It’s hard to deny the oceanic beauty of New York’s beaches that you can find out on Long Island, but the majority of New Yorkers live quite a distance away from this area of our state and aren’t interested in the chaotic seasonal crowds that tend to flock to these parts. Away from our tourist-filled destinations, there’s an underrated sandy beach in one of our state parks where the only thing you’ll have to worry about is making sure that you have enough sunscreen on. So sit back, relax and start planning your visit!

Less than an hour outside of Albany, Grafton Lakes State Park is one of many fantastic parks that you can explore around the capital region.
Chris S/TripAdvisor
Covering roughly 2,500 acres, Grafton Lakes State Park is a splendid summer day trip to take when you're looking for a remote place to go swimming.
Grafton Lakes State Park/Facebook
At the southern shores of Long Pond, you'll find the state park's designated swimming area and sandy beach.
Grafton Lakes State Park/Facebook
The park's sandy beach is where you'll also find many Sand Sculpting Contests being held throughout the year too!
Grafton Lakes State Park/Facebook

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Available for swimming this season from May 26th to September 3rd, the beach is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Grafton Lakes State Park/Facebook
Because this sandy beach is located in a more obscure part of New York, where you're close to Albany's popular attractions yet still somehow away from it all, you'll never have to deal with frustrating crowds at Grafton Lakes State Park.
Grafton Lakes State Park/Facebook
With a sandy beach, over 20 miles of nature trails, and plenty of ponds and lakes at the ready, there are so many exciting ways to enjoy this one state park when the sun is out and shining.
Grafton Lakes State Park/Facebook
And before you go, we'd be doing you an injustice if we didn't mention that Grafton Lakes's sandy beach is the host of the park's Family Movie Nights!
Grafton Lakes State Park/Facebook
If you take a look at the Grafton Lakes State Park event page, you'll see that the next Family Movie Night at the Beach will be taking place on August 3rd after the beach closes for the day at 6 p.m.! To see more of what's happening at Grafton Lakes State Park, you can stay up to date by taking a look at their official Facebook page.

How to get here:
100 Grafton Lakes State Park Way,
Cropseyville, NY 12052

What’s your favorite sandy beach to enjoy during the summer? For more fantastic swimming spots in our state, read about The Unspoiled Beach Town In New York That’s Like A Dream Come True!

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