The best beach and park in Singapore is probably East Coast Park located in the eastern part of Singapore. Relatively inaccessible, your only option from town is a bus 16, 36 or a bus 134 if you are intending to stop over at a Paya Lebar MRT. Alternatively, just grab a cab from CityHall which takes about 10 min ride, non-peak hour.
The park carries different moods during the day. Expect early mornings during the week to be scattered with avid joggers and citizens doing tai chi. The afternoons during the week is the quietest with few people walking in the noon day heat. Come evening time, nearby residents will be out again for their pre or post dinner walks. Over the weekends, East Coast Park becomes a hub of bustling activity with people from all walks of life and different nationalities either walking, blading, running, having a BBQ, or just lazing around having a picnic, all enjoying the fresh air, and beautiful beach scenery - away from the hub of city life.
What's great is that the beach is so large and long, probably covering a good 20km one way that even though it is crowded, there is space enough for everyone. You can even take long bike rides all the way to Marina Barrage, or in the opposite direction to Changi Village. East Coast Park is the perfect place for those wanting to soak in the nature, bonding over a BBQ or picnic, or clocking the miles jogging or biking. Lined with trees and plentiful seats, it is indeed a perfect place for hang out.
Along the way, there are eateries like the new Parklane Green for cafe or bistro style dining, East Coast Seafood Centre for Chinese seafood dining, or East Coast Lagoon Food Village for local hawker fare, so you would not go hungry.
My favorite spot for alighting is at Parklane Green, where you can have a meal and spend the time strolling along the beach.
