Great Kills Park and Beach, Staten Island, NY

Written by Carol Cain on 29 June 2009

Sun. Finally. After weeks of rain and cloudiness the sun was out, bright and warm for everyone to enjoy, with no imminent threat of rain in the forecast.

NYCity Mama had been itching to try a new beach, and she wanted to head to Staten Island for the occasion. So she consulted her friend, and a person who is in the know about anything and everything relating to Staten Island especially, Melissa. Melissa recommended that Mama and the family go spend the day at Great Kills Park and Beach.

Great Kills is not only a beach, it also offers terrain for biking, hiking, fishing spots, and beautiful sites of the marina located there. Mama was excited to head out of Manhattan and into Staten Island. She has only really “discovered” Staten Island since her recent return to NY and really likes to visit the museums and parks there.

But today was a beach day, and that is all she had in mind to do. So they packed up all their beach gear and made their way to theVerazzano Bridge. Most tourists and even New Yorkers often talked and glorify the Brooklyn Bridge, and rightly so, it is a beautiful New York City landmark. But the Verazzano is incredible. Breathtaking even. Once known as the longest suspension span, the bridge definitely feels longer and far more grand than any of the other bridges Mama and her family often cross in their adventures.

It seemed like a short ride later that they arrived to Great Kills. It was fairly early in the day and aside from bikers, runner, walkers, and fishermen, there really weren’t that many people around. The boys were full of excitement as they unloaded the car, and eagerly made their way through the narrow path onto the beach.

The beach isn’t very big, when compared to other NY beaches Mama has gone to, but it also wasn’t very crowded, which was perfect, and the boys were excited to see waves crashing onto the shore, for this meant hours of rough play without getting into trouble.

And play they did. They threw themselves, and let themselves roll in with the waves. They let the waves crash into them and knock them down. Well, at least the two older boys did. The 2.5 year old wasn’t too confident about playing in the waves, unless his dad was holding him, at which point they both laughed hysterically each time they lost control and it seemed like they might go under.

And when Mama wasn’t taking pictures, she was laying on her beach blanket, taking in the sun. It seemed like she was there for awhile, and at times it seemed like she was getting a good tan. But alas, the clouds kept playing games and in the end she might’ve ended up more relaxed but less tanned than she wanted.

What she did get a lot of however was down time with her family. Her husband even had a chance to briefly sit with her and relax and chat while the boys had a small snack, and Mama had a heart-to-heart with her 11 year old, which is super special considering that he is slowly entering the age where heart-to-hearts are difficult to come by. She couldn’t have asked for a nicer day at the beach. And though they were able to really do much more, it is definitely on her list of destinations to revisit.

Great Kills Beach has bathroom and shower facilities, as well as a playground onsite. Though there is no restaurant at the beach, there is a food truck that sells grilled food, such as burgers and hot dogs, as well as drinks, ice cream, and other snacks. Cash only. Free parking facilities are available. Check site for travel instructions.

Thank you Melissa for such a wonderful Adventure recommendation!