Despite last week’s weather not exactly giving us the summery energy we deserve, May 23 marked one of our favorite city’s most important seasonal milestones: New York City’s beaches are officially open for summer!
And thankfully, sunnier weekends are absolutely ahead—which means beach days, boardwalk strolls, and ocean breezes will be back before we know it.
From the crashing waves of Rockaway Beach—NYC’s premier legal surfing destination—to the historic revival of the Bronx’s beloved Orchard Beach, there’s so much to celebrate this season as New Yorkers finally return to the sand.
And for those looking for a serene, crowd-free alternative to the standard summer chaos, New York City’s newest beach is here to deliver.
Inside NYC’s Cleanest Public Sanctuary: What to Expect At Cedar Grove Beach
While millions flock to the bustling boardwalks of Coney Island or the trendy food concessions of Queens, Cedar Grove Beach on Staten Island remains the city’s best-kept secret.
As the newest addition to NYC Parks’ oceanfront lineup, it offers a stark, refreshing contrast to its lively neighbors, Midland and South Beach.
If you are tired of playing towel tetris just to catch a glimpse of the ocean, this is your new sanctuary. Expect a pristine, peaceful shoreline where the soundtrack to your afternoon is the gentle lapping of the Lower New York Bay, rather than a chorus of Bluetooth speakers.
Because it is a newer public designation, it remains remarkably uncrowded even on peak July weekends.
A Tranquil Escape
Cedar Grove Beach is tailor-made for those who want to unplug. It lacks the massive, roaring amusement parks and dense commercial strips found elsewhere in the boroughs. Instead, you’ll find:
- A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for reading and sunbathing.
- Calm, gentle waters that are highly popular for local kayakers and paddleboarders.
- Clean, accessible sand with plenty of breathing room to spread out.
- Essential, clean amenities including restrooms and vigilant NYC lifeguard coverage daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Hidden History: How A 100-Year-Old Private Bungalow Colony Became Public Parkland
What makes Cedar Grove Beach so uniquely charming is its distinct, time-capsule aesthetic—a direct byproduct of its rich history. For nearly a century, this stretch of coastline wasn’t a public park at all; it was a tight-knit, private oceanfront bungalow colony.
Dating back to the early 20th century, generations of families rented and owned modest, rustic summer cottages right on the sand.
This private community operated under a restricted lease with the city until 2010. When the land officially transitioned fully to public parkland, NYC Parks deliberately preserved the quiet, residential magic of the area.
Walking along the coast today, you can still feel the nostalgic, old-school New York summer vibe baked into the landscape.
How to Get There
Cedar Grove Beach is located at Ebbitts Street and Cedar Grove Avenue on the southeast shore of Staten Island.
Because it is tucked away from the major transit hubs, the journey itself helps keep the massive crowds at bay. Here is how to plan your trip:
- By Car: It is an easy drive from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Take Hylan Boulevard down to Ebbitts Street and follow it straight to the beachfront parking area.
- By Public Transit: Take the Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan. Once at the St. George Terminal, hop on the Staten Island Railway (SIR) to the New Dorp station. From there, you can catch the S76 bus to Ebbitts Street/Cedar Grove Avenue, or take quick 5-minute rideshare directly to the sand.
It’s important to note that swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are strictly on duty (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)!
Pack your favorite book, leave the city noise behind, and enjoy NYC’s ultimate coastal hidden gem!
