STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The view of Sand Lane in South Beach in 1955, from Oceanside Avenue, showcased various entertainment venues, including the South Beach Diner, a soft ice cream shop, a delicatessen, a pizzeria and amusement rides.
Looking down Sand Lane from Oceanside Avenue toward the beach on Oct. 14, 2025.(Advance/SILive.com| Jan Somma-Hammel)
In 1941, an amusement park opened on the then-busy boardwalk affectionately known as “the South Beach rides.” It moved to this strip of Sand Lane in 1953 and quickly became a popular destination for Island residents. After decades of fun, the amusement attraction closed in 1999.
The former amusement park on Sand Lane in South Beach, looking toward the beach. Staten Island Advance
The South Beach Amusement Park on Sand Lane, facing toward Grasmere. Staten Island Advance
1955: The South Beach Diner sits on Sand Lane in South Beach. To the left was a soft ice cream shop. Staten Island Advance
Currently in its place, a development of attached houses was built, and a Key Food grocery store was constructed nearby on the same side of the street taking over other amusement icons, such as the go-carts, a scary house of horrors called the “Fun House,” and an arcade.
On the opposite side of the street, a collection of businesses, known as “The Shops at South Beach,” emerged. This currently includes food establishments, a florist, exercise facilities, a daycare/preschool, and an elementary school.
Looking down Sand Lane toward the beach from Key Food. (Google Maps Nov. 2024)Staten Island Advance
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