Are you planning a beach vacation in New York but you don’t have an exact place in mind? I couldn’t recommend Buffalo enough. The city boasts some of the best and cleanest beaches in the state where you can soak in the sun and splay your toes in the sand while enjoying time with family.
This guide will go over the 9 best family beaches near Buffalo. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have plenty of must-see destinations to add to your dream vacation list!
1. Bennett Beach
Bennett Beach is well maintained with trees and miles of picturesque sand and ocean as far as the eye can see. Oh, and did I mention the beach has free parking spaces? That’s right! Who doesn’t love free parking, especially on a family vacation?
This beautiful beach on Lake Shore Road has some stunning sunsets, so be sure to stick around for the whole afternoon.
2. Lake Erie Beach Park
You will love every moment you spend with your family at Lake Erie Beach Park.
This beach is small but stunning. Located southwest of Angola Village, Lake Erie Beach Park has a picnic area where you can witness windsurfers sail across the water. It’s the perfect place to take a break from all the swimming and playing and grab a snack.
3. Times Beach Nature Preserve
The Times Beach Nature Preserve has long been a magnet for beach lovers in New York. It’s located at the convergence of the Niagara River and Lake Erie.
The beach is not frequently visited and therefore serves as a perfect escape for anyone who wants a quiet day.
Besides walking or riding your bike along the beach, your family can witness birds and wildlife areas. Remember to bring your binoculars for that perfect view as you walk slowly around the beach.
The Times Beach Nature Preserve also has lighthouses that offer stunning views of Buffalo!
4. Beaver Island State Park Beach
Beaver Island State Park boasts a sandy beach that sits on half a mile and is perfect for swimming, fishing, biking, and nature trails.
Additionally, the beach features playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas. There are also catering and banquet facilities on the beach so you can be sure your family won’t have hunger pangs for too long.
If you’re looking to swim, here’s when the swimming beach is open:
11:00am – 7:00pm
Weekends only: Memorial Day Weekend until the end of June
Daily: End of June until Labor Day
The park is open year-round for other outdoor activities.
5. Woodlawn Beach State Park
Woodlawn Beach State Park is located near the Buffalo metropolitan area.
This natural sand beach is one mile long and offers panoramic and eye-catching views, especially at sunset.
The recreational activities your family can enjoy include nature trails, beach volleyball, and picnicking.
Remember to bring water shoes because the beach is rocky!
6. Evangola State Park
Evangola State Park on Lake Erie is another must-see beach in Buffalo.
The locals often call it the best beach in Buffalo for swimming. It’s spotless and large, with lifeguards keeping a watchful eye.
The excellent picnic facilities are another standout. Your kids can also play football and tennis on the beach’s soft sand.
Camping is another activity your family can participate in at Evangola State Beach Park. The best time to camp along the beach is between April and October.
Being an all-year beach, Evangola is also ideal for winter activities like snowshoeing and skiing.
7. Gallagher Beach
Popularly known as the most unique beach near Buffalo, Gallagher Beach is a great place for your next family vacation.
This beach offers a great place to get away from the city heat and grime and soak in the sunshine and gorgeous views.
You can bring your picnic items and dine under one of the beach’s archways. The waters are also ideal for kayaking and other watersports.
Swimming is technically not allowed, and no lifeguards are on duty.
Before you go, be sure to take a long walk on the pier to enjoy panoramic views of Buffalo.
8. Sunset Bay Beach
Our list of the best beaches near Buffalo wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Sunset Bay Beach.
This tiny beach has covetable sandy spots. The beachfront features plenty of sunbathers and boaters.
There are also restaurants and clubs along the beach where you can enjoy food and entertainment. You’ll leave with a full belly!
9. Hamburg Beach
Hamburg Beach has a nice swimming area with plenty of certified lifeguards so you can feel okay about letting the kids splash in the waves.
The beach also offers amenities like a snack bar, a changing room, and a fitness center. However, if you want to exercise, must pay before accessing the fitness center.
However, only town residents and their guests can get permits to access this beach.
What To Do Before Visiting the Beaches Near Buffalo
Now that you know the best beaches to visit near Buffalo, it’s time to prepare for an eventful, enjoyable day out. These tips will help you pack right!
Bring the Right Clothes
You’ll likely visit Buffalo’s beaches in the summertime. You’ll need light, breezy clothes that you don’t mind getting wet if you venture too close to the shoreline.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a hat.
Don’t forget to bring extra clothes for after you’ve spent your day in the water and sand. Additionally, pack some sandals and water shoes.
Also don’t forget your beach blanket or sand chairs to lazy about in the sun in comfort.
Pack Sun Protection Essentials
Sunburns can ruin your family’s vacation in a hurry.
The best way to safeguard your skin is to regularly apply sunscreen. Bring a sunscreen lip balm to keep your lips from burning, as that’s quite painful.
Since you can never be too protected from the sun, I’d also recommend packing hats, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved coverup.
Sitting under a gazebo or tent will also offer protection against the sun.
Get there early!
Beaches in Buffalo can sometimes be overcrowded, so you may need to arrive early to pick a sweet spot for your family.