Pelham Bay Park and Orchard Beach

Bronx, Bronx County

Pelham Bay/Orchard Beach is the largest park in New York City. Nearly 3,000 acres encompass forest, marshland and rocky coastline, as well as a one-mile swimming beach. The varied habitat supports a diversity of wildlife throughout the park. A swamp in the Central Woodlands is a prime environment for migratory songbirds and ruby-throated hummingbirds. Harbor seals can be seen in the winter months during low tide along the coastline. Several red-tailed hawks make their home high in the forest trees.

Wildlife to Watch

• Egret
• Heron
• Raccoon
• White-tailed deer
• Red-tailed hawk
• Harbor seal
• Long-eared owl
• Red-backed salamander

Where to Watch

• Trails
• Lookouts
• Visitors center
• Forests, marshlands and coastline

Recreational Opportunities

• Swimming
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Picnic Facilities
• Playgrounds and sports courts

Size

2,700 acres

Closest Town

Bronx

Directions

See Google Maps and enter your address for step by step directions to Pelham Bay Park. (This link will open a page outside of the DEC website. Hold SHIFT down while clicking on the link to open it in a new window.)

Contact Information

Address: Orchard Beach Rd., Bronx NY 10464

Telephone: 718-430-1891

Website: Pelham Bay Park (This link leaves DEC's website)

Photo Credits: Daniel Avila, NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation