Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Cedar Grove Beach unfolds along a half-mile stretch of shoreline where Staten Island's southwestern edge meets the Raritan Bay. Unlike the busier South Beach and Midland Beach boardwalks, this slender strand attracts locals pushing strollers, retirees carrying折lawn chairs, and photographers chasing the amber hour. The sand itself is coarse—more pebble than powder—but the placid water remains shallow for yards, making it the borough's safest swim for children. Behind the beach, the adjacent nature preserve hums with cordgrass and cattails. You'll spot horseshoe crabs along the tideline in spring, their prehistoric shells half-buried in wet sand. The concession stand sells soft-serve and hot dogs, but most regulars pack coolers and claim picnic tables beneath the pavilion. On weekday mornings, the beach feels almost deserted, save for the occasional jogger and the piping plovers skittering along the wrack line. As the afternoon light shifts, families begin staking out spots for the main event: sunset. The western exposure transforms the sky into layered bands of coral, violet, and gold, silhouetting the Outerbridge Crossing's steel span. You'll watch container ships crawl across the horizon while the city's hum fades to the rhythmic shush of small breakers. It's the kind of evening that reminds you New York still holds pockets where the ocean wins.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Cedar Grove Beach.
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Cedar Grove Beach is generally calmer than Staten Island's main boardwalk beaches, making it popular with families. As with all NYC beaches, lifeguards are on duty during designated summer hours (typically late June through Labor Day). Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are present. The beach faces the Arthur Kill waterway rather than the open ocean, resulting in gentler waters. However, water quality can vary, so check NYC Parks' beach water quality reports before swimming, especially after heavy rain.
The official beach season runs from late June through early September when lifeguards are on duty and swimming is permitted. Summer weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends. For sunset viewing, late spring through early fall offers excellent opportunities, as the beach's western exposure provides scenic views over the Arthur Kill. The beach remains accessible year-round for walking and relaxation, though swimming is prohibited outside the guarded season and amenities operate on limited schedules.
Cedar Grove Beach is located off Sharrotts Road in the Charleston neighborhood of Staten Island. If driving, free parking is available in the beach lot, accessible via Sharrotts Road. From Manhattan, take the Staten Island Ferry (free) to St. George Terminal, then the S74 or S78 bus toward the Charleston area. The beach is less accessible by public transit than some Staten Island beaches, so driving is generally more convenient for most visitors from outside the borough.
Cedar Grove Beach has basic amenities including restrooms and changing facilities that operate during the summer season. The beach itself has limited food vendors compared to larger boardwalk beaches. You'll find restaurants and convenience stores along nearby Amboy Road and in the Charleston neighborhood, though it's advisable to bring snacks or meals. The beach has picnic areas where you can eat your own food. This is primarily a neighborhood beach with a quieter, more residential feel.
Unlike Midland, South, and Cedar Grove's busier neighbors, this beach offers a distinctly calmer, more local atmosphere. It faces the Arthur Kill waterway rather than the Lower New York Bay, providing unique views of New Jersey's shoreline. The beach attracts fewer crowds than the main boardwalk beaches at Midland or South Beach, making it ideal for families seeking a quieter experience. Its western exposure also makes it one of Staten Island's best spots for sunset viewing over the water.
