Pelham Bay Park and Orchard Beach
Pelham Bay Park and Orchard Beach is New York City's largest green space and includes several small islands

More than triple the size of Central Park, Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx is New York City's largest green space consisting of 2,766 acres on both sides of the Hutchinson River along with several islands.
The area originally inhabited by the Siwanoy Indians and was sold to Thomas Pell in 1654. During the American Revolution, the track of land served as a buffer between Manhattan occupied by the Redcoats and colonist controlled Westchester County with a pivotal battle fought at Pell's Point where the patriots thwarted a British advance in 1776. Many remnants of the park's history remain observable to modern day visitors, including the 19th century Pell Mansion, carriage houses and cemetery and the ruins of the Hunter Mansion.
The southeast section of Pelham Bay Park has wide variety of recreational facilities including basketball, bocce, handball and tennis courts, baseball, soccer and football fields, roller hockey rinks, golf courses, driving range and a track and field facility that was newly renovated as part of New York's 2012 Olympic bid. The undeveloped sections of the park offer hiking trails, bike paths and bridle paths through wetlands, salt marshes and grassy meadows. Vast portions are a protected wildlife sanctuary.
In the northeast section of the park is Orchard Beach, a two kilometre man-made beach known locally as "The Riviera". Catering to sunbather's and beach sports enthusiasts, the beachfront pavilion has concessions, showering and changing facilities, beach volleyball courts and guarded bathing areas.
Other attractions in this area of New York include the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoPelham Bay Park Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: Middletown Road & Stadium, Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465, USA
Phone: (718) 430-1891
Official Website: Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park Reviews
Rated
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A Perfect Family Day at Pelham Bay Park!
We had such a beautiful day at Pelham Bay Park with the whole family! It’s truly a hidden gem in New York City — peaceful, spacious, and full of natural beauty. From wide open green spaces to scenic walking trails and picnic spots, the park offered something for everyone.
The kids had a blast running around, and we enjoyed a relaxing stroll while soaking in the fresh air and calm atmosphere. It was the perfect place to unwind and spend quality time together.
Whether you’re planning a quiet afternoon, a family picnic, or just want to escape the city noise for a while, Pelham Bay Park is a fantastic choice. Can’t wait to come back!
Sadman Chowdhury - 3 months ago
Orchard Beach parking lot is a good starting point for Hunter Island and Two Trees Island trails (they were actual islands before Robert Moses’ transformation have created Orchard Beach). These are most picturesque and well-maintained ones, especially good to stroll in fall season. Another good trailhead is at Bartow-Pell mansion with nice views of the lagoon. I’ve also hiked marked trail from Orchard beach to City Island bridge and then crossing the Meadow back to the beach, this one is somewhat overgrown. Good place to spend few hours of weekend hiking.
Mike Z - 2 months ago
The best destination for seafood and fun in the sun without boardwalks and vendors and rides and noise. Lots of parking, police everywhere. No swim zones are constantly patrolled by the authorities. Perfect for summer fun!!!
Carla Fleming - a month ago
A huge park, probably the biggest in the city. Everything from two golf courses, driving range,beach, hiking trails, horseback riding, and across a small bridge to the seafood restaurants of City Island.
Richard Vega (Nuyorkid) - a month ago
If you thought Central Park was big, you need to come to this park immediately. With a large track and field area that puts Soundview Park's to shame, easy accessibility from the 6 train, free parking, a bunch of pathways to walk along and enjoy the sights (especially now that it's Autumn), a few nice statues to look at, a big playground, a number of different sports courts, and a bunch of areas to sit down and have a barbecue with your family and friends. Great views of the water and city skyline as well, especially a bit closer to nighttime. You can't even see all of the park in one day unless you wanna challenge yourself. Not only that, I felt very safe during my walk through the park, and others that I've encountered have been quite friendly. 10/10 park and highly recommend it.
JonPaul Niang - 10 months ago
Directions
Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
6 | Pelham Bay Park (Last Stop) | 1 mInute |
How to get to Pelham Bay Park by Subway
Take the 6 train to the end of the line, Pelham Bay Park and follow the pedestrian overpass across Bruckner Blvd to the park on the other side.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Pelham Bay Park:
Photo Gallery
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Pelham Bay Park in the Winter cc licensed photo by Bogdan Migulski -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: davidwilson1949 - cc license via Flickr