Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park is much more than just a green space in the Bronx: it’s New York City’s largest public park, a natural oasis where the city meets the coast. Known for its vast expanse, beaches, forests, and marshes, this place represents a tranquil and diverse refuge, far from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. 🌳🌊
Located in the northeastern tip of the Bronx, Pelham Bay Park covers an area three times larger than Central Park. It’s an essential stop for those seeking nature, recreation, and a break from the urban rhythm. Whether you want to enjoy a day at the beach, go hiking, or explore its history, its unique atmosphere makes for a revitalizing experience.
Why visit Pelham Bay Park?
Visiting Pelham Bay Park means immersing yourself in nature without leaving New York City. It’s an exceptional place that combines extensive natural areas, coastline, and recreational opportunities. Here you’ll find miles of trails, the famous Orchard Beach 🏖️, golf courses, and rich biodiversity.
Its ecological and recreational importance is undeniable: it hosts diverse ecosystems, including forests, salt marshes, and a long coastline along the Long Island Sound. Additionally, it offers facilities for sports, picnics, and is home to the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum. It’s an ideal escape for families, athletes, and nature lovers.
Pelham Bay Park is also a symbol of natural preservation within the metropolis. What were once private estates are now a vibrant public space full of life, welcoming thousands of visitors, especially during the warmer months. If you want to experience the city’s most natural and spacious side, this is the place.
How to get to Pelham Bay Park by subway?
Main stations
The main station providing access to the park is Pelham Bay Park, the last stop on the 6 line (Lexington Avenue Local/Express) in the Bronx. From the station, you can walk or take local buses (like the Bx12 or Bx29) to reach different areas of the park, including Orchard Beach. 🚌
Subway lines that take you to Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park is primarily connected by one New York City subway line:
- 6 (green line) – Make sure to take a train going all the way to Pelham Bay Park, as some terminate earlier.
Other lines will allow you to transfer to the 6 line at different points in Manhattan or the Bronx.
How to get to Pelham Bay Park from:
Central Park / Midtown Manhattan
If you are near the Lexington Avenue line (lines 4, 5, 6), simply take the 6 train northbound (Uptown & The Bronx) to the last stop, Pelham Bay Park. The trip is direct from stations like Grand Central–42 St or 59 St.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Wall Street or World Trade Center, you can take the 4 or 5 line (northbound) to a station where you can transfer to the 6 line (such as 14 St–Union Sq or Grand Central–42 St) and continue to Pelham Bay Park.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From Brooklyn, you will need to make several transfers. One option is to take a line like the L to 14 St–Union Sq or the R/N/Q/W to 14 St–Union Sq or Canal St, and then transfer to the 6 line northbound to Pelham Bay Park.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
If coming from Queens, you can take the 7 line to Grand Central–42 St and transfer to the 6 line northbound. From other areas of Queens, it might be more convenient to use buses connecting to the Bronx or transfer in Manhattan.
Harlem
From Harlem, especially East Harlem, you can take the 6 line directly northbound to the last stop, Pelham Bay Park.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Sutphin Blvd–Archer Av–JFK Airport and transfer to the E line towards Manhattan. Change to the 6 line at Lexington Av/53 St and head north. From LaGuardia, take the Q70-SBS bus to Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Av and transfer to the 7 or E line to connect with the 6. From Newark, take NJ Transit to Penn Station, and then the subway to a 6 line station (like Grand Central).
What to do in Pelham Bay Park?
Pelham Bay Park is New York City’s largest park and offers an incredible variety of outdoor activities and points of interest. It’s a perfect destination to escape the pavement and enjoy nature, the beach, and sports. 🌲☀️
Enjoy Orchard Beach
Known as ‘The Bronx Riviera,’ Orchard Beach is a man-made beach stretching over a mile along the Long Island Sound. It’s ideal for sunbathing, swimming during the summer, strolling along its boardwalk, and enjoying the views. 🏖️ It features picnic areas and sports courts.
