Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This city park has a variety of habitats including forests, meadows, mixed scrub, salt marsh and a stretch of saltwater coastline, which makes this an excellent place for hiking, birdwatching and viewing wildlife.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Country Club
How to get there
- Buhre Ave • 8 min walk
- Pelham Bay Park • 10 min walk
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839 within 3 miles
Attractions
354 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
113 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
34
Average
17
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Scott B
Wantagh, NY716 contributions
Oct 2022
A lot of trails for hiking and biking throughout the entire park. The views of the bay in the fall were really nice, long grass along the sea surrounded by trees. We saw signs for golfing, and the crescent shaped Orchard beach was good size, with an old deteriorating bathhouse in the middle of it. Probably completely full in the summer. A huge boat themed playground for kids, softball and baseball fields, squash and tennis courts, etc.
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mishywishy1967
Winterville, NC108 contributions
Sep 2012 • Family
Once called the Riviera of New York City, it is literally walking distance to City Island (see my review). It is a manmade beach crescent shaped beach looking out over Long Island Sound. Playgrounds and food vendors line the Promenade. A tip: do NOT go there on the weekend (everyone in the Bronx does or so it seems). If you go there during the week, the beach is yours. It's a great spot and can be reached by mass transit, of course.
Written March 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Priscilla F
Connecticut3 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
The only thing that sucks is that if you enter the beach parking lot and you have a car and you want to have family time and enter with a T&LC license plate (taxi car) you MUST pay $13.00 . That’s not fair to us .
Written June 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva B
New York City, NY12 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
The Orchard Beach was our stop before City Island. We went there for the first time and I think the last time. This beach is long, I believe with 8 section. There is a long promenade, a mile walkway, with many food carts and and beer carts. It is a public beach and I guess the whole Bronx goes there. It's very very loud, people go there with their own audio system - huge speakers, the music is super loud, many many kids, so if someone wants to relax on this beach is just impossible. Going there alone I think is not a good idea, your eyes have to be open all the time. We went during the weekend, the parking was $9, during the week is $7. Probably someone who likes loud music, parties will like this beach.
Written June 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exploration21426
Bronx, NY1 contribution
The slob days of summer are here! It seems all the pigs in the Bronx come to Pelham Bay Park on the weekends. Talk about looking the other way, in a place that doesn't allow alcoholic beverages or littering or requires permits for large gatherings, we find none of this enforced. 100's of beer and wine bottles adorn the lawns of this once beautifull area and people gather without permits and since their is a lack of toilet facilities it is not unusual to find men & women urinating and deficating in public or behind a bush. They illegally park on Bruckner and with the construction going on their close the rode while they empty their vehicles. Now doesn't this sound like a place you would like to visit!!!
Written July 25, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blackeldo
Kiama, Australia2,230 contributions
Sep 2019
AS CHUCK BERRY SANG, SOME THINGS CAN SURPRISE YOU….
…..ORCHARD BEACH is way better than one would think. I mean a beach in THE BRONX of all places? And an artificial beach at that?
Well that first point means it is way more accessible for most New Yorkers than those southern LONG ISLAND Atlantic Ocean beaches way out in south Brooklyn and south Queens. And the second proves the point that if you do a job properly you can darn well do it well – in my opinion this beach is nicer than the above mentioned ocean beaches** although it doesn’t have a fun fair like CONEY ISLAND.
What we have here is a 1.1mile long arc of sand between definite borders – beats those LONG ISLAND beaches which stretch on indefinitely - boring.
A nice wide paved promenade stretches its length along which are several change sheds, food/drink concessions, exercise facilities yada.
The beach itself was wide from the high tide mark to the promenade (150m). The sand fairly fine, closer white/yellow than tan, few shells, not much weed my visit (latter tends to vary many beaches). It is intensively supervised with lifeguards' stations every 50m or so – I thought this an overkill (I am an Aussie life-saver with 60 years experience) given the benign conditions. Not much swell gets into this area which is protected from the Atlantic by LONG ISLAND.
In back of the beach is a spacious park area with lotsa room for a picnic on the grass/under the trees. The area has more sports facilities.
TIPS – access is fine VIA NYC subway/buses - details online. There are spacious parking lots for drivers.
- sports freaks: check online for what’s available. It’s kinda mind-blowing.
- If you are into fishing, note the north end of the beach leads onto rocks/land-linked islands which are ideal for that purpose. Bush-walkers will enjoy the short tracks here.
- no need to bring your music: lotsa beach goers had boom boxes belting out the LATINA versions of modern stuff. Good value.
