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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to New York

Picnic spots

Made for those who refuse to choose between a day on the sand and a proper meal spread out on a blanket.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Aqua Beach Hotel image 1
Aqua Beach Hotel image 2
Aqua Beach Hotel image 3
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Small hotel offers private beach access and stunning water views with a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Guests enjoy breakfast delivered in picnic baskets and relaxing outdoor amenities like a hot tub under the stars. The setting feels intimate and carefully designed for a slow, private pace.

Private access to the beach offers quiet sunrises and sunsets with dogs. The beachside setting creates a peaceful, adults-only escape ideal for relaxation.

Morning brings an adorable picnic basket with bagels, yogurt, and fruit. Fresh orange juice, hot coffee, and pastries complete the spread.

People are saying

"I loved the complimentary breakfast basket delivered to our room."

"The staff's hospitality made my beach experience so special."

"This picnic spot is perfect for a relaxing ME Day."

Good to know

1

Complimentary rosΓ© hour is available daily from 5 to 6 pm, one glass per guest.

2

The Wine & Prosecco Happy Hour features a scenic view overlooking Flanders Bay.

3

A Prosecco and charcuterie event is organized on New Year's Eve in the igloo.

02
Sayville Marina Park image 1

Park offers waterfront views with a laid-back coastal vibe and new playground equipment. It features tennis and pickleball courts, picnic areas, and a walking path by the bay. The atmosphere is peaceful and family-friendly, with space for pets and calm beach waves.

Calm waves make it great for small children. The beach stays clean and has sand toys left by the Girl Scouts.

Scenic spots with shaded picnic areas and barbecue grills make it easy to relax and eat. Picnic tables sit near the water, and kids can play or picnic right off the walking path.

People are saying

"It's a really kid-friendly spot with a great playground."

"I found the beach beautiful with lovely waterfront views."

"The picnic spot is clean and well-maintained."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $10 for non-residents at Sayville Marina Park.

2

Sayville Marina Park is free to enter and offers many activities for kids.

3

Restrooms are clean and located nearby the playground.

03
Orient Beach State Park image 1

Beachfront space offers quiet, serene atmosphere with rocky terrain and gorgeous waterfront views. Facilities include picnic areas, playground, and kayak rentals, supporting relaxed outdoor activities. The park maintains a peaceful, natural vibe suitable for fishing, strolling, and recharging.

Quiet and calm with rocky terrain, the beach offers super clean water and ample space for walking and picnicking. Facilities include showers, restrooms, and kayak rentals, making it easy to spend the day outdoors.

Multiple shaded picnic areas with tables and grills provide good spots for outdoor meals. Amenities include a swimming beach, restrooms, and ample parking, making it convenient for picnics.

People are saying

"The parks here offer beautiful views and scenic nature trails."

"I found the beach to be beautiful and tranquil."

"It's a beautiful place for picnics and fishing."

Good to know

1

Entry to the park costs $10 per person.

2

The park has picnic tables, bathrooms, and ample parking available.

3

Dogs are not allowed in the park.

04
Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park image 1

Park offers waterfront views with spacious grounds featuring multiple sports courts and playgrounds. Atmosphere stays calm and serene, attracting families and people of all ages. Facilities include BBQ pavilions, boat ramps, and well-maintained walking paths.

Calm water and a beautiful pebble beach create a peaceful setting. The beach offers clean water, small waves, and spots for digging clams.

Plenty of open areas offer space for picnics, walks, or relaxing. Family picnic areas come with concessions and facilities, making it suitable for gatherings like kids' birthday parties.

People are saying

"I found this park to be beautiful and situated by the water."

"I found the beach beautiful with amazing views."

"It's a great place for a picnic with plenty of open areas."

Good to know

1

You must be an Oyster Bay resident to enter the park.

2

There is plenty of parking available for visitors.

3

The park hosts an annual oyster fest around October.

05
Ocean View Terrace Inn image 1
Bed & breakfast

Ocean View Terrace Inn offers quiet, cozy rooms with stunning ocean and pool views. The property features a private beach and a clean, beautiful pool area, creating a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxation. A continental breakfast served in a quaint space adds to the comfortable, home-like vibe.

A sandy beach sits alongside a beautiful pool and deck with plenty of lounge chairs. Small beach access across the street adds extra convenience.

Spacious yard includes hammocks, picnic tables, and grills for outdoor meals and relaxation. Plenty of room to BBQ with views and a volleyball court nearby.

