Community Corner

After Sandy: Long Island Beach Guide 2013

Click on the dots to read about storm damage and repairs of every beach on the Island.

Long Island has boasted some of the best beaches in country for centuries, but a brutal assault by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 left many of them reeling, with boardwalks washed out, sand pulled out to sea and breaches torn through barrier islands. Acting quickly, town, villages, counties and even the feds pulled together the resources needed, and as summer 2013 starts on Friday most of these local treasures are repaired and ready for the season.

We’ve compiled this guide to update visitors on the state of Long Island’s beaches after the big storm. Read below for our beach-by-beach breakdown or click through our interactive map to scan beach info one beach at a time.


SOUTH SHORE


Nassau County


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Long Beach – The city that has “beach” in its name took a major beating from Hurricane Sandy, though restoration is well on the way.

The beach was previously lined by a 2.2-mile boardwalk that served as a gateway to eateries and shops. However, Hurricane Sandy destroyed much of the iconic structure and has forced the city to rebuild from the ground up. Joining the new boardwalk, which is scheduled for a November 2013 completion, is a $150 million storm protection project. The project is aimed to rebuild the dunes 16 feet above sea level throughout the limits of the city’s beachfront, as well as raising the beach about five feet from its pre-storm elevation and rehabilitate its jetties.

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The City of Long Beach also announced in April that it would allow local restaurants to serve their cuisine on the city’s streets from May 23 to Sept. 2 at Riverside Boulevard and Shore Road from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Long Beach isn’t the only beach on this barrier island. To the west sits the resident-only East Atlantic Beach and the members-only Silver Point Beach Club and The Sands at Atlantic Beach, while county and town beaches to the west include Lido BeachSands Picnic Beach and the Eugene Nickerson Beach in the hamlet of Lido Beach and Point Lookout at the far end of the island.

All Town of Hempstead beaches – Lido Beach, Lido West, Sands, Point Lookout and Hewlett Point Park – opened for business on June 15. Parking fees at the Hempstead Town beaches are $8 per car for residents and $25 for non-residents. Parking fees are collected from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week from June 17 to Sept. 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Nickerson – Nassau County’s only beach – reopened on May 24 after suffering significant dune and beach erosion from Sandy. Parking fees are $8 daily for leisure pass holders and $30 for non-leisure pass holders.

Jones Beach State Park – Perhaps the first beach that jumps to mind when mentioning Long Island beaches, Jones Beach attracts thousands to its sandy stretches each year. Close proximity to New York City makes it an easy day trip for urban beachgoers, but like other beaches in the area, Jones Beach was severely damaged during Sandy. The storm surge coupled with high tide swamped major sections of the park.

However, the beach is open for the 2013 season, with parking fees set at $10. Fees are collected until 4 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends.

Most portions of the boardwalk are open, despite suffering damage when the high tide caused the pilings to heave, lifting the boardwalk in many sections resulting in the surface of the boardwalk to be undulating. While the boardwalk is open, the pitch and putt golf course is not, and has no timetable to reopen.

Another major selling point: The Nikon Theater at Jones Beach brings world-class concerts to this storied seaside. After taking significant flood damage from Sandy, a rebuilt Nikon at Jones Beach Theater -- that cost more than $20 million -- was celebrated in late May, a day before the 2013 summer concert schedule kicked off.

Tobay Beach – Located just east of Jones Beach, Tobay Beach offers visitors a more toned-down experience while still offering great features including a marina, restaurants, concession stands, mini golf and a spray park. Tobay Beach is managed by the Town of Oyster Bay (which is how it gets its name) and is only open to non-residents Monday through Friday for a $40 daily fee.

And for Town of Oyster Bay residents, there’s Healey Beach in Massapequa, offering swimming in South Oyster Bay.


Western Suffolk County


Robert Moses State Park – Perhaps the most pristine and peaceful of the state-run beaches, Robert Moses State Park offers seaside serenity like no other. Visitors can explore five miles of sandy shores on the Fire Island beach as well as several nature trails to the east giving walkers a chance to gawk at the seabirds and famed Fire Island deer that call the park home. But as well as the beach, Robert Moses features a historic lighthouse, a pitch and putt golf course, concession stands at the five fields and a new playground to entertain the kids.

