With a rich heritage dating back to the late 1880s, Pelham Bay Park is one of the premier cultural and recreational areas in New York City. Primarily serving residents of the Bronx, this urban oasis also attracts plenty of curious visitors from other boroughs, cities, and states. From boating and fishing to nature hiking and swimming, Pelham Bay Park indeed offers fun activities for all.
Attractions and Activities
One of the most notable historic landmarks at Pelham Bay Park is the Bartow-Pell Mansion. Built in the 1830s, this well-preserved dwelling has a beautiful Greek Revival Facade. The house museum is accessible just off Shore Road in the central part of the park. Rising 70 feet above the ground, the Bronx Victory Column & Memorial Grove dominates the skyline of the park. Made from limestone, this structure honors soldiers from the Bronx who perished during World War I.
When it comes to outdoor recreation, Pelham Bay Park offers plenty of great options for visitors of all ages, sports skill levels, and lifestyles. At the Bronx Equestrian Center, adults can hop on and ride mature horses. Kids will love the chance to ride a cute pony at this charming equestrian complex. The well-maintained Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses offer rare golfing opportunities within the bounds of New York City. You won’t find too many public courses or country clubs in the densely developed Big Apple.
Orchard Beach is without a doubt one of the Bronx’s most popular summertime destinations. The semicircular beach is gently hit by the soft waves of the Long Island Sound. Sports courts, promenades, and playgrounds are conveniently located at this large urban beach that seems like a world away from the hustle and bustle of NYC.
Nature lovers will have plenty of opportunities to hike through wooded landscapes and other beautiful settings in the heart of Pelham Bay Park. The Goose Creek Marsh, Central Woodland, and Twin Island support diverse ecosystems. Hikers will find some interesting exhibits and resources at the Orchard Beach Nature Center. Creeks, marshes, lagoons, and streams cut through many parts of the park. Such settings are ideal for watching a variety of native and migratory birds. Of course, Pelham Bay Park offers plenty of water activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and rafting.
Location and Geography
Covering more than 2,700 acres in the Bronx, Pelham Bay Park is New York City’s biggest green space in terms of land area. Instead of being contained in one particular neighborhood, the park has a scattered layout that encompasses islands, peninsulas, and other man-made or natural areas. The Hutchinson River, Eastchester Bay, and Long Island Sound are the waterways that define the barriers of the park.
The western boundary of the park is roughly marked by Interstate 95, which is one of the busiest highways in the United States of America. The Bronx and Pelham Parkway and Hutchinson River Parkway are directly connected to I-95.
Despite having great access to major roadways, Pelham Bay Park has relatively limited parking in some areas. For example, the Pelham South section has a lot that might accommodate just a few hundred cars. Nevertheless, there are thousands of parking spaces at Orchard Beach.
Many visitors use the 6 lines of the New York City Subway to reach the green space. There’s also no shortage of Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses that stop right near or inside the park’s territory. Some MTA buses pick up and drop off passengers at City Island Circle and Barrow Circle. The most remote sections of the park, such as Hunter Island, don’t have any public transportation options.
Visiting Pelham Bay Park
The park is located in the northeast corner of the New York City borough of the Bronx. By subway take the IRT Number 6 line to Pelham Bay Park.
Location: Watt Avenue and Middletown Road, Bronx, New York, USA
Click here to visit Pelham Bay Park official website.