People are saying

"I loved the water view from my delightful room."

"The staff here is outstanding and super kind."

"The staff here is so nice and accommodating for your picnic."

Good to know

1

The continental breakfast is available daily at 8:30 am.

2

The inn accommodates events like bachelorette parties and anniversaries.

3

Reservations are needed for the nearby restaurant, just a minute's walk away.

06
Lake Welch Beach image 1
Swimming lake

Spacious lake beach offers soft sand, designated swimming area, and ample picnic and barbecue spots with grills and tables. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxing, ideal for families and nature enjoyment without loud music. Lifeguards and first aid are consistently present, enhancing safety.

Soft sand and a beautiful lake create a clean, spacious beach area. Ample parking and barbecue grills add convenience, along with restrooms, showers, and changing rooms.

Large grassy areas with picnic tables and functional grills make it easy to BBQ. Picnic spots near Parking Area 3 sit close to the beach but fill up early on weekends.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful and clean."

"I found ample parking here; it's super big."

"The picnic spots here have awesome views."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $10 per car at Lake Welch Beach.

2

The park closes at 4:00pm, not 8:00pm as previously thought.

3

Dogs are not allowed at Lake Welch Beach.

07
Nyack Beach State Park image 1

Long trails run along the river with breathtaking views of water and cliffs. The atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, inviting relaxation and meditation. Benches, picnic tables, and barbecue grills appear throughout, supporting leisurely breaks and outdoor cooking.

Small sandy beaches offer spots to explore and find shells. A long path runs alongside the beach, providing gorgeous views and a peaceful atmosphere for relaxing walks or hanging out.

Picnic areas include picnic tables and barbecue grills near the parking lot. Trails and views add to the setting for a relaxing afternoon outdoors.

People are saying

"I loved the great views of the Hudson River and the Tappan Zee Bridge."

"It's a beautiful spot for a picnic with stunning views of the Hudson."

"The beach here is a cute, peaceful spot with gorgeous views."

Good to know

1

Parking is free during the winter months.

2

Parking requires payment during the rest of the year.

3

The parking lot could fill up quickly, so arrive early.

08
Lake Tiorati Beach image 1
Swimming lake

Swimming lake offers beautiful, tranquil scenery with a large picnic area and opportunities for barbecuing. The atmosphere stays quiet and family-friendly, making it a peaceful spot for relaxation and safe bathing.

Quiet and clean beach with easy parking and beautiful scenery. Open on weekends with no food or drinks available, offering barbecue spots during weekdays and a very diverse crowd.

Quiet, warm setting with a large picnic area. Offers safe bathing and beautiful scenery for picnics and fishing.

People are saying

"It's a nice, clean beach."

"The park areas are awesome, clean, and quiet."

"It's a quiet, warm place for a picnic with beautiful scenery."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy at Lake Tiorati Beach.

2

The restrooms near the lake area are clean.

3

The beach is closed on weekdays until next summer.

09
Captree State Park image 1

State park offers peaceful waterfront views with live music at a dockside bar and active fishing piers. The atmosphere shifts from quiet and relaxing to lively around the marina and restaurant area. Visitors enjoy sunsets over the bay and a mix of boating and picnic activities.

White sand and waterfront views create a peaceful beach setting. Fishing piers, a large dock with party boats, and walking trails add variety, though broken glass on the sand affects cleanliness.

Picnic tables sit near the water with views of the bay and bridge. The area offers a nice spot to watch marina activity while eating.

People are saying

"I found the sunset here to be magical and peaceful."

"It's a great picnic spot with views of the bay and the bridge."

"I found the white sand beach to be gorgeous and tranquil."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $8 per car after 9am, so have cash ready.

2

Use the Empire Pass for free parking if you have it.

3

The park has fishing piers and party boats for excursions.

10
Hither Hills Campground image 1

Flat, spacious campsites sit near a beautiful beach with direct ocean access and stunning views. Facilities include clean restrooms, showers, a pool, and a playground, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Minimal cell service and no campfires keep the environment natural and peaceful.

Many campsites offer stunning ocean views and direct beach access for swimming and fishing. A blue mat path leads easily across the dunes to the beautiful beach where whales and dolphins can be seen.

Each camping spot includes a concrete pad with a picnic table. The tables add a nice splash of color to the area.

People are saying

"The beach here has stunning ocean views and easy access."

"The bathrooms here are kept really clean."

"The picnic spots are beautiful, clean, and well kept."

Good to know

1

Securing a campsite can be challenging, especially during peak season.