Robert Moses suffered significant damage, including the collapse of the park’s traffic circle into the Atlantic Ocean, during Sandy. The beach reopened just before Memorial Day following extensive repairs.

The parking fee is $10 through September 9. An Empire Passport, offering access to all state parks for the season, is available for $65. Lifeguards are on duty daily through Labor Day.

Cedar Beach – A quiet Atlantic beach managed by the Town of Babylon, Cedar Beach offers a concession stand (the Beach Hut), basketball and handball courts and a pitch and putt golf course. It’s also next to Gilgo State Park, a wildlife preserve that’s only accessible by foot or four-wheel vehicle. Non-resident fees for Cedar Beach are $15 weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays.

Cedar Beach was heavily damaged during Sandy, but repairs, including a new dock, bulk-heading and boat slips were completed by Memorial Day. New electrical and water systems were also put in place and bay-side campgrounds were refurbished. From June 22 to Sept. 2, the beach is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Gilgo Beach – A longer stretch of beach than Cedar to the west, Gilgo has fewer amenities than its neighbor but makes up for it in serenity. While a small community of beach houses abuts the beach, non-locals can park and visit for $30 on weekdays and $40 on weekends and holidays. Recently, Gilgo has picked up some notoriety due to a string of bodies found nearby that officials think may have been left by a serial killer.

Gilgo suffered significant beach erosion due to Sandy that town officials called “devastating,” but the beach is open for the season. Plans to dredge and pump new sand onto the beach are in the works.

From June 22 to Sept. 2, the beach is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Captree State Park – This state-run park is at the end of Jones Beach Island, tucked just behind where Fire Island and Robert Moses State Park begin. As a result, the beach there features calmer waters that make it a perfect spot for fishing off the piers or hiring a charter boat to take you out for the day. Trails, picnic areas and a full-service restaurant make it a great spot when you’re not in the mood for a busy beach.

The Overlook Pier was being repaired from Tropical Storm Irene, and some additional minor damage was caused by Sandy. Repairs were completed to the pier by Memorial Day. Roofing repairs and the replacement of pilings at the main marina have also been completed.

The park is open year-round and closes at 10 p.m. daily. The vehicle entrance fee is $8.

Heckscher State Park – While not technically an “ocean” beach, Heckscher’s sandy shores on the Great South Bay are nothing to scoff at. While, the calm bay waters make for great swimming, fishing and boating, Heckscher’s sheer size as a park means there are many other things to do, including hiking or biking through the nearly 1,500 acres, playgrounds and athletic fields – perfect for getting large groups together for a friendly summer game. A concession area and a swimming pool also abut the beach, but the pool remains closed indefinitely.

Sandy caused significant erosion at the park’s West Beach. There was also significant erosion at Field 7 and substantial damage to the bike path and parking lot. The storm surge damaged a transformer and fuses at Overlook Beach. Most repairs were completed by Memorial Day.

West Beach is open on weekdays (with lifeguards) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 22-September 18. It is open on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Overlook Beach is open (with lifeguards) from June 22-September 18 on weekends and holidays only. The vehicle entrance fee at Heckscher is $10 from June 23-September 5.

Fire Island National Seashore – Some of Fire Island’s largest stretches of beach are part of the National Park Service’s domain, including the Fire Island wilderness, nearly 1,400 acres of untouched beachfront that attracts die-hard hikers, campers and nature enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Sailors Haven/Sunken Forest has one of the park’s main attractions, a below-sea-level holly forest that’s a haven for coastal wildlife. The secluded Barret Beach/Talisman area features a marina and a quiet beach for visitors looking for a serene seaside experience. The Fire Island Lighthouse to the west is part of the national park.

