After missing an exit we found ourselves near the ocean. So well .... 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. read more

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While you'd never mistake this South Beach on the eastern end of Staten Island, New York, for the more 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. read more

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Surprised how clean this beach is! I will surely be back soon . Very beautiful place & not to crowded either! But don't think it's ideal to swim in this beach . The water isn't that clean , feel like all the city garbage always floating there. Not much restaurants to eat & the ones they are here are very expensive! So bring food, drinks , sunscreen, towel , chair if you planing to stay for long ! You can stay there until afternoon all by yourself, what a idea read more

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South Beach is super convenient for me as I live closer to Staten Island than the Jersey Shore. I've visited this beach twice and enjoyed myself both times! Toll from Jersey City to Staten Island was a little over $12 (EZ-Pass) and the drive was only 20 minutes. Parking is free and the beach is free, a win win. My most recent visit was last month on a Friday afternoon. They have a small lot but if it's full you can also park on the street. South Beach has a mini boardwalk that I didn't get to explore yet but I saw that you can rent bikes and I did see food vendors but they weren't open. The walk from the lot to the beach was brief which is a win as well. Now, I'm a beach girly that likes to lay out and tan. I rarely ever go in the water so I cannot speak on that. As far as the sand, it could be cleaner but I just laid out my towels/mat and enjoyed my day. I love the view of the Verrazano Bridge and at the time I visited, it was super relaxing and quiet. I will be back on days I want to get a quick tan but if I was spending an entire day at the beach, I'll make my way down to the Jersey Shore. read more

With the unusually warm weather this Saturday, we went to South Beach to walk on the boardwalk and pier and enjoy being by the water. This was my first time at South Beach, normally I've just stuck to Midland that's adjacent. ​ Great views of the river and bridge, nice even/flat wooden boardwalk, variety of activities abuzz even in this winter season (fishing, walking, biking, skating, etc.). People were sitting on the benches by the Freedom Circle and little kids were playing around the dolphin statue. Nice place to stay active and get outside even during the colder months! read more

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This is nice beach spot in the boro of Staten Island NYC, very tranquil off season to take a nice walk etc.

Excellent beach and boardwalk in the Midland neighborhood. There are many piers designated for fishing; most being smaller jetties and a large main pier directly connected to the Franklin D. Roosevelt boardwalk. At the end of the 2.5 mile boardwalk there is a cafe offering different kinds of snack foods like hotdogs, popcorn, fries, etc., with views of the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge. Across the street from the main fishing pier, you can see the Ocean Breeze Recreational complex. At the start of the actual board, there is a walkway roundabout featuring various kinds of flowers in the non-Winter months. While this beach and boardwalk area is just about perfect, I am only giving it 4 stars because the beach sand could be cleaner (though a portion of this fault is from the beach-goers), and it would be nice to have more concession stands on the raised boardwalk than the single cafe towards the end. read more

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I love this beach. It's one of the best things about living in my neighborhood. It's clean. There is a good crowd. Relatively wacko free. I've been here before sunrise, and after sunset, and I've always felt safe. The boardwalk itself is well-maintained, and so are the public bathrooms. Would I recommend it? Of course. If you want a quiet, non-touristy place to stroll. read more

South Beach - Parks Near Me - Staten Island, New York

Well maintained beach with a view of Manhattan. It is not very touristy so it is a great place for a quiet getaway day trip. I had a lovely time wading in the water and basking in the sun. For those who want to swim, be warned...the water is very dirty. Perhaps it is the proximity to Manhattan but there is a glossy film of oil over the water and small floating islands of plastic. There's all sorts of trash washed up on the sand, making for a gritty surprise on the feet. If you're okay with this, then otherwise the beach is a pleasant experience. read more

Being from Florida I was not expecting to stumble across a beach like this but I did and it was very relaxing. Nothing compares to the cool weather up north and beautiful views to go along with it. This area was very nice and seems to be a great place to run, fish or just enjoy the views read more

