Sylvan Beach on Oneida Lake, NY: A Great Family Beach

Located on the eastern part of Oneida Lake, Sylvan Beach is a great spot for families. This little resort community really comes to life during the summer months. Spend your days swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, or fishing. Every night you can enjoy live music right on the beach. There is plenty of entertainment throughout the entire summer to keep you busy. Enjoy everything from classic car shows, to flea markets, to concerts by the beach.

If you forget your swim suit that is not a problem here. You will find plenty of shopping along the beach. Everything for all your beach needs; swim suits, beach toys, and plenty of sun screen. Choose to cook out among the many grills already set up in the grassy picnic area or head over to a restaurant. I love going to Cinderella's Cafe for some soft serve ice cream. When the sun is setting Harpoon Eddie's is the place to be. Sit out on the deck overlooking the water. You can watch the boats come in as the sun sets over Oneida Lake. Enjoy wings, clams, and burgers. Harpoon Eddie's is extremely busy during July and August as it is a favorite place to grab a drink and enjoy some live music for many.

Sylvan Beach is truly a great swimming spot for families. The water is shallow and calm and offers plenty of sand bars. It is great you can walk out into the water up to your waste and come upon a sand bar. Suddenly the water level is at your knees again. Despite the sandbars this is a very boat friendly beach. You do need to anchor your boat a good distance from the shore because of the sandbars, but it is easy to swim ashore.

Just steps from the beach is Sylvan Beach Amusement Park. Here you will enjoy over 21 rides, plenty of games, food, and lots of fun for the entire family. My favorite ride here is Carello's Carousel. The Carousel has been at Sylvan Beach since 1896. This old fashioned carousel is home to beautiful crafted horses and large wooden seats. You buy tickets to board the carousel. Carello's Carousel starts off with a ringing bell to let you know it is moving. The Carousel does actually move quite fast so be sure to hang on. Loud music plays as you swirl around. I rode it on my first Birthday and have tried to make it back every summer since.

Another thing I really love in the amusement park is the black and white photo booth. You do not run into many of these nowadays. For a few dollars you can capture the smiles of your family. Spend the afternoon playing Skee-ball. This old fashioned wooden version prints out tickets for you to purchase some small trinket toys. Need a break? Grab some fried dough, cotton candy, or pizza.

Spend the night in Sylvan Beach or stay the entire summer. You can camp, stay in a motel, or one of the beach front cottages. Remember things book up fast, especially for the July 4^th fireworks spectacular. This is a town that can easily accommodate you for the entire summer. There are lots of churches, stores, and even a post office. Everything you need is right here.

Sylvan Beach is really a great throw back to days gone by. When you are there you are reminded of how the good old days were slower and more laid back. By no means is Sylvan Beach glamorous, but it has its own inner beauty and plenty to offer.