Fire Island Beaches – The storied secluded communities of Fire Island are legendary on the East Coast for their no-cars policy, gay-friendly attractions, diverse clubs and eateries, and pristine beaches. Communities such as Kismet, Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, Atlantique, Seaview and Fair Harbor each has a specific charm and a stretch of white sand all their own. Ferry service from Bay Shore, Sayville and Patchogue can get you on the island at different parts, but if you are an adventurous, and well-conditioned hiker, the walk from Robert Moses Field 5 to Kismet is doable, but grueling.

Fire Island was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy and the island experienced several overwashes and a few breaches. Following an extensive cleanup effort, all debris from the storm has been removed and while many homeowners are still rebuilding, it’s business (or make that, fun) as usual on Fire Island this summer.

Corey Beach – This is one of the smaller south shore beaches for Brookhaven Town Residents, located off the end of Corey Avenue and not far from the Great South Bay. It’s open on weekends only until July 3, when it opens 7 days a week until Sept. 2.

Beachgoers can find bathrooms (open seasonally) and a picnic area to eat in. Residents must purchase a parking sticker: $10 for one-year, $7 for senior citizens/handicapped and veterans.

Corey Beach also has a boat ramp and marina for those looking to head out on the water. A boat ramp permit from the Town of Brookhaven is required and costs $75 for a resident season permit, $50 for senior citizens or handicapped season permit, and $350 for a non-resident season permit. For daily boat ramp use, its $10 for residents and $30 for non-residents.

Smith Point County Park – The last of the large Long Island beaches before you hit the Hamptons, Smith Point is usually the beach of choice for residents in the goliath Brookhaven Town in the mood for a lazy day at the beach. The Suffolk County-run beach, in addition to offering great surf, concessions, fishing and campsites for those who want to spend a night sleeping on the beach, abuts the Fire Island Wilderness, 1,380 acres of trails and campgrounds that are part of the Fire Island National Seashore.

A nationally recognized team of lifeguards makes Smith Point its home base, providing ocean visitors with an extra-special safety feature. The park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m Saturday-Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m Thursday-Friday. Lifeguards are on duty at the beach daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through September 2. Parking is $8 for Suffolk residents with a Green Key card; for non-residents or those without a Green Key card, parking is $15.


Westhampton-Hampton Bays

Beaches in this stretch are part of the Westhampton Island, a barrier island like Fire Island to the West. In this case, Dune Road runs the length of it, from the quiet of West Hampton Dunes, the party-heavy Westhampton Beach and ending at Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays at the gateway to the Hamptons.

Quogue Village Beach – One of the quietest beaches on Dune Road west of the Shinnecock Canal, Quogue Village beach is low-key, with a playground and a concession stand to go with the perfect sand. After getting hit hard during Superstorm Sandy, the village re-covered sand bags which had been exposed and restored the damaged main building.

Cupsogue Beach – This Suffolk County park is a local paradise, with long sandy beaches, a cabana, hiking trails, four-wheel access, free Wi-Fi and the chance to spot local seals sunning on sandbars. The outer beach area sustained major damage from flooding and washovers during Superstorm Sandy. At this time, there is no vehicle access to the inlet.

Lashley Beach – Managed by the Village of Westhampton, Lashley offers a local hideaway and surfing spot that is far less rowdy than the shores at the Dune Deck Beach Resort nearby. No significant damage was sustained during last fall’s storm.

Ponquogue Beach – This beach, run by the Town of Southampton, is another local gem, stretching to the end of the barrier island. Beach, surf, concessions and showers are available – some of which had been battered during the storm, though all has been restored to full capacity – but the family atmosphere is what attracts most. It’s a gorgeous spot.

Tiana Beach – By day it’s lazy and family oriented, but with the nearby clubs Tiana can become a lot more spirited as the day rolls on. Damaged decking and walkways have been brought back up to par after suffering a beating last fall.

Meschutt Beach County Park – Being on the interior of the Shinnecock Bay brings still water to this county beach. Camping, boating and bathing are great here, and so is the seafood served at the Meschutt Beach Hut. Damage was done to the parking lot during Superstorm Sandy, and to the concrete patio at the concession stand. Repairs were made in time to open it up for Memorial Day Weekend.


