Greenwich Point Park Beach (Tod's Point)

Greenwich Point Park Beach is located on a narrow peninsula of land that juts out from the northern shoreline of Long Island Sound. A private beach with public access via a day pass system costing around $10 per person plus parking, it was known to the Siwanoy people as Monakewego, or ‘shining sands.’

Visit at low tide and you’ll see exactly why, although most beachgoers choose to wear beach shoes or sandals because of the presence of small stones that can be uncomfortable under foot. At high tide, much of the sand disappears, leaving visitors clustering together on what remains.

The highest water temperatures are found in July and August, reaching around 72°F, making it a good summer choice for a swim. Regularly visited by (harmless but large) horseshoe crabs, facilities include public showers, restrooms and changing rooms.

There are also various concession stands, dishing out everything from burgers to Thai cuisine. Some offer limited seating, with picnic benches dotted around the beachfront alongside charcoal barbeque grills.

Still known locally as Tod’s Point after the businessman who purchased the beach in the 1880s, there are distant views of the Manhattan skyline from Greenwich Point Park Beach, which is open daily from 6 am until sunset. Lifeguards are on duty during these times from Memorial Day in May until Labor Day in September.