When you think of beaches in New York, your mind probably jumps to crowded boardwalks and packed parking lots.
But what if I told you there’s a stretch of soft sand where the shoreline feels wide open, the dunes rise impressively high, and the sunsets look like something straight out of a postcard?
Instead of roller coasters, souvenir shops and a buzzing strip, you’ll find golden sand, tall beach grass swaying in the breeze, and calm blue water.
It feels far away from everything, even though it is just a few hours from some of New York’s biggest cities.
This secret stretch of sand might just be the prettiest beach in New York.
Where Is It?
Sandy Island Beach State Park is located in the tiny town of Pulaski in Oswego County, right along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario in upstate New York.
You’ll find it just 50 minutes from Syracuse, roughly 2 hours from Rochester, and about 3 hours from Buffalo.
If you’re driving from Albany, plan for about 2 hours and 50 minutes on the road.
From New York City, it’s roughly a 5-hour trip, making it feel worlds away from the city without actually being that far.
About
Sandy Island Beach State Park covers 229 acres along the eastern shoreline of Lake Ontario.
This place is known for its wide, sandy shoreline, massive freshwater dunes, and some of the most natural, untouched beach scenery you’ll find anywhere in New York.
The beach itself stretches for nearly 1,500 feet, giving you plenty of room to spread out without feeling like you’re elbow to elbow with everyone else.
What really makes this park stand out is the dune system, which is one of the largest freshwater dune formations in the entire state.
These dunes rise up to 40 feet high and are covered in beach grass and other plants that help hold everything together.
Behind the dunes, you’ll find wetlands and natural areas that make the park feel wild and peaceful instead of busy and built up.
Unlike more developed Lake Ontario beaches, you won’t see boardwalks, souvenir shops, or high rise hotels anywhere in sight.
It feels natural, quiet, and almost surprisingly remote for a state park that is still easy to reach from cities like Syracuse and Rochester.
The sand here is soft and light in color, and on sunny days the water can take on a blue tone that looks more like the ocean than a lake.
Because this stretch of shoreline faces west, you also get front row seats to some seriously impressive Lake Ontario sunsets.
The park grounds are open year-round, while staffed areas are seasonal, with the beach and swimming season running from mid-June to early September, and lifeguards are on duty during the main summer months.
Facilities are simple but useful, including restrooms, changing areas, picnic tables, and a parking lot located close to the beach.
You can expect a laid back atmosphere, fewer crowds than other New York beaches, and a setting that feels more natural than commercial.
Things To Do
Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, let’s talk about what you can actually do once your toes hit the sand.
Swimming is the big draw here during the summer months.
There is a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the water is surprisingly clear on calm days.
Lake Ontario is no small pond, so expect waves that can feel more like the ocean than a typical lake beach, especially when the wind picks up.
On hot July afternoons, the cool water feels amazing, and the gradual slope makes it easy to wade in before you fully commit.
Sunbathing is another easy win.
With about 1,500 feet of shoreline, you can claim your patch of sand, set up a chair or towel, and relax without feeling crowded.
Bring a good beach read, a cooler with snacks, and settle in for a long, lazy afternoon.
If you enjoy beachcombing, you are in luck.
Walk the shoreline early in the morning and you might find smooth stones and the occasional piece of lake glass polished by the waves.
Photography is another standout activity here.
The huge dunes, tall beach grass, and wide open horizon create incredible photo spots, especially during golden hour.
Because the beach faces west, sunset is the main event.
On clear evenings, the sky lights up in shades of orange, pink, and deep purple as the sun drops straight into Lake Ontario.
It is one of those views that makes you pause and just watch until the last bit of light disappears.
If you like exploring on foot, there are short nature trails that weave through the dunes and nearby wetlands.
These paths are not long distance hikes, but they give you a closer look at the park’s unique ecosystem.
Keep an eye out for shorebirds in the marshy areas and butterflies drifting through the dune grass.
The wetlands behind the beach are also great for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons in spring and early fall.
Picnicking is easy here too.
There are picnic tables set up near the beach access areas, so you can bring lunch and turn your beach day into a full on outing.
Pack sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of water, because once you are settled in, you probably will not feel like leaving.
Families will appreciate the open space for kids to run around, build sandcastles, and splash in the shallows.
The wide, sandy shoreline makes it perfect for tossing a frisbee or playing a casual game of beach volleyball with your own net.
If you are the type who just wants to unplug, this is your spot.
Know Before You Go
Before you toss the cooler in the trunk and head north, here are a few things you’ll want to know.
Sandy Island Beach State Park is open year-round from morning until sunset, with swimming areas staffed by lifeguards during the main summer season, typically Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hours are generally sunrise to sunset, but they can shift slightly depending on weather and staffing, so it’s smart to double check the New York State Parks website before you go.
The swimming area along the beach is usually open from 11am – 7pm.
There is a vehicle entrance fee during the operating season, usually $7 per car, which covers parking for the day.
If you want the warmest water and the best swimming conditions, aim for mid July through late August.
Lake Ontario takes a while to warm up, so early June can still feel pretty chilly.
Weekdays are your best bet for smaller crowds, especially if you arrive in the morning.
Holiday weekends like the Fourth of July can get busy, and the parking lot can fill up on especially sunny days.
Weather matters more here than you might think.
Because the beach sits right on Lake Ontario, windy days can mean bigger waves and rougher water.
If you are hoping for calm conditions, check the forecast and look for lighter winds.
Bring everything you need for the day.
There are basic facilities like restrooms and changing areas, but you will not find restaurants or snack bars inside the park.
Pack water, sunscreen, shade, and snacks so you are not scrambling later.
Bug spray can also come in handy, especially if you plan to explore near the wetlands or stay for sunset.
If you are up for exploring more of the area, you have some great options nearby.
The Salmon River is nearby and is famous for its salmon run in the fall, drawing anglers from all over the country.
Selkirk Shores State Park, about 15 minutes away, offers wooded campsites and additional shoreline along Lake Ontario if you want to extend your stay.
Fair Haven Beach State Park is about an hour’s drive and has a larger beach, hiking trails, and a campground if you are planning a longer Lake Ontario road trip.
Pulaski itself is small, but you will find a few local spots for food and supplies, including diners and pizza places that are perfect after a long beach day.
Most importantly, respect the dunes.
Stay on marked paths and avoid climbing on protected areas, since the dune system is fragile and plays a huge role in keeping this shoreline intact.
Show up prepared, keep an eye on the weather, and plan to stay for sunset, because that golden hour view over Lake Ontario is the perfect way to wrap up your day.
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