Bayville, NY
No admission fee, free parking on street
Optimum Seasons: Summer
One of the rare sand beaches on the North Shore of Long Island! And my favorite beach! The water of the Sound is much clearer and calmer than that of the Atlantic. It is as though you are swimming in a lake! The depth of the beach is very shallow, and there are lots of shells and rocks so swimming with sandals is a good idea! Children will love collecting shells by the shore and building their sand castles while adults can enjoy the cocktails offered by Walls Wharf restaurant on the beach (wonderful menu with a huge variety). Tip: go here on a weekday with minimal traffic and easy parking. Parking in the main parking lot is for residents only so your best bet is dropping off your family with their beach chairs and finding parking yourself if you go on the weekend. If you go on a weekday, be there by noon, park in the lot of Walls Wharf and dine there so they allow you to use the parking lot after you've finished eating. Advisory: Call in advance as weather changes can cause potential pollution and rain can potentially cause an increase in bacteria. The beach may be closed in this event.
Kill a few birds with one stone: Walk along the shore a quarter mile east and west to view some quaint and charming homes. North Shore's Malibu, if you will! Walk over a couple of properties to the left and you will find Crescent Beach Club, a restaurant as well as a catering hall, with palm trees planted on its beach. You're not allowed to walk on this property but just pass by along it's shore line. It's the closest you'll get to feeling like you are in the Caribbean in Northeast America. Also, if you are into nice homes, drive a half mile east on Bayville Avenue to Centre Island (Bill Joel lives here). It's about a mile long peninsula with houses on the water on both sides of the street. Very scenic drive!
For a list of other beaches, click here.
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