Orchard Beach

Orchard Beach
FAQ

Everything you need to know before your beach day.

What are the beach conditions at Orchard Beach today?

Orchard Beach sits on the Long Island Sound. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 8518750, and rip current risk. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.

View Live Conditions

Where do you park at Orchard Beach?

Park at Orchard Beach in lots like Orchard Beach Main Lot, Pavilion Overflow Lot. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from $8/car (in season) and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.

Find Parking

Where should you eat at Orchard Beach?

At Orchard Beach, don't miss the Pernil (Roast Pork) at Pavilion Vendors. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.

Explore Dining

What boat trips run from Orchard Beach?

Boats leave Orchard Beach from City Island, including the City Island Sailing School — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.

See Things to Do

What's happening at Orchard Beach this week?

Orchard Beach hosts Sunday Salsa at the Pavilion and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.

Check Events

How long does it take to get sunburned at Orchard Beach?

It depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Orchard Beach into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.

Check Today's Burn Time

Are dogs allowed at Orchard Beach?

It depends on when. Dogs are prohibited on the beach and the promenade from Memorial Day weekend through October 1, and allowed the rest of the year. Service animals are exempt year round. The posted rules state no leash requirement. Source: NYC Parks, Orchard Beach Rules & Regulations, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you drink alcohol at Orchard Beach?

No. Consuming alcohol is prohibited. Source: NYC Parks, Orchard Beach Rules & Regulations, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you have a fire or grill at Orchard Beach?

It depends where on the beach. Barbecuing and open flame are prohibited except in designated areas, which at Orchard Beach means the picnic areas rather than the sand. Source: NYC Parks, Orchard Beach Rules & Regulations, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Is glass allowed at Orchard Beach?

No. Glass containers are not allowed on the beach or the promenade. Source: NYC Parks, Orchard Beach Rules & Regulations, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you smoke at Orchard Beach?

No. Smoking is prohibited. Source: NYC Parks, Orchard Beach Rules & Regulations, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you fish at Orchard Beach?

It depends where on the beach. Fishing is prohibited in the swim areas. Walking or climbing on the jetty is prohibited too. Source: NYC Parks, Orchard Beach Rules & Regulations, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

At Orchard Beach, the sun sets at 6:41 PM today — about 11h 49m of daylight. Sunrise was 6:51 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Orchard Beach update at the top of the conditions page.