. The beach is open from 10am to 6pm, the park from 8am-dusk. Note: You must have a Westchester County park pass to be admitted. Take Interstate 95 to exit 15. Turn left at the end of the exit onto Main Street. At the second traffic light, make a right onto Weyman Avenue. Follow the street two miles to the park entrance. Call (914) 813-6720 for information.
Always a favorite with kids, Rye Playland in Rye offers a beach and a spacious complex that includes fifty major and kiddieland rides. You can enjoy the sand and surf, walk along the boardwalk and listen to live music. Parking is $5 Monday through Friday, $7 on weekends, and $10 on holidays. Admission fee for the beach is $3.25 for ages 12 and up, $1.50 for kids 5-11, and children under five get in free. Open from 10 am until 6:30 pm. Take exit 19 off Interstate 95 to the Playland Parkway and follow signs to the park. Call (914) 813-7010 for information or visit www.ryeplayland.org.
The beach at Croton Point Park in Croton is just the beginning of fun. The park also contains camping spots, walking paths, playgrounds and views of the Hudson River. Parking is $8, and the beach is free. Open from 10am to 6pm. Take Interstate 287 east to Exit 9. Follow Route 9 north to Croton Point Avenue. Continue down the ramp and make a left into the park. Call (914) 862-5290 for information.
Osceola Beach in Jefferson Valley is on Osceola Lake, and is full of family activities. In addition to the beach, there’s miniature golf, an arcade, paddleboats, and more. Admission Monday through Friday is $6 for adults and $4 for kids; weekends and holidays, expect to pay $10 for adults and $6 for kids. Open 10am to 6pm. Take Taconic Parkway north to Route 6, the Jefferson Valley/Mahopac exit. Stay in the middle lane on the exit, and make a right at the end of the ramp. Make your first left onto Old Route 6 (East Main Street). Continue on this road; Osceola Beach will be on the right. Contact (914) 245-3246 or www.osceolabeach.com.
