After missing an exit we found ourselves near the ocean. So…read morewell .... I couldn't resist going for a swim, since I've been known to swim in a dirty mud puddle it just made sense to. Other than an iconic New York bridge off to the left, it really seemed like we were in the middle of nowhere stopping there with few people around to spoil the illusion of being in one of the worlds largest cities. Very cool place to stop, with not much commercialism to be seen and no large buildings nearby gave a breathtaking view of the sky and ocean. Well worth a drive here to breathe a little easier or to get away from the city for a while, with nice slow moving neighbourhoods near by to explore.

While you'd never mistake this South Beach on the eastern end of Staten Island, New York, for the…read moremore renown South Beach in Miami, this northern variant does offer something that its namesake in south Florida cannot. Curious? Well, here on the fifth borough of NYC, you can stroll in solitude on the sandy border between boardwalk and Lower New York Bay on a clear sunny (but 35F) day and have the playa all to yourself and the flock of seagulls searching for dinner in the sand. It is peaceful and picturesque, with dynamic views of the Verrazano Bridge and panorama of bay, islands, and even downtown Brooklyn all within your gaze. It is really quite spectacular in a downbeat kind of way. The sun makes everything shine in the late afternoon western golden glow, leaving these works of man seem like a golden city on the horizon. We were duly impressed, and lingered in the sand near the surf longer than anticipated just taking it all in on a macro level before going micro to search for the flotsam sand diamonds that wash up after years of erosion wear. True, the beach itself is occupied by birds and the cleanliness is in question. Actually sitting on the sand is not recommended. Yet, on a chill day in December when only the rough and ready venture out to explore what most wouldn't, can a certain quietude set in that offers the possibility of inner peace and reflection.

My experience at Cedar Grove started in 1946 when I was born. Ceder Grove Beach Club originated in…read more1912 with tents in the grove. My grandmother had purchased one of the original bungalows for $1500 in '46. Every summer except one until I was 21, I visited our family summer home. My children were 4th generation. Many of the families that returned each year were multi-generational. The special part of being a resident were the activities each day run by a hired camp counselor team. We had an orchestra from NYC play every Saturday night starting at 6 PM for the little kids, teenagers danced to records, then the band came back at 10 PM for the adults. We participated in all sports. My first kiss, first beer, first dance all happened at Cedar Grove. We lost our house in 1992 to a strong storm, and I understand the entire beach was decimated during hurricane Sandy. Of all my life long memories, Cedar Grove Beach Club is my most favorite, sacred of all others. I cherish those summers.

What a change. But with Yelp I don't think for long. After being used to the packed beached of…read moreBrokklyn, from the Coney Island, to Sea gate, this beach is closer to how the beach should be like. Empty (Almost completely) and actually clean (For NYC beach). Had a healthy walk by the water. And smelled the air before it coming into the city. Water looks brown, but do not mistake they are considered to be good for sea life, and fishermen will tell you about that. I know there are nicer beaches, Jersey Coast and such, but this one is local.

The Midland Beach neighborhood of Staten Island has the good fortune of lying along Lower New York…read moreBay with FDR Boardwalk running 2.5 miles from there through South Beach, to under the Verrazano Bridge connecting Staten Island to its sister borough of Brooklyn. In winter, it is mostly deserted to the seagulls and sandpipers huddling up as they mourn the loss of litter to scavenge for their meals, and must hunt the sand for their supper. Yet, the boardwalk braves its way through the dark months, silently inviting the adventurous to strap up and search the boards and beach for cold weather bounty. Midland and South Beaches are contiguous, sewn together by the reconstructed boardwalk lost in Hurricane Sandy, but standing proud once again. The view of water, beach, bridge and man, may not be the best sight ever seen, but in its quiet, scuffling way, it is dramatic and keeps you mindful that in a city of millions, you can be quite totally alone in forgotten corners of megalopolis. There is something almost mystical about that reality that gets inside and calls you back when you need to think deeply and contemplate life.

