The park contains the Bartow-Pell Mansion, one of the last remaining 19th-century country estates in the Bronx.
Orchard Beach was created by Robert Moses in the 1930s using landfill to connect Hunter Island to the mainland.
The park's Kazimiroff Nature Trail is named after a prominent Bronx historian and botanist.
The park is home to a significant population of ospreys which nest on platforms erected specifically for them along the shoreline.
Much of the park's eastern section remains in a 'Forever Wild' status, intended to preserve the natural coastal habitat.
Pelham Bay Park is the largest public park in New York City, covering 2,772 acres in the Bronx, more than triple the size of Central Park. The park features the 13-mile Kazimiroff Nature Trail, which winds through a mature oak forest and salt marshes on Hunter Island. Orchard Beach, known as the 'Riviera of the Bronx,' provides a 1.1-mile man-made crescent beach along the Long Island Sound. Historic structures within the grounds include the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, dating back to the 19th century. Active recreation areas include multiple golf courses, horseback riding facilities, and various athletic fields. The park encompasses a diverse ecosystem of coastal forests, wetlands, and meadows protected by the Forever Wild program. Visitors can observe various migratory birds throughout the coastal zones. The park's shoreline frontage offers extensive views of the Long Island Sound and various islands.
The gazebo or stone bridge overlooking the salt marshes along the Kazimiroff Nature Trail.
Carry insect repellent, especially when exploring the wooded trails or marshland areas.
Bring binoculars if you are interested in birdwatching, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
Check the water quality status for Orchard Beach on the official NYC Parks website before planning a swim.
Do not attempt to swim at the rocky, non-lifeguarded areas of the coastline; stay on marked trails to avoid poison ivy.
Orchard Beach swimming facilities are seasonal and typically restricted to the summer months.
Carry out all trash to keep the natural areas preserved; keep dogs leashed in accordance with local municipal park codes.
