On the eastern shore of Staten Island, Midland Beach is a favorite place to visit when the mercury rises, the sun blazes bright, and the days are long. One of the most spacious beaches along the 500-plus miles of New York City coastline, Midland Beach draws people who want to enjoy the views, go swimming, and have a lot of fun.

Midland Beach in Staten Island is busiest in the summer, naturally, when the swimming season is at its peak. Like all New York beaches, the bulk of the crowds come when the weather is the warmest, between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Concession stands are available during peak season. In addition to shoreline and summertime offerings, the beach is home to a playground, handball courts, and places to play shuffleboard. The youngest visitors love the Sea Turtle Fountain and its sprinklers.

Throughout the season, special events are planned for Midland Beach. The Staten Island borough president hosts Back to the Beach celebrations, complete with games, food, music, and fun for all ages. Sandcastle building contests, live music, and vendors also are party hallmarks.

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Midland Beach in Staten Island is closely connected to its oceanfront neighbor, South Beach. So, those wanting to spend time at a Staten Island beach often make plans to visit both beaches. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk connects the two beaches and is a popular destination in all seasons. The restored boardwalk, which stretches for nearly two miles, is a fine place to take a stroll, go skating, or access the sand and surf.

Every summer, visitors come to both South Beach and Midland Beach in Staten Island to enjoy swimming, recreational activities, concerts, and fireworks. This beach is also home to the iconic Dolphin Fountain, a senior park, and Freedom Square, a tribute to veterans. The park also offers a playground, bocce courts, ball fields, and places to stretch out and enjoy a picnic. The roller hockey rink is full of action.

Both South Beach and Midland Beach are located close to the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier. Opened in 2003, the 835-foot-long, three-tiered facility features a wavy design, echoing the natural curve of the shore. Anglers can cast their lines in search of weakfish, bluefish, striped bass, and other deep-water species. But fishing poles aren't required. Visitors stroll along the pier, which provides excellent Staten Island beach views. Bronze medallions, embedded into the pavement, provide details about ocean life that thrives in the waters surrounding the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier. It's not uncommon to spot sand tiger sharks, bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, and other interesting species off in the distance.

Another Staten Island Beach, Great Kills Park, is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Lifeguards are on duty between the classic summertime bookends, Memorial Day and Labor Day, and visitors also can enjoy fishing, biking, hiking, and bird watching. The national recreation area, a network of natural and cultural sites in New York and New Jersey also includes Jacob Riis Park, which features a charming art deco bathhouse, as well a museum filled with interesting exhibits about New York beaches.