South Beach Staten Island Neighborhood Guide
South Beach Staten Island: NYC’s Best-Kept Waterfront Secret
South beach staten island sits on the borough’s East Shore, directly south of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. This neighborhood combines a 2.5-mile boardwalk, a free public beach, and panoramic views of the Lower New York Bay with quiet residential streets—all within a 25-minute ferry ride from Manhattan.
If you’re wondering “where is south beach” or “does staten island have a beach,” the answer starts here. South Beach is one of several staten island beaches stretching along Father Capodanno Boulevard, connected to Midland Beach to the south and Fort Wadsworth to the north. The beach on staten island runs continuously, but locals divide it into named sections based on access points and amenities.
This guide covers everything from south beach hours and south beach rules to south beach fireworks and real estate. Whether you’re planning a day trip, researching a move to Staten Island, or looking for the latest staten island fishing report, you’ll find practical details below.
Table of Contents
South Beach Location, Address, and Directions
Official Address: Father Capodanno Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305
The south beach zip code is 10305, which also covers adjacent areas like Midland Beach and parts of Arrochar. The main road running parallel to the shoreline is Father Capodanno Boulevard (historically called Seaside Boulevard), renamed in 1976 to honor Vincent R. Capodanno, a Staten Island native and Medal of Honor recipient.
South Beach Directions by Car
| Starting Point | Route | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan (via bridge) | Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge → I-278 E → Exit 15 (Lily Pond Ave) → Father Capodanno Blvd | 35-45 min |
| Brooklyn | Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge → Same as above | 25-35 min |
| New Jersey | Goethals Bridge → I-278 E → Exit 15 | 40-50 min |
Parking: Free street parking available along Father Capodanno Blvd and side streets. Paid lots near the boardwalk fill quickly on summer weekends.
South Beach Directions by Public Transit
| Method | Route | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + Bus | Staten Island Ferry (free) to St. George → S51, S52, or S81 bus to Father Capodanno Blvd | Free ferry + $2.90 bus |
| Express Bus | SIM1, SIM5, SIM6, SIM9 from Manhattan | $7.00 |
| SIR + Bus | Staten Island Railway to Old Town or Dongan Hills → S51/S52 | $2.90 |
South Beach Map Note: The boardwalk and beach run roughly 2.5 miles from Fort Wadsworth in the north to Miller Field in the south. The “South Beach” section occupies the northern third; Midland Beach covers the middle and southern portions.
South Beach Hours, Rules, and Seasonal Information
Is South Beach Open?
Yes. South beach staten island is open year-round for walking, jogging, and enjoying the boardwalk. Swimming is seasonal.
South Beach Hours
| Facility | Hours |
|---|---|
| Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk | 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM daily |
| Beach (general access) | 24 hours (swimming restricted) |
| Lifeguard-supervised swimming | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM during beach season |
| Bicycle/skate path | 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM only |
Beach Season: Memorial Day weekend through the Sunday after Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty daily during this period.
What Time Does South Beach Close?
The boardwalk closes at 1:00 AM. The beach itself doesn’t technically close, but swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not present.
Is South Beach Free?
Yes. There is no entrance fee for the beach or boardwalk. Parking is free on public streets.
South Beach Rules
- Swimming only in designated areas when lifeguards present
- No glass containers
- No alcohol
- Dogs allowed on leash (not in swimming areas)
- Bicycles and skates restricted to designated path, 5 AM – 10 AM only
- No barbecues or open flames
- No overnight camping
Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and South Beach Park
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boardwalk (also called the South Beach Boardwalk) is one of the longest boardwalks in New York City. Built in 1935/1937 by the Works Progress Administration, it stretches 2.5 miles along the East Shore waterfront. According to NYC Parks, the boardwalk underwent major renovations in recent years and remains one of the city’s premier waterfront destinations.
Boardwalk Amenities
| Feature | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier | Northern section | One of NYC’s longest piers; free to use |
| Ben Soto Skate Park | Near Ocean Breeze | Bowls and rails for skaters |
| Fountain of the Dolphins | Central boardwalk | Sculptural fountain with colored lights |
| Roller hockey rink | Mid-section | Free public use |
| Handball courts | Throughout | Multiple courts |
| Bocce courts | Southern section | Popular with seniors |
| Playgrounds | Multiple | Tot lots and climbing structures |
| Restrooms | Multiple locations | Open during park hours |
South Beach Park refers to the larger NYC Parks property that includes the boardwalk, beach, and recreational fields. The park extends from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field, encompassing all of South Beach and Midland Beach.
Food and Dining
- South Fin Grill: Waterfront restaurant on the boardwalk with views of the Verrazzano Bridge
- Snack bars: Seasonal concessions near main access points
- The Vanderbilt at South Beach: Open Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays)
Midland Beach and Midland Beach Staten Island
Midland Beach is the section of shoreline immediately south of South Beach, running along Father Capodanno Blvd from approximately Olympia Boulevard to Miller Field. Midland beach staten island shares the same boardwalk and beach but has its own distinct amenities.
Midland Beach Features
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Sea Turtle Fountain | Interactive spray fountain for kids |
| Veterans Memorial | Honors Staten Islanders who served in WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam |
| Shuffleboard courts | Free public use |
| Playground | Modern equipment near Midland Avenue |
Midland Beach Boardwalk is part of the same continuous FDR Boardwalk—locals simply refer to different sections by neighborhood name.
Staten Island Beaches Map
From north to south along the East Shore:
- Fort Wadsworth (no swimming; historic fortifications managed by the National Park Service)
- South Beach (swimming, boardwalk, fishing pier)
- Midland Beach (swimming, playgrounds, fountains)
- New Dorp Beach (quieter, residential access)
- Oakwood Beach (limited; wetland restoration zone)
- Great Kills Park (National Park Service; beach, marina, trails)
South Beach Fireworks and Staten Island Summer Events
South Beach Fireworks Staten Island
South beach staten island hosts free fireworks shows during summer months. The displays launch from the beach and are visible from the entire boardwalk.
Fireworks Staten Island Schedule (Typical)
| Event | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Wednesday Fireworks | Wednesdays in July/August | Free; starts at dusk (~9 PM) |
| July 4th Celebration | July 4th or adjacent date | Combined with live music |
| Labor Day Weekend | Saturday before Labor Day | End-of-summer celebration |
Fireworks Staten Island Tonight: Check the NYC Parks events calendar or Staten Island Advance for same-day announcements. Weather cancellations are common.
South Beach Staten Island Events
- Free summer concerts: Live music on the boardwalk, typically Friday/Saturday evenings
- Beach volleyball tournaments: Organized leagues and drop-in play
- 5K runs and charity walks: Various organizations use the boardwalk
- Food festivals: Occasional pop-up events near South Fin Grill
The South Beach branch of the New York Public Library (New Dorp Library branch serves this area) also hosts local events including story times, game days, and workshops.
South Beach Amusement Park Staten Island: A History
Long before the current boardwalk existed, south beach staten island was a full-scale resort destination. Understanding this history explains why searchers still look for “amusement park south beach staten island.”
Resort Era (1880s–1920s)
By the 1880s, South Beach featured hotels, beer gardens, bathing pavilions, a 1,700-foot boardwalk, carousels, and Ferris wheels. The area earned the nickname “The Riviera of New York.”
Happyland Amusement Park (1906–1927)
Happyland opened June 30, 1906 on 15 acres. It featured:
- Vaudeville shows and stage productions
- Japanese Tea Gardens
- Canals of Venice ride
- Roller Boller Coaster
- 1,500-foot pier
- Skating rink
On opening day, 30,000 visitors arrived. A fire in 1919 damaged much of the park; it closed permanently in 1927.
South Beach Amusement Park / Beachland Amusements (1941–2006)
A smaller family amusement park operated from 1941 to 2006. Originally on the boardwalk, it moved to Sand Lane in 1953 after the city banned commercial operations within 400 feet of the water. Features included:
- Ferris wheel
- Kiddie roller coaster
- Bumper cars
- Fun house with “laughing old lady” figure
- Arcade with Skee-Ball
The park closed in 2006. No amusement rides currently operate at South Beach.
Why the Decline?
- 1896 fire destroyed one-third of the boardwalk
- Great Depression reduced tourism
- Water pollution in the 1930s–1950s
- City acquisition of beachfront in 1935 led to demolition of commercial structures
The WPA-built FDR Boardwalk (1937) replaced the resort infrastructure with public parks and recreational facilities.
Staten Island Fishing Report: Ocean Breeze Pier and Shore Fishing
The Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier at South Beach is one of the longest public fishing piers in New York City. No permit is required, but anglers must register (free) with the New York State Marine and Coastal Recreational Fishing Registry.
Common Catches by Season
| Season | Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Striped bass, bluefish | Run starts mid-April |
| Summer | Fluke, porgy, bluefish | Peak season |
| Fall | Striped bass, bluefish | Best action Sept–Nov |
| Winter | Tautog (blackfish), ling | Cold-weather hardcore anglers |
Staten Island Fishing Report (January 2026)
Winter fishing is slow. Holdover stripers in back-bay creeks; tautog on rocky structure. Clams and green crabs are productive baits. Check local tackle shops for current conditions.
Fishing Rules
- NYS DEC regulations apply (size and creel limits)
- Catch-and-release encouraged for striped bass under slot size
- No overnight fishing on pier
- Bring your own gear and bait—no rentals available
South Beach Staten Island Real Estate and 10305 Zip Code
The south beach zip code is 10305, covering South Beach, Midland Beach, and parts of Arrochar and Grasmere.
Market Snapshot (January 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Listing Price | $799,000 |
| Active Listings | 38 |
| Median Price/Sqft | $475 |
| Days on Market | 55 |
| Property Types | Townhouse, semi-attached, single-family, condo |
Sample Listings
| Address | Price | Beds/Baths | Sqft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Ragazzi Lane | $744,500 | 3/3 | 1,254 |
| 38 Foch Avenue | $1,150,000 | 4/3.5 | 2,835 |
| 11 Father Capodanno Blvd | $699,000 | 3/3 | 986 |
| 21 Father Capodanno Blvd | $674,900 | 3/3 | 1,846 |
Neighborhood Character
South Beach blends older homes from the 1950s–1970s with newer townhouse developments. Proximity to the beach and boardwalk drives demand. Many homes have been renovated post-Hurricane Sandy (2012), which caused significant flooding along Father Capodanno Blvd. If you’re considering buying a home in a flood zone, review FEMA maps and flood insurance requirements before making an offer.
Schools
- P.S. 39 – Francis J. Murphy Jr.
- P.S. 41 – New Dorp
- P.S. 46 – Albert V. Maniscalco
- I.S. 2 – George L. Egbert
For school district boundaries and ratings, check the NYC Department of Education website. Learn more about how school districts affect home values.
Explore South Beach Homes for Sale →
Frequently Asked Questions About South Beach Staten Island
Where is South Beach?
South Beach is on the East Shore of Staten Island, New York City, directly south of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The address is Father Capodanno Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305.
What are the South Beach hours?
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk is open 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Lifeguard-supervised swimming runs 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during beach season (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Is South Beach free?
Yes. There is no entrance fee. Street parking is also free.
Does Staten Island have a beach?
Yes. Staten Island has several beaches along its East Shore, including South Beach, Midland Beach, and the beaches within Great Kills Park. All are free and open to the public.
What time does South Beach close?
The boardwalk closes at 1:00 AM. The beach is accessible 24 hours but swimming is only permitted during lifeguard hours (10 AM – 6 PM in season).
Are there fireworks at South Beach Staten Island?
Yes. South Beach hosts free fireworks during summer, typically on Wednesdays in July and August, plus special shows on July 4th and Labor Day weekend.
Is there still an amusement park at South Beach?
No. The last amusement park (Beachland Amusements) closed in 2006. The area is now public parkland with recreational facilities.
What is the South Beach zip code?
The zip code for South Beach Staten Island is 10305.
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