Took a shot on this because of ChatGPT…read more Trash (literally saw a condom rolling the waves), glass and trash on beach, sand was a mix of dirt, no food options, a lot of bugs (yes, I'm outside, but this was more than any beach I've been to), and just kind of ugly in general Pros: lots of parking, calm waves

Just a lovely dog park with the ocean backdrop. A dog sitter a black away couldn't ask for more.read more

This park is absolutely beautiful! There are many things to do as well such as swings, jungle gym…read morefor kids, hockey rink, and basketball court. There is also a beautiful trail for walking. My favorite part is the dog park. Many people bring their dogs here to run around and play. The park also has a beach area which is nice. This park is very peaceful and clean as well. There's also a huge grass area where you can fly kites, have a picnic, etc. Tons of parking and also bathrooms are available!!!

Only for few places I've selfishly felt writing about it will make it more popular and I might not…read moreenjoy the place all by myself - this is one among them. Just while searching for beaches in a 30 minute driving radius, we ran into this gem of a park that's so well maintained. They have ample free parking and the walk to the bay is so quick. The bay might not be the best to walk on as sand is relatively less with more gravels and getting down to it from the stairs is little difficult even for well grown adults. This could definitely be wheelchair accessible in a certain way. They also have few picnic enclosures and a memorial to one of their town's fallen soldiers. The walking pavement is neatly laid out for a calm, peaceful and relaxing walk. We went on overcast conditions and had to return to the car just before the rain caught up. Will definitely return here for summers to watch the sunset in this beautiful bay/park.

It's a pretty cool and fun park.,... Have gone there with my girlfriend many times.... Usually…read moredrove by mostly

Got there around 7:15 am as I heard parking gets filled up quickly. It's a bit of a long walk…read morebut worth it. The beach is very clean. I was a bit nervous as this was my first time. But after a coupe of minutes I embraced the reason why I was there. I will definitely be back

A wonderful day at an amazing conference event. Can we really expect the staff to maintain their…read morecommitment towards excellence. It was a wonderful event to receive such an experience.

Great Beach!…read more Beautiful beach with clear water and pet friendly. I wanted to take my dogs to a clean beach for a while and I decided to go to Sandy Hook Beach. It was a wonderful experience. The recreation center is huge, miles and miles of beach, park, lake, and trails. Pets and their owners may visit bayside beaches throughout the year. Pets are only allowed on oceanside beaches from September 15-March 15. Pets are not permitted on oceanside beaches during the spring and summer, but you can still take them to the parks, trails and other areas. We went in October and entrance was free, we parked near the beach, and we spent a wonderful day.

A beach at the middle of NJ with landward beaches on the bay (less good, but less waves and more…read morestagnant water) and outside seaward beaches (better, but more people). Parking is charged between Memorial and Labor days, no dogs on the beach between March 15 to September 15 due to piping plover nesting season. Not a lot of shelling, some smooth stones to be picked up (you can wade in). There's also a clothing-optional beach (Gunnison?) as a part, too. Reasonably good facilities at the main parking lots (A-F). Fees are collected from 8 AM to 6 PM so if you arrive early, no charge. ($20/day and $100 for a season).

Happy FriYay Adventurers! This is a nice area to enjoy the outside. You'll see lots of jet skiers…read moreand people launching boats, a few people fishing off the dock/pier as well. Small beach area to walk a little, maybe bring a dog; though be cautious of hooks, rocks, and other items. When I was a kid the beach was a lot bigger but they made the water walk and sidewalk above bigger, now the beach is a sliver. I would get a raft and float with it tied to the beach to enjoy the outside. Plenty of parking both street and lot. The benches are not the most comfortable, metal and thin. But they have holes for umbrellas if you want to do a lunch, or enjoy book club outdoors. The skyline isn't much but sunsets can make even the most industrial of places appealing. there are bathrooms but I've heard they're never open and I saw a porta potty the last time I was there. I think there's an official 'park' someone who either checks safety or fishing permits, I'm not sure. Down the block you have Moby Dicks, a small park with outdoor fitness, bikes to rent, and a new concert area for live music. Nice breeze and good place to just relax.