Visit the Seabreeze Pier and Irondequoit Bay Marine Park during the Summer, and you will find it bustling with activity. There is so much to see and do in this area that it has people flocking to this small isthmus to enjoy all varieties of recreational fun such as boating, sunbathing on the beach, catching a sunset, or fishing.
Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn a small commission if you purchase products from our site, at no additional cost to you.
Seabreeze Pier
If you have ever had the opportunity to witness a sunrise or a sunset on Lake Ontario, you know how amazing they can be. We decided to experience an early morning sunrise at the Seabreeze Pier, and it was absolutely gorgeous. This was also an ideal time because the pier, especially around sunset, can get pretty crowded. We could see a spectacular sunrise and had the pier to ourselves, except for a few fishermen.
The parking lot for the pier is pretty small, so visiting when there isn’t a crowd is a plus. There are also a few parking spots on the other side of the bridge that links Lake road from the east and Culver Road from the west. Between November 1 and April 1, the bridge is in, allowing traffic to cross over the small bit of water that separates Webster from Irondequoit. The bridge comes out on April 1 to allow boats to travel from the Bay into Lake Ontario and vice versa.
Winter on Lake Ontario can be incredible to witness. The cold temperatures and wind coming off the Lake create unbelievable ice formations on basically everything along the water. We always like to take the opportunity to check these interesting nature-made sculptures out. It is tempting to walk to the end of the pier, but when the ice has formed, chances are the pier is also extremely icy, and therefore dangerous to walk on.
Beach
There is a small sandy beach at the Seabreeze Pier. It is a great place to relax, soak up some sun, and enjoy a splendid view of Lake Ontario. However, there is no lifeguard on this beach, so it is swimming at your own risk.
Irondequoit Bay Marine Park
Across the street from the Seabreeze Pier is the Irondequoit Bay Marine Park; this is a boat launch for small crafts and powerboats. There is lots of parking, and boats that launch here have easy access to Lake Ontario. There is a $6.00 fee to park and use the boat launch. Visitors can walk along the shore of the bay and enjoy the awesome view.
Fishing
This area is a great place for fishing. Not only is the Pier a favorite place for fishermen, but if you drive down Lake rd in the winter, you will see lots of people on the Bay ice fishing. Shore fishing is also popular here. Fishermen can expect to catch perch, bluegill, bullhead, carp, trout, walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass in the bay.
Wildlife
One thing this area is not short of is birds. You will find a sheer multitude of seagulls, ducks, and geese here. However, there are many other birds to be found here, such as swans and other large shorebirds. When we were there recently, we saw around 10 great blue herons flying from shore to shore. If you are fishing on the pier (or walking or just enjoying the view), you might catch a glimpse of a furry little critter that also calls the pier home. Minks can often be spotted among the rocks along the pier and sometimes try to snag themselves some fish.
Nearby Attractions
During the summer, this area can get packed with people who are there to take advantage of the great food, ice cream, and entertainment of the places surrounding the pier and marine park.
Don’s Original
This is the home of the original Don’s Original. Don’s Original first opened its doors in 1945 and it has continuously served food here for 75 years.
Bill Grays
Bill Gray’s is a Rochester family favorite. They have been serving great food at this location since 1965. In the summer, you will see people lined up for some delicious Abbots ice cream.
Seabreeze Amusement Park
Seabreeze Amusement Park has been in operation since 1879. It is, in fact, listed as the 12 oldest operating amusement park in the world according to National Amusement Park Historical Association. The Jack Rabbit, one of the park’s roller coasters, is the 4th oldest roller coaster still in operation in the world.
Getting to Seabreeze Pier and Marina
Other Places to Visit
Durand Eastman Park
Durand Eastman Park is located on the shores of Lake Ontario. Durand Eastman Park is a park that is made up of small lakes. It is a picturesque park that is, and not only a great place to hike but also a good place to fish.
Webster Park & Pier
This park, along with being gorgeous, has everything you can imagine a perfect park to have. There are endless trails, places for picnicking, pavilions for parties, tennis courts, a campground, and fishing pier.
Have you visited before? What is your favorite attraction here? Ever check the sunset or the sunrise here? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.