Southampton

Southampton’s beaches are pristine, with heavyweights Cooper’s and Main Beach often scoring top ranks in national polls. Permits and fees can depend on which municipality is running the beach and a few offer daily passes, often only on weekdays. Either way, the scenery is like no other, with perfect dunes and picturesque estates stretching for miles.

Shinnecock East County Park – The only county beach in Southampton, Shinnecock East – which suffered no damage during Superstorm Sandy – is actually the westernmost beach on The Hamptons coast. A major fishing spot, Shinnecock highlights its undeveloped scenery.


Southampton Town


Sagg Main Beach – This might be perfect Hamptons beach setting, with few features to get in the way of the scenery. Perhaps that’s why droves of seasonal visitors tend to choose this beach. Every other Monday evening during the summer, Sagg Main Beach is the site of a large drum circle, with other spectacles like the occasional visit from fire dancers. Decking and walkways which had been damaged during last fall’s storm have been repaired.

Mecox Beach – This Bridgehampton beach offers endless sand, and limited amenities. Battered bathrooms following Superstorm Sandy were repaired, as was a ticket booth which had to be completely replaced. The setting’s luster has been restored.

Flying Point Beach – If you aren’t local, be sure to make arrangements to get to this Water Mill Beach since no daily passes are available. The parking lot had been filled with sand after Sandy hit, though it was cleared in time for this season. Incredibly scenic, with the dramatic Channel Pond behind the beach and the Water Mill beach Club nearby.

Long Beach Park (Foster Memorial Town Beach) – Located in the hamlet of Noyac, Long Beach Park brings the expected calm of a bay beach, with still waters that are great for boating and fishing. On a narrow strip of land popular with sunbathers, it is a safe and scenic route for cyclists.


Southampton Village


Coopers Beach – Selected by "Dr. Beach" in 2010 as America’s best beach and, more recently, by National Geographic Traveler as the No. 2 family beach, Coopers is definitely a local champion. The only village beach with lifeguards, Cooper’s also gives visitors the option to rent chairs and umbrellas and has a complete concession stand to keep visitors well-fed and hydrated. Grassy dunes, soft sand, and stately mansions dot the horizon at Coopers. And if the parking fee is too steep, the bike ride from Southampton Village isn’t so bad. The newly launched SpotRide will take you there for free. Shingle and siding damage totaled $5,000 after Superstorm Sandy hit, and while much of the sand that was lost has been given back this spring, some replenishment remains to be done.

The rest of Southampton Village beaches each offer their own slice of the coast, and in many cases give locals and returning seasonal guests serene getaways from the often crowded “scenes” at some of the more notable beaches in Southampton. Summer-long permits are required at Fowler Beach, Cryder Beach, Road G Beach, Halsey Neck Beach, Wyandanch Beach, Gin Beach, Little Plains Beach and Old Town Beach while no permit is required at Road D Beach.


Sag Harbor Village


Havens Beach – For fans of North Fork Beaches, Sag Harbor’s Havens Beach is your typical scenic Peconic Bay treasure, with views of sailboats on the smooth bay waters and Shelter Island’s coast in the distance.


East Hampton - Montauk

The riches of Hamptons beaches continues into East Hampton, where the sands, waves and the mansions tend to swell as you move East. But cross into Montauk and the surf clubs and swank scenes start to change until you at last hit Camp Hero with its miles of wilderness, bluffs and the Montauk Lighthouse at The End. For East Hampton and Montauk beaches, fees and accessibility depend on who runs them, but services such as Hamptons Free Ride can help visitors without permits get on the beaches.

Camp Hero State Park – The end of Long Island, Camp Hero is a wilderness like no other, with interior trails frequented by hikers, bikers and horseback riders, a museum, the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse and steep, dramatic bluffs that fall into the rough Atlantic Ocean. State park fees apply on the weekends, but the park is open for free during the week. A very popular spot for surf casting, too.


East Hampton Village


Main Beach – Easily the most visited beach in East Hampton, Main Beach offers a full pavilion with food and drinks, piping plover nests and grassy dunes along a stretch of beach that yearly attracts droves for its perfect vantage point to watch the Labor Day fireworks. It can definitely get crowded, though. Damage was sustained to decks and the parking lot last fall, as well as the pavilion; however all restoration work was completed before the season.

