Top 3 Beaches Near Westchester, N.Y.

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Windy days and sun rays at Westport Beach in Westport, CT.


Beaches: A basic staple of fun for American families during the summer. Some people love the salty air, delicious food, and scenic waves the beach has to offer. Some people hate the crowds, children running around everywhere, and non-stop noise. I am a beach-lover and I will let you in on a little secret: never, ever, ever go to the beach during the day time (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). If you do, it’s like you are just asking to get run over by a kid. 


Go to the beach around 6 a.m.-10 a.m. or 5 p.m.-8 p.m. This is a nice time to go for 3 major reasons: 1)The beaches are the least crowded at this time, 2)The beaches aren’t blisteringly hot at this time, and 3)You will either see the beautiful sunrise (around 6 a.m.) or the glorious sunset (around 7 p.m.). Let me tell you, I would much rather watch the sky turn into a milky-lavender color than get an unwanted view of an adult in a bikini. We’ve all been in that awkward situation, let’s admit it.


So, let’s get on with the rating of the Top 3 Beaches Near Westchester:

The view I experienced from the beach area at Splashdown Beach.


Coming in at Number 3 we have...the beach area at Splashdown Beach, Fishkill, N.Y.
Distance from Chappaqua (New York): 45 minute drive (40 miles) 
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Crowded: Extremely 
Best time to get there: 10 a.m. (When the park opens) 
Overall Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Honestly, this place is amazing. The reason I put it at Number 3 is that even though it is called Splashdown Beach, it isn’t necessarily a beach-it is a water park. Now, if you don’t like to swim in the ocean or if you don’t want to worry about animals like sharks or crabs attacking you, this is the place to go. The only sharks here are the stuffed animal ones at the gift shop. Plus, the water is heavily chlorinated due to the amount of children that go here. This leads to the downside though: Splashdown Beach is packed, therefore you have to get there right when it opens if you want to get a seat at the beach area. But, once you get your seat, it is very calming. No one bothers you and since most of the kids are on the water slides, the beach is pretty quiet. The straw umbrellas provide just the right amount of shade and the sand feels soft and soothing beneath your feet; it feels like your feet are being wrapped in a warm blanket. Also, the beach is only a few steps away from one of the many food-stands Splashdown Beach has to offer. From smoothies to pizza, Splashdown Beach has a variety of tasty refreshments and meals to offer. I rated the food 4 stars because it is wonderful, but the food isn’t the healthiest or fanciest (pizza, waffles, hamburgers, ice cream, etc.). 


The Bullet Bowl at Splashdown Beach from the Splashdown Beach Website. Visit the website to view more attractions and buy your tickets.


Overall, this place is definitely a great choice if you want to have fun over the summer. Let’s say you get bored lounging on the beach, why not take advantage of one of the many attractions this place has to offer. For thrill-seekers, try the Bullet Bowl: a single or two-person ride where you experience a steep drop in a dark tunnel. Then, you go for a spin in the Bullet Bowl. But, if you are looking for something more low key take a chance on the Lazy River (The ride is pretty self- explanatory). If you are looking for more of a beachy feel though, look into the next 2 beaches. 


  
Soaking in the sun at Greenwich Point Beach and taking a stroll downtown in Greenwich. Greenwich is “The Town That Never Sleeps” because whether it is day or night the town is always filled with people trying to have a nice time.



Coming in at Number 2 we have…Greenwich Point Beach, Greenwich, CT. 
Distance from Chappaqua (New York): 40 minute drive (30 miles) 
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Crowded: Somewhat 
Best time to get there: 6 a.m.-10 a.m. or 5 p.m.-8 p.m. 
Overall Experience: ⭐⭐⭐ 

Just a basic beach. That can be taken two different ways but honestly that’s how I would sum up Greenwich Point Beach. It is just your average beach: golden sand, bright blue waves, and puffy clouds that look like marshmallows. Greenwich Point Beach is enjoyable, but it doesn't have a wow factor to it, making it come in at Number 2 in the ranking. What’s cool about the beach is as close as it is to Greenwich town, it doesn't have too many stuck up rich people perusing the premise. This leads to the beach being pretty calm and not overly crowded. 


                                                             
Visit Abis, maybe they will let you take a crack at being a chef. Whatever you do, just be careful where you aim.



Honestly, what makes this beach one of the best in Westchester is that it is close to Greenwich town. Shop, dine, and relax. This beautiful town has stores for all different styles, ranging from Brandy Melville to Zara. Choose your cuisine: how about Hibachi (food that is cooked right in front of you) at a Japanese restaurant like Abis or Italian food at Terra Ristorante Italiano? Then, take a stroll back to the beach and watch the spectacular views as the sun sets. This seems like a pretty nice day to me.




Twirling in the sand behind the blue cotton candy-colored waves. Westport Beach is my favorite place in the whole world. Whenever I’m there, I automatically feel free and happy; it’s like all my problems are washed away by the waves. 


Coming in at Number 1 we have…Westport Beach (a.k.a. Compo Beach), Westport, CT.
Distance from Chappaqua (New York): 46 minute drive (41 miles)
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Crowded: Somewhat
Best time to get there: 6 a.m.-10 a.m. or 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Overall Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

They say Disney is “The Happiest Place On Earth '' but Disney has nothing on Westport Beach. For starters, the atmosphere there is spectacular. Since there is a playground within the beach, you don’t need to worry about kids running you over while you are going for a stroll along the sand. Children love to play on the tire swings and just laugh while having a nice time. Adults lounge on chairs along the sand, drinks in hand, just talking and relaxing. It just feels so inviting-the fact that everyone there is just enjoying themselves makes you want to enjoy yourself.


This video is my most favorite video on my phone. The song playing in the background describes Westport for me: “I never want to leave this sunset town”. The magical lights wrapped around the grand trees transport me to another place, a place where everything is alright.


Also on the beach, is an amazing eatery called Joey’s By The Shore. Go inside for some much appreciated air conditioning and some breaded mozzarella sticks. Maybe you just want to get a small ice cream cone to tide you over. Even enter the cute, little restaurant just to listen to some music while you sit at the indoor picnic tables. Whatever you need, Joey’s By The Shore can provide.

After a day full of fun in the sun, take your spot at an outdoor picnic table to watch the sun set. Call me crazy, but I even go to Westport Beach in the winter because I can’t get enough of the sunsets there. Yeah, the pictures are great, but the memories are even more amazing. Soft chatter fills the air as the sun lowers into the waves, the light going down with it. Couples gazing into each other's eyes, families snuggling to keep warm as a cool breeze encases the beach. Love fills the air and everything just feels okay. It is like the beach is magic: all your worries wash away and you feel like you are where you truly belong. Like you are home-and that ladies and gentleman, is the end to a perfect day.


Westport has the most beautiful sunsets, the brilliant orange clouds sweeping over the sky.















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