2

Campsites cost $35 per day, but reservations are recommended.

3

Most sites lack electricity and water, so plan accordingly.

11
Heckscher State Park image 1

Vast park grounds include beach views, spacious campgrounds, and modern cottages. Peaceful and quiet atmosphere prevails despite summer crowds, with plenty of benches and grills scattered throughout. Facilities support family picnics, playground activities, and group gatherings in pavilion areas.

Quiet, small beach offers close parking and easy access near a playground and bathrooms. Sand is good for building, and the setup makes it easy to watch children while enjoying the water.

Large park offers many picnic areas suitable for family gatherings, church picnics, and business meetings. Facilities include a beach, playground, and options for camping and boat launches.

People are saying

"It's a great place for a picnic with lots of shade and space."

"I found the park to be beautiful with amazing views."

"I noticed the beach here is very clean."

Good to know

1

The park is free after 4pm on weekdays and after 6pm on weekends.

2

There is a $10 entry fee to the park.

3

Expect ticks from March through October; take precautions when visiting.

12
Montauk Point State Park image 1

Cliffside park with a historic lighthouse offers panoramic ocean views and a serene, quiet atmosphere. Visitors find ample recreational spaces for walking, biking, and picnics, including a playground for children near the parking area.

White and abundant sand lines the beaches, offering spots for relaxing and swimming. Trails lead to rocky shores and a lighthouse, with areas for fishing by permit and surfing at Ditch Plains Beach.

Picnic spots include tables and BBQ pits below the top parking lot, offering a relaxing setting. The area has picnic benches, bathrooms, and ample parking, plus a playground nearby.

People are saying

"The ocean views here are just stunning."

"I loved the beautiful views of the ocean and lighthouse from the beach."

"I found the picnic area with BBQ pits very relaxing."

Good to know

1

Pets are not allowed at the park.

2

Parking is easy and plentiful at the park.

3

The museum at the park offers interesting exhibits.

13
North Hempstead Beach Park image 1

Park offers spacious recreational areas with basketball courts, playgrounds, and a fishing pier. Atmosphere stays quiet and family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty and designated shallow water for children. Views include Long Island Sound and harbor scenery, creating a peaceful, scenic environment.

Clean and calm beach offers a private feel with beautiful scenery and wooded areas. Spacious with many amenities like a basketball court, beach volleyball, and a playground for kids.

Plenty of park grounds offer spacious picnic areas with a covered spot full of seats. Quiet beach and park settings make it easy to relax during barbecue picnics.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful park with a beach, perfect for families and picnics."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot with a fun playground."

"I found the beach to be beautiful and very clean."

Good to know

1

The park hosts free summer concerts every Sunday evening.

2

Fireworks display occurs on Memorial Day at the beach.

3

Non-residents pay an $18 parking fee to access the park.

14
Pelham Bay Park image 1

Park offers a quiet atmosphere despite proximity to major highway I95. It provides a calm space away from typical urban noise.

Spacious yellow sand beach with a waterfront promenade offers a safe swimming area with many lifeguards. Nearby, a playground, dog park, baseball field, and BBQ grills add to the beach experience.

One of the quietest spots offers a calm setting for picnics. Staff show high charisma and attention to protect and educate all visitors.

People are saying

"It's a huge park with spacious trails and waterfront views."

"You can relax on the beach or go fishing here."

"It's a great spot for a picnic and escaping the city noise."

Good to know

1

The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

2

Parking is available at the main entrance with no fees.

3

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times.

15
Orchard Beach image 1

Wide open beach with boardwalk and sports courts offers space for barbecues and family gatherings. Calm ocean waves contrast with loud music from multiple groups, creating a noisy atmosphere on busy days. Older visitors bring a nostalgic vibe with music and flags along the boardwalk.

Gentle water with no waves makes it safe for kids and older adults. Free parking and beach access add convenience. Strong police presence offers a sense of security. The area is well maintained and surprisingly clean for a city beach.

Cleanliness stands out with well-maintained grounds and staff actively removing trash. Outdoor showers add convenience, and the park offers a fun environment for kids.

People are saying

"I found the beach beautiful and great for walking."

"It's a really fun, kid-friendly place with a great park."

"The beach and water here are so clean, perfect for a picnic."

Good to know

1

Free salsa concerts are held on Sundays at the beach.

2

Expect a parking fee of $10-15 during peak season.

3

The beach closes at 7 PM, which is also when the last shuttle leaves.

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