Croton Point Beach

Croton Point Beach is located on the east coast of the Hudson River about an hour’s drive north of New York City. Swimming is in a designated area with lifeguards, and it is operated by Westchester County. From the shore you can see boats of all sizes out on the water. You can even add excitement to your day by renting a kayak and exploring the coast. Open all year, there is a $10-per-vehicle admission fee to Croton Point Park on the weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the beach is typically open on weekends and holidays during this time between 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. It is also open from Wednesday to Sunday starting at the end of June. There is an additional fee for the swimming area: $4 for adults, $3 for children between ages 5 and 11, and $2 for senior citizens (except for Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays). Children under 5 years old are free. Check the county website for specific times and days.

Croton Point Park is 508 acres and the largest peninsula in the Hudson River. This park spans over 4 miles of Hudson River shoreline and includes Haverstraw Bay, Squaw Cove, and Croton Bay. In addition to the beach, there is Croton Point Camping (tent/RV/cabin), a remote control aircraft field, picnic areas, playgrounds, and fields to enjoy games. There is also a car-top boat launch that is open from April through October from 8 a.m. until dusk, which can accommodate sailboards, canoes and car-top carried boats. At the park’s interior, a capped landfill forms a large hill-covered meadow in the center of the park with nature paths that cut through tall grasses over and around it. Dogs must be leashed and are not allowed in the picnic areas.

The Croton Point Nature Center is located a short walk away and has flora and fauna exhibits as well as information about the history of the island. Some of the oldest oyster shell middens on the North Atlantic coast have been uncovered here displaying evidence of Native American inhabitants as early as 7,000 years ago. There are weekly events throughout the year that cover topics that range from local biodiversity to archeology to survival skills. Check out the Calendar of Events and take advantage of nature walks, talks, and programs that can teach you something new!

Westchester County residents can purchase a park pass for $75 that is valid for three years, but it does not cover the $4-per-person swimming fee. Passes for senior citizens ages 60 and older and disabled persons are valid for six years. It includes access to 18,000 acres of parkland, 50 recreational areas, and a number of local adventure discounts in the county. If you’d like to hold a party with more than 25 people, you can obtain a permit for the celebration. Call 914.864.7075 for more information and inquiries. The Metro North Railroad also provides service to the Croton-Harmon Station approximately 1 mile away from the park entrance. Train tickets are available online.

Riverkeeper, New York’s clean water advocate, takes regular samples at the beach and scores the water quality based on the 2012 Recreation Water Quality Criteria from the Environmental Protection Agency for safe swimming.