Hiking and nature exploration
The park features miles of trails winding through forests and marshes. The Kazimiroff Nature Trail is one of the most popular, offering an immersion into the local ecology. You can also visit the Turtle Cove Environmental Center to learn more about the park’s fauna and flora. 🚶♀️🦉
Play sports
Pelham Bay Park is home to two public golf courses: Pelham Bay Golf Course and Split Rock Golf Course. ⛳ Additionally, there are tennis courts, baseball fields, areas for horseback riding, and bike paths. Kayaking or canoeing is also possible in the lagoon. 🛶
Visit historical and cultural sites
Inside the park is the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, a historic 19th-century house museum with beautiful gardens. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history. 🏛️ There are also monuments and memorials scattered throughout the park.
Picnicking and relaxation
With its vast green areas, designated picnic spots, and tranquil water views, Pelham Bay Park is the perfect place to relax, read a book, or enjoy an outdoor meal with friends or family. 🧺🌳
Attractions near Pelham Bay Park
Although Pelham Bay Park is a destination in itself, its location in the northeast Bronx allows for exploring other interesting attractions nearby, offering a more complete experience of this part of New York City.
City Island
Just east of Pelham Bay Park, connected by a bridge, lies City Island. This small island has the charm of a New England fishing village, with excellent seafood restaurants 🦞, antique shops, and a nautical atmosphere. It’s perfect for a quiet stroll and a good meal. ⛵
Bronx Equestrian Center
Located within the park itself, the Bronx Equestrian Center offers riding lessons and horseback rides on designated trails within Pelham Bay Park. A different way to explore the park’s nature. 🐎
Orchard Beach Nature Center
Located near the famous beach, the Orchard Beach Nature Center offers educational programs and exhibits on the ecology and natural history of Pelham Bay Park and the Long Island Sound. Ideal for families and the curious. 🦋
Twin Islands
Accessible via the Kazimiroff Nature Trail, the Twin Islands offer spectacular views of the Long Island Sound and are an excellent spot for bird watching and enjoying the rocky coastline. A wilder corner of the park. 🐦
Hunter Island
Formerly a separate island, it is now connected to the mainland and part of the park’s marine reserve. It offers wooded trails and panoramic views, being one of the most natural and tranquil areas of Pelham Bay Park.
Van Cortlandt Park
Although not immediately adjacent, Van Cortlandt Park is another large park in the Bronx, located further west. It offers more trails, a lake, a historic museum (Van Cortlandt House Museum), and sports fields. It could be a complementary visit if you’re exploring the Bronx.
Tips for visiting Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park is a wonderful destination for enjoying nature and the outdoors in New York City. Here are some tips to make your visit as pleasant as possible. 👍
Best time of day to go
To enjoy Orchard Beach with fewer crowds, it’s best to go on weekdays or early in the morning on summer weekends. For hiking, spring and fall offer more pleasant temperatures and colorful scenery. 🍂🌸 Mornings are generally quieter overall.
Avoiding crowds
Orchard Beach can get very crowded on hot summer days. If you’re looking for tranquility, explore the park’s lesser-known hiking areas, like the trails on Hunter Island or around the lagoon. Weekdays will always be less crowded than weekends.
Safety
Pelham Bay Park is generally safe, but being a large natural area, it’s important to take precautions. Stay on marked trails if hiking, inform someone of your route if going alone, and carry enough water. 💧 Be mindful of local wildlife (like ticks in wooded areas) and secure your belongings, especially at the beach or parking lots.
What to bring and what not to bring
It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes appropriate for your planned activity (walking shoes, beach sandals). Bring water, snacks, sunscreen 🧴, insect repellent (especially for hiking), and a hat. If going to the beach, don’t forget swimwear and a towel. 👙 Consider bringing binoculars if you’re interested in bird watching. Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables.
