While Central Park may capture the global imagination, true New Yorkers know that the city’s greatest expanse of green isn’t in Manhattan. Head to the northeast corner of the Bronx to discover Pelham Bay Park, a sprawling 2,700-acre oasis that stands as New York City’s largest park property. More than three times the size of Central Park, it offers a vast and varied landscape that feels worlds away from the urban core.
Within its borders, you’ll find a multitude of environments: a 13-mile saltwater shoreline hugging the Long Island Sound, dense woodlands, sprawling meadows, and the city’s only public beach in the Bronx, Orchard Beach. With two 18-hole golf courses, extensive bridle paths, hiking trails, and the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, the park is a comprehensive destination for adventure, history, and relaxation.
A Storied Past: From Native Land to a Modern Playground
The history of Pelham Bay Park is a microcosm of New York’s own evolution. Before European settlement, this land was inhabited by the Siwanoy, a Native American tribe who used the area for ceremonies. In 1654, Thomas Pell purchased 50,000 acres from the Siwanoy, establishing the estate that would become Pelham Manor. During the American Revolution, the land was the site of the Battle of Pell’s Point in 1776, a crucial delaying action that aided George Washington’s retreat.
The park was officially created in 1888 as part of a visionary effort to preserve natural land for the public. However, its most dramatic transformation came in the 1930s under the leadership of Parks Commissioner Robert Moses. His most significant project was the creation of Orchard Beach, a monumental undertaking that connected two islands to the mainland to form a 1.1-mile-long, crescent-shaped beach for the masses—”The Bronx Riviera.”
In the latter half of the 20th century, the focus shifted back to conservation. A successful community-led movement in the 1960s protected the park’s sensitive salt marshes and woodlands, creating the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary. Today, this trajectory—from preservation to engineering and back to restoration—makes the park a living museum of urban development.
Key Attractions and Landmarks
Pelham Bay Park’s immense size accommodates a diverse collection of attractions, each with its own unique character.
- Orchard Beach: Known as “The Bronx Riviera,” this 1.1-mile-long beach is the park’s centerpiece. Its grand bathhouse pavilions are iconic examples of public works architecture, and the area includes a promenade, playgrounds, and numerous sports courts.
- Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum: A National Historic Landmark, this stately country house was built between 1836 and 1842. Its magnificent Greek Revival interiors and formal gardens offer a tangible link to the opulent country living of 19th-century New York.
- Pelham and Split Rock Golf Courses: The park is home to two public 18-hole golf courses. The Pelham Bay course is one of the oldest in the city, while the Split Rock course was added in the 1930s. They share a distinctive Art Deco clubhouse.
- Thomas Pell Wildlife Refuge and Kazimiroff Nature Trail: Encompassing 489 acres of salt marsh and forest, this sanctuary is a critical habitat for wildlife and a prime location for birdwatching. The Kazimiroff Nature Trail winds through the protected area, offering an immersive natural experience.
- Bronx Equestrian Center: This facility provides horseback riding opportunities with miles of bridle paths that crisscross the park’s woodlands and meadows, offering a unique way to experience the vast landscape.
A Practical Guide for Visitors
Navigating a park of this size requires some planning. Here’s what you need to know.
- Recreational Activities: The park offers a comprehensive list of facilities, including fields for baseball, basketball, and football, as well as courts for tennis, bocce, and pickleball. There are also miles of greenways for cyclists and launch sites for kayaks and canoes.
- Rules and Regulations: To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all, remember that barbecuing is permitted only in four designated areas (propane is prohibited). Dogs are welcome in designated areas but must be on a leash. Alcohol consumption is prohibited.
- Accessibility: The park features the “Playground for All Children,” which incorporates design elements for children of all abilities. Beach wheelchairs are also available for use at Orchard Beach, thanks to funding from the Friends of Pelham Bay Park.
- Parking and Directions: The park’s main address is on Bruckner Boulevard in the Bronx. There are five primary parking areas. The large Orchard Beach lot charges a fee during the beach season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). For specific inquiries, the Pelham Bay Park Administrator’s Office can be reached at (718) 430-1891.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pelham Bay Park really bigger than Central Park?
A: Yes. At over 2,700 acres, Pelham Bay Park is more than three times the size of Central Park’s 843 acres, making it the largest park in New York City.
Q: What are the main things to do in the park?
A: Key attractions include relaxing or swimming at Orchard Beach, hiking the Kazimiroff Nature Trail, playing a round at the Pelham or Split Rock golf courses, visiting the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion, and utilizing the numerous sports fields and courts.
Q: Can I barbecue in the park? Where?
A: Yes, but only in four designated locations: the north and south lawns at Orchard Beach, and the north and south picnic areas. Propane is not allowed, and you must dispose of hot coals in the marked red barrels.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Orchard Beach?
A: No, dogs are not permitted on NYC beaches, including Orchard Beach. However, the park has many other designated dog-friendly areas where leashed dogs are welcome.
Q: Is the water at Orchard Beach clean?
A: Yes, NYC Parks regularly tests the water quality and will close the beach if it is unsafe. The water can appear murky, but this is a natural phenomenon caused by silt from the Long Island Sound being stirred up, not by pollution.
Q: How do I get a permit for a large group event like a family reunion?
A: For gatherings of more than 20 people, you will need to apply for a Special Event Permit through the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation website.
Q: Is the park accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: The park offers several accessible features. The Playground for All Children is designed for children of all abilities, and beach wheelchairs are available for use at Orchard Beach.