Georgica Beach – Normally a peaceful beach for visitors who want less hub-bub, devastating erosion from Hurricane Irene has left this beach closed while officials work to replenish the sand and fix the damage. UPDATE: About $90,000 worth of restoration work was completed to the road-end that offers public access to this quiet beach, in time to open it up before Memorial Day.

Wiborg Beach – Located right near the Maidstone Club, the tucked-away and very scenic Wiborg has long been a favorite of surfers. However, there are no bathrooms or lifeguards here, though approvals for lifeguards are in the works.

Egypt Beach – On the other side of the Maidstone Club, Egypt is a bit more rugged than its neighbor Wiborg, but locals know it as one of the best places to catch the sunset. No lifeguards, though.

Two Mile Hollow Beach – A large parking lot with a daily rate makes this beautiful beach another often visited attraction. Not much by way of amenities, but very relaxing.


East Hampton Town


Indian Wells Beach – While the sand and surf are big draws, as well as the family-friendly atmosphere and volleyball courts, the row of food trucks that park here give this beach a unique draw. Surfers love it, too. Resident parking only will be permitted this year, though the beach is open to anyone who wants to walk in.

Ditch Plains – Another beach loved by locals and visitors alike, Ditch Plains is a huge favorite of surfers. Only two miles from the heart of Montauk, the beach also has beautiful cliffs that stand out in a region where sand dunes are more common to find on the beach. Although this beach is rebuilding slowly after being hit hard by Superstorm Sandy, more than 10,000 cubic yards of sand is expected to be added by July 4.

Like Ditch Plains and Indian Wells, lifeguards can also be found at ocean beaches such as Atlantic Beach in Amagansett, Kirk Park Beach in Montauk and Edison Beach in Montauk while unprotected and still incredibly scenic beaches include Little Albert’s Landing in Amagansett, Lazy Point in Amagansett, South Lake in Montauk, Beach Lane in Wainscott and Townline Road Beach in Wainscott. Kirk Park offers a daily rate on weekdays.

The town also has a few bay beaches that offer calmer waters for young swimmers and spectacular boating and fishing. Those are Albert’s Landing in Amagansett, Gin Beach in Montauk and Maidstone Park in Springs.


NORTH SHORE


Nassau County


Centre Island Beach Village Park – This Bayville beach is run by the town of Oyster Bay. It is open to residents and non-residents, and offers swimming in Oyster Bay Harbor and Long Island Sound, and a picnic area on the bay side. Nearby is Stehli Beach, a Bayville/Lattingtown beach, which is open to Town of Oyster Bay residents only, and offers swimming in Long Island Sound. Daily admission for residents without a sticker is $15.

Manorhaven Beach Park – This Port Washington spot offers a sandy beach, complete with playground. It also features a newly renovated 25,000-square-foot main pool area for residents and their guests, with admission rates varying and special reductions for volunteer firefighters, veterans and more. Manorhaven Park also provides full outdoor recreation activities, such as basketball, tennis, handball, horseshoe pits, racquetball and bocci courts and a skateboard park. Picnic areas, boat ramp and playground are available. Residents can purchase a seasonal parking pass for $40, which is also accepted at North Hempstead Beach Park; day parking is $15 for residents, $20 for nonresidents.

North Hempstead Beach Park – At this 60-acre park, you'll find a sandy beach and a promenade for residents who want to walk along the waterfront. There's also a fishing pier, boat ramp, bathhouse and concession area, along with basketball, handball and paddleball courts. This spot is also popular with beach volleyball players and for its Sunday summer concerts. Season parking rate for residents is $40, which is also accepted at Manorhaven Beach Park.

Sands Point Park and Preserve – This might be the only Long Island beach that has the distinction of having a castle in its proximity (unless you count some of those Hamptons mansions). Once the home of the Guggenheim family, Sands Point was taken over by Nassau County and these days offers educational programs, a museum and acres of hiking trails through woods, along a pond and a nearly one-mile stretch of shoreline, complete with bluffs and rocky sands. Fees are $10 per car, $2 for walk-ons, and free for members of the Friends of Sands Point Preserve.

