Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Cedar Grove East Beach sits quietly on Staten Island's Raritan Bay shore, a stretch of sand and pebble that draws neighbors rather than tourists. You'll walk past chain-link backstops and community gardens to reach the waterline, where the beach spreads out in a narrow ribbon beneath mature oaks and maples. The sand here is coarse, mixed with small stones that click underfoot, and the water laps gently—this is bay swimming, calm and shallow, not the crashing Atlantic. Families stake out territory early on summer weekends, setting up umbrellas and portable grills near the grassy picnic area that backs the beach. Children wade in the shallows, collecting sea glass smoothed by decades of tide. You'll see regulars who've been coming here for years, who know exactly where the drop-off begins and which benches catch the afternoon breeze. The Outerbridge Crossing rises to the west; container ships glide past on their way to Port Elizabeth. As afternoon turns to evening, the crowd thins and the light softens to gold across the water. You'll understand why locals guard this place—not because it's pristine or dramatic, but because it asks nothing of you except to sit down, kick off your shoes, and watch the sun sink behind New Jersey's low industrial skyline. It's an urban beach that somehow feels unhurried, a small mercy in a city that rarely slows down.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Cedar Grove East Beach.
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Cedar Grove East Beach is primarily used for shoreline recreation rather than swimming. Like many Staten Island beaches along the Arthur Kill waterway, water quality can be affected by tidal conditions and urban runoff. NYC Parks does not staff lifeguards at this location. Visitors typically enjoy the beach for walking, fishing, sunset viewing, and picnicking rather than swimming. If you're looking for monitored swimming beaches in Staten Island, South Beach and Midland Beach offer lifeguard protection during summer months.
Cedar Grove East Beach is accessible year-round, with each season offering different appeals. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures for walking and birdwatching with fewer crowds. Summer evenings are particularly popular for sunset viewing over the Arthur Kill. Winter visits offer peaceful shoreline strolls. The beach faces west, making late afternoon and early evening ideal for photography and enjoying sunsets. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the exposed shoreline can be windy during storms.
Cedar Grove East Beach is located along Arthur Kill Road in the Great Kills area of Staten Island. If driving, free street parking is available along Arthur Kill Road near the beach access points. By public transit, take the S54 or S78 bus routes, which run along Arthur Kill Road—check schedules as frequency varies by time of day. The beach is less accessible via subway; you'd need to combine the Staten Island Railway with a bus connection. Having a car provides the most convenient access to this quieter, residential-area beach.
Cedar Grove East Beach is a natural, local-use beach without on-site facilities like restrooms, concessions, or restaurants. It's primarily a quiet shoreline area. Visitors should plan accordingly by bringing their own food, water, and supplies. The residential surrounding neighborhood has limited commercial development immediately adjacent to the beach. For dining and shopping, you'll find more options a short drive away in the Great Kills or Eltingville commercial districts along Arthur Kill Road and Hylan Boulevard, where delis, pizzerias, and various restaurants serve the local community.
Unlike Staten Island's developed beaches like South Beach, Cedar Grove East Beach remains relatively unknown to tourists and even many New Yorkers. It's tucked away in a residential neighborhood without the commercial development, boardwalks, or facilities that attract crowds. Local residents value it as a peaceful retreat for dog walking, fishing, and quiet contemplation. The natural, undeveloped character and western exposure create an intimate setting for watching sunsets over New Jersey. This authentic, neighborhood beach experience offers a stark contrast to the borough's busier recreational beaches.