South Beach - Parks Near Me - Staten Island, New York

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Hidden gem a skip away from where I lived in Brooklyn. I think more people are finding out about I though, so I expect it to get busier. Really hope the public keeps it clean, and it's a great place to run your dogs outside of the summer season. Parking is easy with several lots along the shore. read more

Location, Amenities, Swim/Sand= 1 Star This beach gets 1 because it's convenient and relaxing but it lacks because I advise you to not really swim in it. It's complicated so read on... Location= Ideal location because it's in NYC. You don't have to go to far into Long Island and deal with traffic or cross to Jersey and deal with traffic. It's not a busy beach. It's actually goes forgotten which makes it relaxing because on a hot day in the summer you don't want to feel overcrowding at a beach. The view is awesome of the city and the Verrazano bridge. Amenities= Free Beach, Free parking. They have a concession stand where the price is regular (means they're not overcharging because they're the only stand)This concession stand is on the boardwalk and they also have a restaurant on the boardwalk. Bathroom station is on the boardwalk but closer to the restaurant. Swimming/Sand= Sand was "clean". Not really a roudy beach. Before noon this beach is almost empty, quiet, almost relaxing in a sense. You can't even believe you're still in one of the 5 boroughs. The beach drops the ball with their "waters". Before noon this beach is "somewhat nyc clean ". In the afternoon "after tide" you feel like you're swimming in pure Garbage! Coney Island dirt seems to creep in. You see candy wrappers, swimmers garbage, etc... Due to this I would have given it 0 stars. So if you're a swimmer don't come here. If you come to the beach for the sun and sand this beach is there for location and convenience but lacks cause you can't swim in the water. Beach= No to swimming. 1 Star convenient for tanning on the beach, free parking, close proximity and restaurant/concession stand nearby. read more

South Beach - Parks Near Me - Staten Island, New York

I really wanted to like this beach. It was scenic. It had a nice boardwalk, and easy parking. It wasn't too crowded on the morning we went. Here's the "but", it's not as clean as it should be, the beach or the water. The beach near the shoreline was littered with plastic. I came across two tampon applicators and a needle to an automatic syringe. The water was murky at best and also had plastic bags floating in it. The free sunscreen was a nice touch, but the availability of showers even a faucet to wash sand off was a little sparse. It's definitely a nice place to go if all you want to do is walk and ride a bike, but definitely not a place to go to to play in the sand. Who knows what you might come across! read more

Where else but here Can you find a dead raccoon And see fireworks And arm-wrestling competitions And god knows what else And kiss a friend in the moonlight And have no one around to ruin the moment And then find a bottle With sand inside And crunch small shells with your feet And then go eat with the sea air blowing in your hair Where else can you Plop down on the orange sand in the hot sun And not have strangers breathe down your neck? Where else can you swim in clear water And then a day later Swim again and realize You're swimming in garbage? Only on South Beach. I love this place For cleanliness I give it a 2 For the nearly abandoned vibe I give it a 5 read more

South Beach - Parks Near Me - Staten Island, New York

No amusement park on this boardwalk! Only a long trail along the Atlantic coast. Great views, healthy steps, rent a bike or take run, get some healthy steps in! read more

South Beach - Boardwalk and Verrazano bridge. - Parks Near Me - Staten Island, New York

What do I like the most about it? Certainly boardwalk! About 2 miles long, it is great for morning runs, or just walking and enjoying stunning views. Verrazano and morning sunrises along are camera-worthy, but do not miss Dolphin fountain, Gazebo and Midland Beach/Fishing pier just a stroll away! (park on the commuter parking lot further down Father Capodanno if you going fishing, it's quite a hike from South Beach parking lot) And if you looking for refreshments or dinner, there is a cafe with Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and beautiful South Fin Grill restaurant right on boardwalk. Beach and boardwalk currently closed after Sandy, but should reopen by Memorial Day! Note that beach gets crowded during summer months, esp. on weekends. read more