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach – A Syosset staple run by the town of Oyster Bay, Theodore Roosevelt offers great North Shore bathing as well as walking trails, picnic areas, and a wide array of sports fields and courts for outdoor gaming in the summer. Daily rate is $15 a day if you don't have a town sticker.

Harry Tappen Beach – A summer respite in Glen Head, Harry Tappen Beach offers swimming in Hempstead Harbor; a picnic area; racks for sunfish, sailfish and kayaks; a boat-launching ramp; a 272-slip marina, playground, swimming pool and halfcourt basketball. Run by the Town of Oyster Bay, the beach’s daily rate is $15 for those without a town sticker.


Western Suffolk County


Sunken Meadow State Park – The jewel of the North Shore, Sunken Meadow has just about every dramatic natural feature you want in a Long Island Sound park. Three miles of beach, amazing tidal flats, salt marshes and huge glacial bluffs overlooking the waters are just a few features that draw thousands each year. Hikers and bikers have six miles of trails to navigate, while less adventurous folk would be happy just to stroll the boardwalk. As for boaters, the park offers launches for canoes, kayaks and fishing boats.

Hurricane Sandy wiped out a man-made dam near Field 3 of Sunken Meadow in October that won’t be rebuilt, so cross country runners and hikers will have to detour to a nearby footbridge. The storm also changed the water current pattern off the bluffs, causing Town of Smithtown to restrict the launching of personal canoes.

Dogs are also permitted in the park provided they are kept on no more than a 6-foot leash in the undeveloped areas.

Parking fees are $10 daily from May 25 - Sept. 21, while a round of golf will cost $15 - 18 for 18 holes, $10 - $15 for 9 holes.


Huntington

Town of Huntington beaches are among the nicest on the North Shore when it comes to making a quick getaway. Seasonal beach parking permits are available to residents only, and go on sale at Centerport, Crab Meadow, and West Neck beaches starting May 25, 2013 and cost $35. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in season.

Fleet’s Cove Beach – At Fleet’s Cove Beach, there’s a playground area that gets some afternoon shade, a tire swing and regular swing sets. Beach goers also often can watch members of the Sagamore Rowing Association or the Long Island Rowing Club practice beyond the roped-off swim area.

Crescent Beach – During high tide, just a narrow strip of beach peeks out of the water at Crescent Beach, which you reach down a steep hill off Cove Road. There’s a playground area there, too.

Gold Star Battalion Beach – Gold Star Battalion Beach on West Shore Road is adjacent to the Coindre Hall boathouse and overlooks the harbor. It has a large building with restrooms and a first aid station and break room for the lifeguards. Several picnic tables sit on its wide deck, and ramps lead from it to the sandy beach. There’s also a playground area with a bit of shade.

West Neck Beach – West Neck Beach is a classic rocky North Shore beach on West Neck Road in Lloyd Harbor. It sits in a prime swimming area, sandwiched between the Bath Club and the Lloyd Harbor Village Park beach.

Crab Meadow Beach – Crab Meadow Beach is one of three town beaches in the Northport area, along with Asharoken and Hobart. It has a parking lot close to the sand, which allows for easy access. The beach itself is very wide and has several small tidal pools at low tide. It looks out on Long Island Sound and has a large playground. Food is available at a concession stand as well as La Casa Cafe, a sitdown restaurant. Grills are also available near several large pavilions. The building has restrooms, a lifeguard station and an outdoor shower.

Hobart Beach – Also known as Sand City, Hobart is one of three Town of Huntington beaches in the Northport area. The others are Asharoken and Crab Meadow, where the main beach office is located. The boat ramp is single-lane, hard surface, steep and slippery. Commercial fisherman are permitted to unload here. Hobart Beach has beach access on both the Northport Bay and the Long Island Sound. There are no food concessions at town beaches, but ice cream trucks come by frequently. This beach is also home to the Sarah H. Ruppert Water Bird Park Preserve at the very end of the beach where there is no trespassing. At low tide, a rock jetty appears at the far south end of the beach.