**except if you are a surfer - OB does not pick up much swell. Not that this ol’ surfer of 65 years was all that impressed with surf at the Atlantic Ocean beaches.
…..ORCHARD BEACH is way better than one would think. I mean a beach in THE BRONX of all places? And an artificial beach at that?
Well that first point means it is way more accessible for most New Yorkers than those southern LONG ISLAND Atlantic Ocean beaches way out in south Brooklyn and south Queens. And the second proves the point that if you do a job properly you can darn well do it well – in my opinion this beach is nicer than the above mentioned ocean beaches** although it doesn’t have a fun fair like CONEY ISLAND.
What we have here is a 1.1mile long arc of sand between definite borders – beats those LONG ISLAND beaches which stretch on indefinitely - boring.
A nice wide paved promenade stretches its length along which are several change sheds, food/drink concessions, exercise facilities yada.
The beach itself was wide from the high tide mark to the promenade (150m). The sand fairly fine, closer white/yellow than tan, few shells, not much weed my visit (latter tends to vary many beaches). It is intensively supervised with lifeguards' stations every 50m or so – I thought this an overkill (I am an Aussie life-saver with 60 years experience) given the benign conditions. Not much swell gets into this area which is protected from the Atlantic by LONG ISLAND.
In back of the beach is a spacious park area with lotsa room for a picnic on the grass/under the trees. The area has more sports facilities.
TIPS – access is fine VIA NYC subway/buses - details online. There are spacious parking lots for drivers.
- sports freaks: check online for what’s available. It’s kinda mind-blowing.
- If you are into fishing, note the north end of the beach leads onto rocks/land-linked islands which are ideal for that purpose. Bush-walkers will enjoy the short tracks here.
- no need to bring your music: lotsa beach goers had boom boxes belting out the LATINA versions of modern stuff. Good value.
**except if you are a surfer - OB does not pick up much swell. Not that this ol’ surfer of 65 years was all that impressed with surf at the Atlantic Ocean beaches.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NoSleepFromBrooklyn
New York City, NY826 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
Pelham park is HUGE.
Yesterday we set off to hike Kazimiroff Trail, which winds through Hunter Island, about a 1 mile loop hike. (this is all part of Pelham Bay Park) In order to access this gem we parked in the general parking lot at Orchard Beach (which was free since it’s off season).
The Kazimiroff Trail head starts right at the north of the lot. We entered the trail about mid lot, and exited the corner near the water. This allowed us to see the breadth of nature’s offerings. There are several paths you can take off the trail, but we kept veering towards the water whenever it was an option.
Our hike was easy on a well marked path though heavy woods and we didn’t see a single other person. Along the hike we saw a large variety of trees with spectacular color change, several different species of birds and a few squirrels. After hiking about 20 minutes the path opened up revealing a large salt marsh with a boardwalk snaking thorough reeds leading to the bay. It was as scenic as it gets with vivid contrasts between the yellow grasses, the bright blue sky and the rippling sea.
When we hit the coastline we found many large boulders and which lead for great climbing and exploring. We saw lots of fish, ducks, mussels, a helmet crab and the skull of a small animal possibly a coyote.
After exploring for about 45 minutes we made our hike back to the car, this time taking the path closest to the water. It took us about 20 minutes and we enjoyed a few more pit stops to take in the views.
I really stumbled onto this gem. I read it was a hike to a salt marsh, but other than that there is little online about the remarkable hike. I imagine fall could be the nicest time of year to enjoy this little slice of nature, but we’ll probably check it out throughout the year, it’s only 20 minutes from northern manhattan. Plus, there is a large picnic area off the parking lot before you enter the woods, with tables and grills. And clean public bathrooms. Maybe we’ll make a day of it next time.
Yesterday we set off to hike Kazimiroff Trail, which winds through Hunter Island, about a 1 mile loop hike. (this is all part of Pelham Bay Park) In order to access this gem we parked in the general parking lot at Orchard Beach (which was free since it’s off season).
The Kazimiroff Trail head starts right at the north of the lot. We entered the trail about mid lot, and exited the corner near the water. This allowed us to see the breadth of nature’s offerings. There are several paths you can take off the trail, but we kept veering towards the water whenever it was an option.
Our hike was easy on a well marked path though heavy woods and we didn’t see a single other person. Along the hike we saw a large variety of trees with spectacular color change, several different species of birds and a few squirrels. After hiking about 20 minutes the path opened up revealing a large salt marsh with a boardwalk snaking thorough reeds leading to the bay. It was as scenic as it gets with vivid contrasts between the yellow grasses, the bright blue sky and the rippling sea.
