New York’s Largest Sand Dunes Hide Along the Shore of Lake Ontario—Just A Few Hours from NYC

With towering dunes, soft sandy beaches, and Lake Ontario’s clear freshwater stretching for miles , Sandy Island Beach State Park is one of New York’s most underrated natural gems. And we don’t just mean “a pretty beach.” Sandy Island Beach contains the largest freshwater sand dunes in the Northeast , some rising up to 50 feet above the lake. Shaped by wind and waves from an ancient inland sea that predated Lake Ontario, the dunes are constantly evolving—a rare phenomenon that can take up to 400 years for hardwood forest to grow atop a new dune. But Sandy Island Beach isn’t just about dramatic landscapes. The park protects rare coastal dunes, forested sandhills, wetlands, and migratory bird sanctuaries , making it one of the best places in New York to see federally endangered Great Lakes piping plovers, with successful nesting reported for the first time in decades. Visitors can spend hours swimming along the 1,500-foot sandy beach (lifeguarded in season), kayaking and fishing in Lake Ontario, hiking along dune trails, or exploring eco-friendly wildlife viewing platforms built to protect the fragile landscape. Picnicking, photography, and quiet reflection all work equally well here—there’s something for every type of adventurer. Sandy Island Beach was once a bustling resort known as “the hottest spot on the shoreline.” When its popularity waned, The Nature Conservancy, Oswego County, and New York State worked together to protect the property, preserving the dunes, wetlands, and beach for the public to enjoy today. Despite being just five hours from NYC , Sandy Island Beach remains a hidden gem, often uncrowded even in peak summer months. Unlike Atlantic Ocean beaches, you can enjoy wide-open stretches of sand and sparkling freshwater without the throngs of tourists. How to best visit Sandy Island Beach from NYC ------------------------------------------------- As mentioned, Sandy Island Beach State Park is about a five-hour drive from Midtown Manhattan, meaning it’s probably best for a full-blown weekend getaway. The most direct route is via I-81 North to Pulaski, where the park is located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. While a car is essential to reach the park itself, once you’re there, the beach and dunes are fully walkable, and there’s plenty of space for swimming, picnicking, or strolling along the shoreline. Pack a picnic, bring water shoes for hiking the dunes, and don’t forget your camera — the views are picture-perfect. 📍 Sandy Island Beach — 3387 County Route 15, Pulaski, NY Source: https://secretnyc.co/sandy-island-beach-pulaski-ny/