Asharoken Beach – This Town of Huntington beach is directly next to a Village of Northport beach, also located on Asharoken Avenue. It looks out on Northport Bay and also has a view of the houses on the Village of Asharoken's strip. 

The building has restrooms, a lifeguard station and an outdoor shower. Trucks selling ice cream and drinks drive in to the parking lot periodically. The boat ramp is a single-lane, hard-surface ramp for small boats only.

Steers Beach – One of two Northport Village-owned beaches, Steers is situated on a sharp turn on Eaton's Neck Road leading out to Asharoken and Eaton's Neck. It looks out on Northport Bay. The property abuts the Town of Huntington's Asharoken Beach. Annual beach stickers can be purchased at the beach and are only available to residents of Northport Village. No concessions are available at Steers Beach, but ice cream trucks frequently visit the parking lot. Charcoal grills and picnic tables are available. The beach pavilion can be used for private events. Sign up by calling the Village Hall. There is a first aid station in the pavillion. Other amenities include outdoor showers and kayak racks. There are lifeguards. Dogs are not allowed.


Smithtown



The Town of Smithtown’s three main beaches each offer something unique.

Long Beach – Long Beach features a long rocky stretch of beach and dramatic bluffs, with a playground and a nature preserve. This North Shore beach for Town of Smithtown residents only has a boat ramp and marina, making for sailing and motorboat opportunities. A boat permit is $45 from the town clerk. Smaller personal watercraft need a car top permit, which costs $7. 

There is a designated fishing areas if you want to cast your line, or play in the waves with windsurf lessons. For younger children, there is a playground and food concession stands. 

Lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

Short Beach – The smaller companion of Long Beach, Short Beach is located in Nissequogue for Town of Smithtown residents. It offers bathing houses with showers and restrooms for beachgoers, a playground and concessions stands. 
It has a pavillion and picnic area that town residents older than 21 years old can reserve for large events. Picnic fees range from $37 - $300 for groups (depending on size) and can be obtained from the town clerk. 

Camping is permitted on weekends only at Short Beach. Permits cost $20 per night, allowing a maximum of 10 people. Permits can be applied for at the Smithtown Parks Department.

Callahans Beach – Callahans Beach offers the calm waters and rocky coast associated with Long Island Sound beaches, but sits behind dramatic bluffs that tower over the water.

Callahans has a picnic area with tables, fireplaces and restrooms for visitors to enjoy. Picnic fees range from $37 - $300 for groups (depending on size) and can be obtained from the town clerk. Non-residents must pay a $10 parking fee per car. 

Camping is permitted on weekends only at Callahans Beach. Permits cost $20 per night, allowing a maximum of 10 people. Non-residents must pay $10 a night for overnight parking. Permits can be applied for at the Smithtown Parks Department.

Schubert’s Beach – This small rocky stretch of beach in Nissequogue is for Town of Smithtown residents only. It offers a boat ramp for the launching. A boat permit cost $45 from the town clerk. Smaller personal watercraft need a car top permit to reach the water, which costs $7.

The park has a picnic and pavillion area with restrooms that town residents older than 21 can reserve for large events. Picnic fees range from $37 - $300 for groups (depending on size) and can be obtained from the town clerk. There is also a concession stand, playground and tables.

Stony Brook Beach – This smaller North Brookhaven beach front offers a quiet respite off Shore Road and Sand Street. It has bathroom facilities and offers both a boat launch ramp, marina and a fishing pier.

The boating ramp is a wide concrete ramp, allowing easy access for large trailers with larger boats and vessels. A boat ramp permit from the Town of Brookhaven costs $75 for a resident season permit, $50 for senior citizens or handicapped season permit, and $350 for a non-resident season permit. For daily use, its $10 for residents and $30 for non-residents.

West Meadow Beach – A local treasure for North Brookhaven locals, West Meadow has undergone a transformation in the years since the cottages that used to line it were knocked down. The natural beauty, however, hasn’t changed. Locals come for long walking trails, kayaking in the salt marshes behind the beach, the endless sand flats at low tide and the best sunsets on the Sound given the beach’s western facing.

