66 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • MAY 2019
PRESS BUZZ: DESTINATIONS
BAYVILLE: AN OCEANFRONT
Charles E. Ransom Beach along Bayville Avenue in Bayville offers scenic views of Long Island Sound with glimpses of Connecticut in the far
distance. (Photo by Jennifer A. Uihlein)
By BRENDAN MANLEY
The Village of Bayville, celebrating
its centennial this year, has long
been reputed to be one of the rare
relatively affordable residential options
in the greater Town of Oyster
Bay area, which features the homes
of some of Long Island’s most famous
and wealthiest denizens.
Visitors and locals alike adore this
small North Shore village’s sweeping
waterfront location and small-town
charm, while also feeling like one
could bump into the likes of Billy Joel
or Jim Dolan at any given moment.
Also commonly known as Pine Island,
Bayville is bordered by the affluent
villages of Centre Island to the east,
Lattingtown to the west and Mill
Neck to the south, but visitors don’t
need millions in the bank account to
enjoy everything this tranquil village
has to offer. Originally a summer
colony, over the last century it has
grown into one of the North Shore’s
most beloved year-round communities,
yet it still remains a somewhat
hidden gem awaiting the uninitiated.
“Bayville is one of the true hidden
gems on our historic North Shore,"
said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor
Joseph Saladino. "Celebrating its
centennial anniversary since incorporation,
Bayville is rich in history
and offers residents and visitors alike
an escape with its beautiful tree-lined
streets, suburban neighborhoods,
booming downtown, and exquisite
scenic views."
In fact, Bayville is such a relaxing
place, visitors may not want to do
much at all here, aside from sipping
a cocktail, watching the waves, and
taking in a stunning sunset. But for
those who do find the motivation to
leave their beach chair behind, some
key recommendations include:
WATERFRONT WONDERS
Spending time in Bayville is all about
making the most of its prime waterfront
location. As far as aquatic scenery
goes, visitors will be hard-pressed
to find a more picturesque spot than
Charles E. Ransom Beach (Bayville
Ave., 516-624-6160), featuring a
pristine 800-foot run of Long Island
Sound beachfront that is open to both
Town of Oyster Bay residents as well
as nonresidents (there is a $10 parking
fee for all). Swimming and dogs are
not permitted, however beachgoers
won’t mind once they experience the
breathtaking views afforded here. On
a clear day, it’s possible to see across
the Sound to Connecticut. This beach
is also prized as one of the best spots
on LI for watching sunsets. Fishing is
permitted and live concerts are held
there in the summer.
Those who have their heart set on
swimming can head over instead to
Centre Island Beach (Bayville Ave./
Centre Island Rd., 516-624-6123),
which is also open to both town
residents and nonresidents. Visitors
love the peace and quiet there, as well
as the gorgeous view, and there is a
refreshment stand in the event your
growling stomach disturbs the saltwater
serenity. The 650-foot beach
is a bit pebbly, as is common on the
North Shore, so it is best to bring water
shoes or Crocs to make it equally
pleasant for the feet.
Another popular Bayville scenic spot
is The Crescent Beach Club (333 Bayville
Ave., 516-628-3000, thecrescentbeachclub.
com), which is famed as a
wedding and private events venue,
but also offers everyday patrons a
memorable experience at its seasonal
restaurant Ocean (333 Bayville Ave.,
516-628-3330, cometotheocean.com).
It’s a premier choice for dining al
fresco, and the club’s palm trees and
beach bar will make patrons feel like
they’re kicking back somewhere in
the tropics.
In addition to all that magical Bayville
scenery, the area also boasts a bounty
of diverse wildlife, which can be
experienced firsthand at the Oyster
Bay National Wildlife Refuge (631-
286-0485, fws.gov), featuring 3,209
acres of subtidal habitats, salt marsh,
and a freshwater pond. Fishing is permitted
on refuge waters (a saltwater
Just north of the Bayville Bridge where Ludlam Avenue and Bayville
Road intersect lies a beautifully landscaped plaza gateway into the
Incorporated Village of Bayville. (Photo by Jennifer A. Uihlein)
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