The boardwalk at Midland Beach is the fourth-longest in the world.
The beach is home to the annual Midland Beach 'Blessing of the Fleet' tradition, which dates back to local maritime customs.
During the early 20th century, the area was a bustling seaside resort complete with vaudeville theaters and amusement rides.
The pier at Midland Beach was historically extended to accommodate larger crowds seeking deep-water fishing access.
The coastline here is part of the New York Harbor estuary, which serves as a critical habitat for migratory bird species.
The beach is situated on the Lower New York Bay, sheltered from the open Atlantic by the hook of Sandy Hook, New Jersey.
Midland Beach is a public beach located on the eastern shore of Staten Island along the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, which spans approximately 2.5 miles of the coastline. The beach area features the Midland Beach Pier, a popular destination for recreational fishing. Visitors have access to a large concrete promenade suitable for walking, cycling, and rollerblading. The facility includes playgrounds, tennis courts, and shuffleboard areas. The shoreline offers views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the north. Unlike neighboring South Beach, Midland Beach is often cited for its quieter, more residential atmosphere. The area underwent significant recovery and infrastructure improvements following storm damage in 2012. It serves as a local recreational hub for the surrounding Midland Beach and Grant City neighborhoods.
The end of the Midland Beach Pier looking back toward the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge at sunset.
Bring a portable chair, as the sand can be coarse and the public seating on the boardwalk is limited.
Check the tide charts before planning a visit, as the beach width changes significantly during high tide.
Use the dedicated cycling path on the boardwalk if you plan to bring a bike, as walking traffic can be heavy on weekends.
Attempting to swim when flags indicate closed conditions or when lifeguards are not present.
Lifeguards are only on duty during the summer season; swimming outside of these dates is prohibited.
Swimming is permitted only when lifeguards are on duty; pets must be leashed in public areas.