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1.5 stars... Thank you South Beach for making Coney Island seem pristine. This is by far the worst beach I've ever been to. The only saving grace here is the cool view of the Verazanno Bridge and the 7 mile long wooden boardwalk and because of Sandy the entire thing (except for a few hundred feet of it) is currently blocked off despite looking to be completely intact. Don't confuse this boardwalk with Coney Island or anything in NJ, it isn't lined with shops and restaurants. In fact from what I can tell there is only two businesses on the boardwalk on the main entrance of the beach (north side). One was a fancy restaurant (South Fin Grill) and the other was a little ice cream stand with limited options. Onto the beach itself. It's a pretty wide beach with plenty of lifeguards on duty. Due to the location of the beach there aren't any waves here. It's great for small children who want to play in the chilly water but no so great for people who like to listen to the sound of the ocean. There were no waves to drown out the faint sound of music coming from every beach patron who thinks that everyone wants to listen to their garbage. Which brings me to the final point, this is the filthiest beach I've ever seen. There was so much garbage on the beach, especially if you moved a few feet away from the busier section of the beach in front of the ice cream shop. When I grabbed my towel to leave I saw a hypodermic needle that I almost stepped on. Yeah, watch your step and your property if you come here and pack food and drinks. Or better yet, don't come here. read more

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You have no Idea living here for almost five years and haven't been to certain areas makes you wonder.... Staten Island is actually pretty big lol Frist time ever at south beach... I was so excited finally south beach... Heard so many things about this place ... There's a really nice boardwalk...clean and stable...lots of people come here jogging...what I enjoy the most is the actually boardwalk... Love walking by and seeing the lovely sights... I can see the bridge, Brooklyn and mahatten right by the beach... It's so nice and comforting just to sit there and enjoy the sights...there's this cute little secluded island as well... It was pretty cool... I didn't go swimming and I didn't walk on sand...maybe next time...lots of family and friends come here during a hot gloomy day to chill and relax...there's a restaurant on the boardwalk and a icey/ice cream shop ....there is parking...free parking! Restrooms are located in the center of the boardwalk... read more

South Beach - Relaxing! - Parks Near Me - Staten Island, New York

Let me start by saying, most of the reviews are outdated (pre 2015) this beach is clean now. Regular beach debris that you would expect, pebbles, small pieces of twigs that washed up from the water or that birds brought to the beach. I saw one plastic bottle cap and a piece of a straw on the sand as i looked for a good place to put my blanket down. The nearer you are to the boardwalk the more pebbles and small stones are (harder to walk). I think that's a common feature of beaches, just depends on the sand. Beautiful view of Verrazano bridge, and parts of brooklyn, i'm sure it would look amazing at night. As other reviewers have already stated, the boardwalk is long and beautiful, you always see joggers/walkers and cyclists on the bike path. There are no features on the boardwalk (meaning not like Coney Island with games and other attractions). The boardwalk is the feature. Because it's such a long stretch of beach that also merges into Midland Beach there was way more than enough space, especially if you are willing to walk further down one way or another. I didn't go in the water, I went to have a beach picnic and the breeze from the ocean was cool enough for me to know the water would have been cold for me! Lol I had an amazing time and didn't want to leave. read more

South Beach - Regular Sand with regular beach debris - Parks Near Me - Staten Island, New York

It's actually really gross, but it's got a great view of the Verrazano Bridge. I don't mind coming here with my towel and lying under the sun, but I'm probably not going to go in the water. The boardwalk is good for biking though. read more

Very nice boardwalk and beautiful scenic view. Went here today with a friend for a nice walk on the boardwalk. Very calm relaxing and serene. Enjoyed myself. Would definitely come again! I wouldn't really swim in the water tho, feel like the water is dirty. read more

It's not Belmar and I would dare go near that sand or water but the boardwalk has always been a lovely walk. It's about 3 miles lone if u go to the end and back but if you include Fort Wadsworth, which is even lovelier it becomes approx 5 miles and if you go all the way to Miller field it's 7. Fort Wadsworth offers the most beautiful views. It put you right under the Verizon. If your really lucky the goats will be out there lounging. read more