Town of Brookhaven residents must buy a seasonal beach pass for $10, $7 for seniors/handicap/veterans, but non-locals will have to pay the $20 daily parking fee. Lifeguards are on duty only on weekends.

Cedar Beach – This Port Jefferson/Mount Sinai beach is a haven for locals of these North Shore communities offering sailor’s a quick entry into the rolling waters of the Long Island Sound. The rocky beach also provides a great place to pitch an umbrella and look off into the horizon. Town of Brookhaven residents must buy a seasonal beach pass for $10, $7 for seniors/handicap/veterans, but non-locals will have to pay the $20 daily parking fee.

Cedar Beach has a launching ramp for boats and personal watercraft as well as a fishing pier. A boat ramp permit from the Town of Brookhaven is required and costs $75 for a resident season permit, $50 for senior citizens or handicapped season permit, and $350 for a non-resident season permit. For daily boat ramp use, its $10 for residents and $30 for non-residents.

Shoreham Beach – This quiet gem is a retreat for North Brookhaven residents. It is open July 3 - July 7, then is open on weekends only through Sept. 2. Town of Brookhaven residents must buy a seasonal beach pass for $10, $7 for seniors/handicap/veterans, but non-locals will have to pay the $20 daily parking fee.

Wildwood State Park – Like other large North Shore parks, Wading River’s Wildwood park features rocky beaches, nature trails, dramatic bluffs and scenic spots for a picnic overlooking the Sound. But where Wildwood sets itself apart is in the camping options on the property. Reservations are required, but once booked visitors can spend a few days enjoying the 600 acres and enjoying weekly activities such as an outdoor movie and square dancing. Superstorm Sandy took down plenty of trees in this park, though minimal damage was done to the beach.

Camping on unimproved sites costs $15 nightly, $19 per night weekends; improved site costs $18 a night, $22 a night on weekends. Trailer sites cost $27 a night, $31 on weekends.


North Fork

North Fork beaches generally are of two kinds. On one hand you have the rocky shore and bluffs that line its border with the Long Island Sound while the south shores are those of the Peconic and Gardiner’s Bays, which is home to great boating and fishing. While not entirely unscathed during Superstorm Sandy last fall, North Fork beaches generally suffered a minimal amount of damage as the storm did far more damage on the South shore.

Orient Point County Park – This Suffolk County park marks the end of the North Fork at Orient Point. Nature trails in woods and along the Long Island Sound and the Peconic Bay give visitors the best of both shores. At the same time, the view of the Orient Point Lighthouse from the tip is as close as you can get without taking a boat.

Orient Beach State Park – Meanwhile, Orient Beach State Park is a preserved slice of sandy beach and cedar forest on Gardiner’s Bay. It’s a kayaker’s heaven, though the playground and concession stands make it a great place for a family day on the beach. While the causeway heading to the end was washed over during Superstorm Sandy last fall, it has been fixed up for the 2013 season.

Truman's Beach – Maintained by the Orient-East Marion Park district, this stretch of shore along the Sound is flanked by a huge tidal wetlands.

New Suffolk Beach – One of the more popular beaches on the Peconic Bay, New Suffolk is also one of the few with lifeguards. Like many North Fork beaches, it’s a big draw for boaters and fishermen.

Breakwater Beach and Park – A large Long Island Sound beach in Mattituck, Breakwater is perhaps known best for its beach volleyball and several protected piping plover nests.

Southold Town Beach – What’s great about this beach is you can just pull up and take in the amazing Long Island Sound view without leaving your car because the lot is so close to the water, which also makes it a frequent victim of erosion. But if you do choose to visit longer, the quiet beach and distant bluffs won’t disappoint.

Goldsmith Inlet Park – Rock jetties and sunsets, that’s why people come to Goldsmith in Peconic. The scenic wetlands around Goldsmith Pond also make a great backdrop for birdwatchers and photographers. But if you see one sunset on Long Island, make it here.


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