South Beach (Staten Island)

With beautiful views back towards Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, South Beach is a long stretch of sand where Upper Bay opens out into Gravesend Bay. Its northeast end – closest to the bridge, is edged by Battery Hudson historic landmark and the Camp Gateway campground, while its opposite end runs into Midland Beach without a break. The Franklin D Roosevelt boardwalk and bike path follows its entire 1.5 mile length.

South Beach is primarily a beach for relaxing in the sun or messing about in the shallows, although Ocean Pier makes it’s a popular location with anglers. There’s also a park designed especially for use by older beachgoers containing chess tables and bocca courts. A children’s playground can be found at Midland Beach.

Lifeguards patrol South Beach during beach season between 10 am and 6 pm. Amenities are limited, but include concession stands for refreshments and a mobile changing station. Beach chairs, parasols and bikes can be rented. In the summer months, fireworks erupt over South Beach every Wednesday at dusk.