JULY 2018 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 89
THE A LIST: LI’s hidden gem beaches —Compiled by Mia DiMeo
NAME LOCATION PRICE NOTES
1 Atlantic Beach 1393 Beech St.,
Atlantic Beach
Beach ID pass for residents
only: $10
A quieter, sleepier beach, Atlantic hosts many beach clubs which contribute to its
exclusive feel. Members are allowed up to six guests per day, so if you’re a resident, pack
up the car and carpool to get the best deal.
2 Bay Park 1 1st Ave., East
Rockaway
Parking for Leisure Pass
Holders: $10, Non-leisure
pass holders: $32
Perfect for families, this beach and park along the water features a large jungle gym,
pool, sprinklers, and gazebo. A picnic area is also available for a family cookout.
3 Cedar Beach
244 Harbor
Beach Rd., Mt
Sinai
Daily Entrance Fees
for vehicles without
Recreation Permit: $30
on weekends, $20 on
weekdays
Featuring live music and bands daily, Cedar Beach is lively, clean and not as crowded
as neighboring beaches. The snack bar serves frozen mixed drinks as well as hot food.
There’s even a campground, playground, and plenty of volleyball courts.
4 Cupsogue
Beach County
Park
906 Dune Rd,
Westhampton
Beach
Resident Parking with
Suffolk Green Key: $9,
Non-resident: $18
The soft sand here is home to many unique seashells and even sea glass. Enjoy a Margarita
or two at one of the many beach bars that serve drinks and food, including the catch of the
day.
5 Gilgo State
Park
Ocean Pkwy,
Babylon
Resident season pass: $45,
Non-residents: $20 on
weekdays, $30 weekends
This quaint beach is a short walk from the parking lot. Surfing classes are available here
by places like the Bunger Surf Shop, and the beach environment provides for a relaxed,
no-pressure lesson.
6 Hither Hills
Beach
164 Old
Montauk Hwy,
Montauk
Public Parking: $10, $35
for campers, or free with
Empire Pass Card ($80)
Described by locals as “charming” and “simple,” Hither Hills is quiet and low-key with
white sands and clear water. Its neighboring state park is a popular site for campers with
access to barbeques and picnic tables.
7 Lido Beach
235 Lido Blvd.,
Lido Beach
Resident parking: $10 per
car, Non-resident: $25 per
car, “walk-in” fees apply
Open to the public, Lido is busier than its Atlantic counterpart, but features food on the
bay like Fisherman’s Catch which is ideal for watching the sunset. Down Lido Blvd is
Marvel’s, the popular old-fashioned window style ice cream shop.
8 Meschutt
Beach
90 Dunes Rd,
Hampton Bays
Resident Parking with
Suffolk Green Key: $9, Nonresident:
$18
Featuring a seaside pub, Rumba, with burgers and drinks, Meschutt does not disappoint
locals who swear by its relaxed vibe and occasional live music. Sunsets here are not to be
missed!
9 Montauk Point 2000 Montauk
Hwy, Montauk
Parking: $8, or free with
Empire Pass Card ($80)
In this unique spot, visitors have a stunning view of converging tides from the Atlantic and Block
Island Sound. Striped bass swim in the area which make it a great spot for surfing or fishing.
10 Nickerson
Beach & Park
880 Lido Blvd.,
Lido Beach
Parking for Leisure Pass
Holders: $13, Non-leisure
pass holders: $35
Ideal for families, Nickerson features a Fun Zone with a skate park and basketball courts in
its “cabana area,” as well as two swimming pools at both ends of the park.
11 Pacific Blvd
Beach
Pacific Blvd.,
Long Beach
Resident Daily Pass: $12
per person, Non-resident:
$15 person
This spot is one of the lesser known beaches in Long Beach, yet attracts families with its
quaint amenities like snack bars and a volleyball court on the sand. Children under 12 are
admitted for free, so take advantage of the jungle gym and playground.
12 Philip B.
Healey Beach
30 Florence Ave.,
Massapequa
Resident Parking: $20,
Non-resident: $50
A quiet beach tucked in a residential area, this hidden gem is used mainly by locals. No
concessions, so bring your own lunch, but enjoy the playground, swings, sprinklers, and of
course, peaceful views.
13 Point Lookout
Beach
1300 Lido
Blvd., Lido
Beach
Resident parking: $10 per
car, Non-resident: $25 per
car, “walk-in” fees apply
Nestled on the east end of Long Beach, this hidden gem is perfect for those trying to beat the
crowds at Long Beach or Lido. Not many shops around, so pack your own lunch or get a snack
from the ice cream truck that parks nearby.
14 Robert Moses
State Park
Robert Moses
Causeway,
Babylon
$10 to park from 7 a.m. to 6
p.m. weekends, 8 a.m. to 4
p.m. weekdays, or free with
Empire Pass Card ($80)
Buy a beach getaway pass through the LIRR to avoid parking fees (around $20 round trip
depending where you leave from and includes bus tickets to the beach). Notably clean and
quiet, Robert Moses has umbrellas and chairs to rent and chill out for a lazy beach day.
15 Shinnecock
East Park
300 Dune Rd,
Southampton
Resident Parking with
Suffolk Green Key: $9,
Non-resident: $25
This park is the ideal fishing location, with the waters bursting with Blues, Stripes, and
Taug bass. Lots of sand to walk along and enjoy the Hamptons sunshine. Nearby is Oaklands
Restaurant and Marina which is known for its oysters, clam chowder, and more. Diners can
eat while overlooking the ocean.
16 Smith Point
Beach
William Floyd
Parkway,
Shirley
Resident Parking with
Suffolk Green Key: $9,
Non-resident: $18
Live music and snacks make this beach a popular hangout spot among locals. The Beach Bar
Hut features bands and fresh seafood all summer long, and has been noted to have great fried
calamari.
17
Sunken
Meadow State
Park
State Highway
25A, Kings
Park
$10 per car from 7 a.m. to
6 p.m. weekends, 8 a.m. - 4
p.m. weekdays, or free with
Empire Pass Card ($80)
Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. enjoy country music at their weekly “Burgers, BBQ, and Blue
Moons” night at the main beach, or have a relaxing “Sunday by the Sound” every Sunday 3 to
8 p.m. with a DJ and family friendly entertainment.
18 Tanner Park 400 Baylawn
Ave, Copiague
Resident parking: $15 per
car, Non-resident: $25 per car
Complete with splash pad, sprinklers, skatepark, and snack bar, Tanner Park has all the amenities
for the perfect beach day. There’s even a fishing pier for those who want to catch their own lunch.
19 Webby’s Beach
19 Laura Lee
Dr, Center
Moriches
Free! A hidden gem that’s free to visit! Younger kids will enjoy the playground in the sand but all
will appreciate the beautiful sand and optimal sunset-viewing location.
20 Zach’s Bay
Ocean Pkwy
Coastal
Greenway,
Massapequa
$10 per car
Adjacent to the popular Jones Beach, Zach’s Bay is known for its shallow water and lack of
waves, making it popular for parents with small children. The calm environment and serene
atmosphere is ideal for those trying to escape the Jones Beach crowd.
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