Ashbridges Bay is the closest thing we're going to get to The O.C. And even this doesn't compare to the beautiful sandy beaches on the West coast. But we must make do with what we have.
The beaches, in all accounts are a nice place to spend the day or weekend in the summer. It is always packed in the summer, and lots of beach volleyball and beach bums there. Bring your dog and walk along the boardwalk, or rollerblades in tow, blade West along the nicely paved sidewalk for a good workout.
There is also a park and some green space right across the street (North side) from Ashbridges Bay. Again, a nice place to blade. Parking at the beach can be a bitch, so if you can get there early if you want to have your pick at spaces. The parking there is paid (and monitored), so bring change.