Gray 
Let’s be honest: Buffalo may not have the most picturesque beaches in the world. For most, if not all beaches in Buffalo, the sand has a few twigs and pebbles that can make it a little difficult to comfortably stroll across their shores. And while those issues can be a hassle here and there, they are really no reason to skip the beach bum experience all together. We’ve seen worse. We’re lookin’ at you sharks, hurricanes, and tsunamis.
For those looking to have a relaxing, sun-filled day, you’ve come to the right place. Summer is here and these beaches are calling your name – don‘t forget to clean up after yourself!
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Lake Erie Beaches
Angola on the Lake
8934 Lakeshore Road, Angola / (716) 549-3000 / Website
This stretching, sand-filled beach is home to two local favorites in Captain Kidds Restaurant and Mickey Rats Beach Club, which are both conveniently accessible from the shore. It’s home to several beach volleyball nets as well. The beach is well-maintained and the sand is groomed over regularly, making it well worth the price of admission. Just be sure to bring extra cash for food and drinks.
Beaver Island State Park
2136 West Oakfield Road, Grand Island / (716) 773-3271 / Website
Open: Dawn – dusk
Nestled right along the Niagara River leading out to Lake Erie is Beaver Island State Park. Beaver Island is a great place to catch some rays and lay in a rather smooth shore of sand. The beach has a few benches and gazebos along the pathway leading to it with convenient parking located directly behind. Once you’re done with the beach, be sure to check out Beaver Island’s disc golf and golf courses, playgrounds and marina for even more summer fun.
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Bennett Beach
8276 Old Lakeshore Road, Angola / (716) 947-5660 / Website
Open: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
“Considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Erie County,” Bennett Beach maintains its reputation – and for good reason.
Looking for a more tranquil beach with a great atmosphere? Bennett Beach is your answer. The long trek from the parking lot to this beach is well worth working your way around, up and over sand dunes to get to your destination. Not to worry, though. The sand, while not the smoothest, shouldn’t be a major problem, as it doesn’t get in the way of your feet or, more importantly, the awesome view. The beach isn’t typically crowded and it might even make you feel like you’re on a private beach.
Evangola State Park
10191 Old Lake Shore Road, Irving / (716) 549-1802 / Website
Open: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Within this 733-acre park, you will find a beautiful beach with great sand on the shore of Lake Erie. There’s picnic areas and campsites available, as well as nature trails and playgrounds within the park. Be sure to check out Evangola’s yurts that are now available for rent.
Lake Erie State Park
5838 Route 5, Brocton / (716) 792-9214 / Website
Open: Daily year-round.
Lake Erie State Park is home to a long beach that provides a great view of… you guessed it… Lake Erie. Along with the beach, the park also provides many outdoor activities and campsites. Their rates for cabins throughout the week are pretty good, too.
Sunset Bay Beach
1028 South Shore Dr., Irving / (716) 934-9953 / Website
Open: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
“Voted WNY’s best beach,” Sunset Bay offers one of the cleanest and sandy beaches around. Its sand is kept clean daily and lifeguards are on duty every day from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunset is family-friendly with its own beach club and Cabana Sam’s Bar and Grill.
Wilkeson Pointe
225 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo / (716) 851-5553 / Website
Open: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Located at the Outer Harbor, this small beach is a nice break from the urban environment surrounding it. With new improvements to the area, such as a beverage stand, water bike, and kayak rentals, Wilkeson Pointe is guaranteed to provide hours of fun.
Woodlawn Beach State Park
3580 Lakeshore Rd, Blasdell / (716) 826-1930 / Website
Open: 11 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Another favorite in Western New York, Woodlawn Beach boasts a mile-long natural sand beach with “one of the finest freshwater sand dune areas remaining on Lake Erie.” The view of Lake Erie is wonderful from this beach’s shore, and you can even take a walk on a beach-connected boardwalk that leads to a nature center/bathhouse complex.
Lake Ontario Beaches
Olcott Beach
5979 Main St, Olcott / (716) 778-7711 / Website
Open: Dawn – dusk
Not only does Olcott have a nice beach, but it also has a vintage-themed amusement park with old-fashioned rides aimed toward younger children. Located on the south shore of Lake Ontario, this beach offers spectacular views that will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Wilson-Tuscarora State Park
3371 W Lake Rd, Wilson / (716) 751-6361 / Website
Open: Dawn – dusk
Wilson-Tuscarora has a beach with a good amount of shade in some areas to keep beachgoers from burning in the sun all day. The park also has a disc golf course and marina, among other features.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
This post was originally published in July 2016 and has been updated.
