Ocean Breeze Park Hiking Trails

Ocean Breeze Park is an approximately 130-acre park that has a relatively flat topography of mixed grassland, shrub forest, and freshwater wetland. The park was originally tidal wetland that was filled with sand and road construction debris during the Robert Moses era, thus covering the tidal wetlands and creating freshwater wetlands in depressions. It has since been largely left to nature, except for the formation of an extensive trail system by residents and the new Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex located on the east end of the park. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation designated wetlands of the natural area often has surface water present, especially after rain events, at slightly lower elevation areas or depressions. The vegetation in the wetland communities is dominated by cottonwood, spicebush, pussy willow, and common reed, while the upland communities are dominated by black locust and switchgrass.

Orange Loop Trail: The orange and blue trail loops together to create a 5K Cross-Country Course used for runners during outdoor Track & Field Season. The 1.4-mile orange route circles around the front fields of Ocean Breeze Park with a short portion through the natural area. The main use of this trail is for Track & Field runners. Please note that the trail route passes through a New York State-protected wetland and therefore, trails are subject to seasonal flooding. Trails may become impassible after rain events.

Blue Loop Trail: The orange and blue trail loops together to create a 5K Cross-Country Course used for runners during outdoor Track & Field Season. The blue loop trails traverse Ocean Breeze’s beautiful natural area of both wetland and upland terrain. Wide sandy trails dominate the 1.7-mile route around the park. Keep an eye out for wild turkey and deer as you walk. On the northeast side of the park, you will find a scenic view of the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge, especially well visible during the late fall and winter months after trees have dropped their leaves. Because the blue trail passes through a New York State-protected wetland, it is subject to seasonal flooding. Please use caution after rain events.

Interactive Map

Download the Ocean Breeze Park Trail Guide.

Points of Interest

Ocean Breeze Scenic View Point

On the northeast side of the park, you will find a scenic view over the South Beach Wetlands to the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge, especially well visible during the late fall & winter months after trees have dropped their leaves. The South Beach Wetlands, which take their name from the surrounding community of South Beach, is an undeveloped wilderness assigned to NYC Parks in 1999 and is home to an exciting variety of plant and animal species.

View Scenic View Ocean Breeze Creek Overlook on the map

Hiking in NYC Parks

Visit our Hiking in NYC Parks page to find more nature trails in parks across New York City.