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I wouldn't touch this place with your ten foot pole. Dirty sand. Dirty water. Go for the view, but bring your Costco sized hand sanitizer. read more

Had a lively BBQ near the beach. Good food, sand, refreshing seawater to cool off during these scorching hot summer days, what more is there to life? read more

South Beach - BBQ right on the beach. - Parks Near Me - Staten Island, New York

I have this box in a closet that holds all my nearest and dearest photos. Inside it I have a few faded sepia toned snapshots taken circa 1925 with my great-grandprents holding my grandmother when she was a baby and all my great uncles as toddlers. Everyone is smiling and happy and at South Beach. You can see the small boardwalk in the background and everyone looks as if they stepped right out of the ocean. Let's fast forward to 2012. I wouldn't stick my pinky toe in this water if it was a fear factor challenge. The only swimsuit I can recommend for this beach is a hazmat suit. Otherwise, you will probably emerge from the water with hypodermic needles sticking you, 14 Pathmark plastic bags covering your face, and a case of Hepatitis C. They have a pretty decent little boardwalk with shops and Puglia's By The Sea Restaurant is here (if you happen to be a fan of Little Italy's Puglia near Mulberry St). Obviously at night it's overrun with SI teenagers (Dear God, if I hear Party Rock one more time I'm going to puncture my own eardrums). Stick to the boardwalk. As for the 'beach' - could someone for the love of all that is holy please call CERCLA?!?!?!?! read more

I've been here a few times since I moved nearby and it is a nice boardwalk. I was also here during the Breast Cancer Walk hosted by the American Breast Cancer Society this year and it's a good place to go for a walk when the weather is nice. I would like to come back here for walks and maybe do some jogging in the summer. I noticed there were still projects in progress and I hope the area gets more cleaned up. The return route for the walk next to the boardwalk had garbage bins open and laying around so the smell wasn't very pleasant. read more

I am not sure why South Beach gets such low reviews. Since I went on a Friday, the beach I guess was much cleaner than usual, if Cori L.'s review is accurate. There weren't many people on the sand, which was remarkably free of debris, and the boardwalk was immaculate. With about 2.5 miles(back and forth) for walking, biking, and jogging, it provided a clean, safe area to exercise. Coupled with the spectacular views, it was not a beach in Miami, the Caribbean, or Hawaii, but a good public beach with a great boardwalk. The public restrooms were clean, with an attendant who was so sweet about showing people how to use the fish faucets. I agree with other Yelpers about the lack of eateries close by or on the boardwalk. It appears the overpriced South Fin Grill might have a monopoly. A concession stand sells the usual hotdogs and fries, and boasts Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Lick your cone and drink in the fantastic view of the Verrazano from the north end of the beach. And Yelpers, if your public beaches are dirty, it's because some people think the ocean is their person dumping ground and the Parks Mgt doesn't have enough funds to upkeep highly utilized beaches. I am a big believer in fining beach litterers to pay for cleaning up beaches. Cori L. maybe has not visited Coney Island. I go early, before the waters there get polluted with chicken bones and baby diapers. So Yelpers, please deposit your debris into garbage cans or take it with you. Tip: Definitely pack your own food. You can catch the S51/52 to come here. To go to Bay Ridge, you can catch the S53 which is a short ride over the Verrazano. Spend time at the beach in your skinny bikini and load up on pastries at Bay Ridge Pastry shop after! read more

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This beach is clean & free parking & very close to Jersey City didn't take long to get to only 30 mins away from Jersey City

I'm not reviewing this as a beach, because I don't think it really qualifies as one. It's typical of Staten Island... dirty sand, dirty water. What more would you expect? However, it has a wonderful view of the Verrazano Bridge and a boardwalk for you to walk, run, bike while staring into the horizon. read more

Not as amazing as Coney Island beach. But the crowd and and beach is a lot cleaner and nicer to visit. How is the water? Still a bit dirty but if you went to Coney Island and here.. You would agree with this beach being clean. We do need more amusement rides and activities.. Maybe by south beach area. I will visit again though.. The restaurants all have great food! read more