When we hit the coastline we found many large boulders and which lead for great climbing and exploring. We saw lots of fish, ducks, mussels, a helmet crab and the skull of a small animal possibly a coyote.
After exploring for about 45 minutes we made our hike back to the car, this time taking the path closest to the water. It took us about 20 minutes and we enjoyed a few more pit stops to take in the views.
I really stumbled onto this gem. I read it was a hike to a salt marsh, but other than that there is little online about the remarkable hike. I imagine fall could be the nicest time of year to enjoy this little slice of nature, but we’ll probably check it out throughout the year, it’s only 20 minutes from northern manhattan. Plus, there is a large picnic area off the parking lot before you enter the woods, with tables and grills. And clean public bathrooms. Maybe we’ll make a day of it next time.
Written November 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phill G
Peekskill, NY141 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
It's a toss-up.
I'm nearer Orchard Beach than the nicer Long Island beaches, so I've been here more than a few times. I certainly wouldn't call it clean, but it's okay for a beach fix. If you're just looking to stick your feet in the water and sit on the sand, it's fine for a weekday. Being only a half mile long, Summer weekends are wall-to-wall people.
There is no street parking, so there's an unavoidable parking fee. You can do public transit during the Summer, but the shuttle bus is ghastly. There are restrooms (somewhat icky), and during the Summer season, there is a food and drink stand.
Like Coney Island and other city beaches, you get street storm drain runoff washing up on the beach here, and you're going to find wrappers, twigs, leaves, and general junk washing up on the shore and in the water. If there's been a recent rain storm, I wouldn't go.
With a wide boardwalk, I think of it as a dirtier Coney Island without the carnival rides and amusements.
I'm nearer Orchard Beach than the nicer Long Island beaches, so I've been here more than a few times. I certainly wouldn't call it clean, but it's okay for a beach fix. If you're just looking to stick your feet in the water and sit on the sand, it's fine for a weekday. Being only a half mile long, Summer weekends are wall-to-wall people.
There is no street parking, so there's an unavoidable parking fee. You can do public transit during the Summer, but the shuttle bus is ghastly. There are restrooms (somewhat icky), and during the Summer season, there is a food and drink stand.
Like Coney Island and other city beaches, you get street storm drain runoff washing up on the beach here, and you're going to find wrappers, twigs, leaves, and general junk washing up on the shore and in the water. If there's been a recent rain storm, I wouldn't go.
With a wide boardwalk, I think of it as a dirtier Coney Island without the carnival rides and amusements.
Written May 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Calvins5
New Rochelle, NY98 contributions
Mar 2012
Pelham Bay Park is the biggest park in NYC, lots to see and do in this area. City Island is just around the corner. Tons of restaurants, fishing, swimming, people watching. Check it out!
Written March 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan C.
La Jolla, California, USA526 contributions
Aug 2020
Visited Orchard Beach for a drive-in movie and we had lots of fun! It's a big open space with plenty of room for all of the cars to get a good view of the movie screen. It was very well staffed and we were quickly directed where to park before the movie began.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Planning a barbecue with some friends at Pelham Bay Park in a couple of weeks' time. Can we bring our own beer to the park?
Written July 10, 2021
How long can you park at the Park? Thinking of parking and then catching the subway to Manhattan for a day trip
Written February 19, 2020
There is a very big parking lot for Orchard Beach - just follow the signs. You may have a hike if you are coming later in the day.
There is a fee to park from Memorial Day until Labor Day. The city parks site says: During the beach season, parking is $7.00 Monday through Friday for cars and vans, and $9.00 on weekends and holidays. A senior citizen discount is available for weekdays, please bring a valid ID and inquire at the parking lot toll booths. Once the beaches have closed for the year, parking is free.
That's for 2016. Check for updates.
Written September 2, 2016
Old Orchard Beach is in Maine. Orchard Beach in the Bronx is part of Pelham Bay Park on the shore of the Long Island Sound.
Written August 31, 2017
I'm looking for a place where we can go Horseback riding in or near the Bronx.
Written August 7, 2016
Bronx Equestrian Center - This one is in Pelham Bay Park in the Northeast Bronx
The Riverdale Stables - This one is in Van Cortlandt Park in the Northwest Bronx
You can find them online and contact them for hours, rates and more info
Written September 2, 2016
Hi, is it OK that in the daytime I pitch a small, 2 person tent? The sun gets to me. Thank you.
Written May 30, 2016
I've seen plenty of people doing that with no problems.
Written July 14, 2016
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