Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Midland Beach unfolds along Staten Island's eastern shore like a neighborhood living room—unpretentious, welcoming, and never trying too hard. The two-mile boardwalk runs parallel to Father Capodanno Boulevard, named for a Vietnam War chaplain and Medal of Honor recipient, and on summer evenings you'll share the weathered planks with speed-walkers, couples pushing strollers, and teenagers clutching iced coffees from the corner deli. The sand itself is coarse and honest, studded with shells that crunch underfoot, sloping gradually into the Lower New York Bay. You won't find boutique beach clubs here. Instead, there's a public bathhouse with outdoor showers that run cold, a snack bar serving chicken tenders and soft-serve, and clusters of picnic tables under pavilions where extended families spread out aluminum trays of baked ziti. Lifeguards in red trunks whistle from their stands mid-June through Labor Day, and the swimming area stays calm enough that parents let their kids wade out to waist-depth without much worry. The real magic happens after 7 p.m., when the western sky turns tangerine and the Manhattan skyline across the water begins to glow. Fishermen cast lines from the jetties at either end of the beach, pulling up striped bass and bluefish. You'll hear salsa music drifting from car stereos, smell charcoal from portable grills, and watch the Verrazano's lights blink on one by one as the ferry horns echo across the harbor.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Midland Beach.
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Midland Beach is generally safe for swimming during the official beach season (late May through early September) when NYC Parks lifeguards are on duty. Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are present. Water quality can vary, so check NYC Parks' beach water quality reports before visiting. The beach has a gentle slope, making it relatively family-friendly. However, like all urban beaches, conditions can change due to weather and currents. Always swim near a lifeguard stand and follow posted warnings and flags indicating water conditions.
The peak season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty and facilities are fully operational. July and August offer the warmest weather for swimming. For fewer crowds, visit weekdays or early mornings during summer. Spring and fall are ideal for boardwalk walks and sunset viewing without the summer crowds, though swimming isn't supervised. The beach is accessible year-round, and winter offers peaceful walks along the 2.5-mile boardwalk with ocean views, though most amenities are closed.
Midland Beach is accessible via multiple NYC bus routes including the S51 and S81, which stop near the boardwalk. From Manhattan, take the Staten Island Ferry to St. George Terminal, then catch a bus (approximately 30-40 minutes). If driving, take the Staten Island Expressway to exit 12 (Hylan Boulevard). Free parking is available along Father Capodanno Boulevard and nearby streets, though spaces fill quickly on summer weekends. Additional parking can be found in surrounding residential areas. The beach entrance is directly off Father Capodanno Boulevard.
Father Capodanno Boulevard runs parallel to the beach and features numerous casual dining options including pizzerias, seafood restaurants, ice cream shops, and delis within walking distance. The boardwalk has seasonal concession stands during summer. Basic beach amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing facilities. While there are no hotels directly on the beach, accommodations can be found elsewhere in Staten Island or across the harbor in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Bring your own beach chairs and umbrellas, as rentals aren't typically available.
Midland Beach features a section of the 2.5-mile Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, one of New York City's longest. The wide, well-maintained boardwalk is popular for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading, offering unobstructed ocean views. It connects Midland Beach to neighboring South Beach and is accessible year-round. The boardwalk includes benches, covered pavilions, and is fully ADA-accessible. It's particularly popular for watching sunsets over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. During summer, you'll find families strolling and vendors, while off-season offers a peaceful waterfront escape.
