Orchard Beach

Orchard Beach is a public beach in The Bronx borough of New York City, stretching 1.1 miles along the western shore of Long Island Sound. A wide promenade with a central pavilion runs parallel to the shoreline, creating a defined access to several sections of pale sand and calm water.

Parks commissioner Robert Moses connected several small islands with landfill in the 1930s to create the current beach layout. The work reshaped the shoreline and greatly expanded the usable beach area for visitors across the city.

The nickname "Bronx Riviera" reflects how this shoreline has long served as a summer retreat for families who travel from across the borough to relax on the sand. Food stands selling Caribbean and Latin American snacks line the walkways, bringing the flavors of the neighborhood to the waterfront.

The beach is reachable by taking the Bx12 or Bx29 bus from Pelham Bay Park subway station, with parking also available for cars. Visitors should arrive early in the day, especially on summer weekends, to find less crowded sections and secure a spot near the water more easily.

The promenade was built with hexagonal concrete blocks forming a continuous pattern that includes 26 sports courts within its design. This layout allows up to 100,000 people to use the grounds at the same time without overwhelming the structure.

Location: The Bronx

Elevation above the sea: 0 m

GPS coordinates: 40.86530,-73.79361

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28