Pretty cool beach for NYC. My favorite. Awesome view to the side with the VZ bridge. Ships coming and going. Beach is very big and well kept by NYC. Has life guards during the summer months. The board walk is awesome for a walk or bike ride. I feel much safer at this beach than Coney Island. read more

I have to say in the summer the traffic going to the jersey shore is crazy! South Beach has a nice boardwalk, a beautiful restaurant on the boardwalk called south fin-upscale seafood restaurant. They even have happy hour there. The bosrdwalk was recently renovated there are several playgrounds along the opposite side of the boardwalk, the beach sand is kept clean, there is volleyball leagues. It is not bad-although I have heard that sometimes medical waste washes ashore. You are able to see fireworks from here. The view of the Verrazano is stellar. I go here when I dont want to deal with the stress of sitting in traffic-and pack me and my baby girl up and we enjoy a relaxing, non-overcrowded environment. read more

We had such a great time at this little gem of a beach/park. In a whim we decided to stop by on our way thru town one early Sunday morning to paddle board. Pulled in the parking lot and got out looking just as lost as we were. A very friendly ranger called over and asked if we were looking for the kayak launch? Why yes we were. Next lot down he answered. So after a quick pk lot change we were on our way to the beach to paddle. Had a great time and talked to all sorts of amazingly friendly locals. One told us not to leave town without seeing Ft Wadsworth. We did!! It's Incredible!!! PS and a plus plus- the RRs are clean too!! read more

South Beach - Parks Near Me - Staten Island, New York

Absolutely disgusting! I am mortified by how dirty and polluted the water is. I don't know what happened to south beach but it definitely wasn't like this last year. The water was filled with plastic bags and garbage and we couldn't escape it no matter where we went. I am so grossed out by this beach but I most likely will come back because..is there a cleaner beach in NYC???? read more

This beach is awesome! Clean, friendly people, never crowded and free ample parking. Of course, if you parked illegally you can still get a ticket. You will find typical broad walkers, beach goer types and fitness enthusiasts. Over all this place is a great and wonderful place to go, yet so close to home. It's a hidden gem! There is one resturant vendors, one bike rental, several but clean rest rooms and no changing or shower area ( that I saw working). Yes there are ‍ life guards on duty on designated areas only. There are one or two ice cream trucks, plenty of police patrols, Great view of the ocean, NYC city Brooklyn skyline and the Verrazano bridge. If you walk or run ‍ from beginning of broad-walk of South beach to the Freedom Circle of flags to Midland beach, passed the children's water fountain park to the military memorial circle, is about 6 miles round trip. Along the beach path there are even free suntan lotion devices motorized by motion detector 30 spf. No worries of other dirty sanitary hands touching the nozzle. Did I forget - there is a fishing pier with lots of benches to snooze on. This is a great place for friends, family or a date! Make sure you bring your own favorite food and beach chair. Happy tanning! read more

South Beach - Parks Near Me - Staten Island, New York

This is one of the few places on Staten Island I'm equally likely to bump into my friends or my parents friends. The boardwalk is a simple, but really pleasant thing to do most of the summer and even in winter it's nice as long as the wind isn't too harsh. read more

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Broad walk is nice but needs more bars and restaurants. The beach itself can be cleaner

One of the most disgusting and foul-smelling beaches I've been to. The unprotected part of the beach is full of trash, including broken glass and a used syringe, hypodermic needle. A lot of other reviews about South Beach also talk about finding hypodermic needles here, so I'm guessing a lot of junkies shoot up around here at night. read more

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Great for sun bathing it is not as crowded as other beaches in New York, but the water is extremely dirty you cant even put your feet in. read more

South Beach - South beach water - Parks Near Me - Staten Island, New York

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Not QUITE Miami.... but small beach and usually deserted. The sand is semi-clean as is the water. I honestly thought a Staten Island beach would be much, much worse. My friend lives a block away so it makes for very convenient tanning trips. Great view of the Verrazano Bridge, especially when it's foggy. read more