A Few of the Best South Shore Beaches on LI

When living somewhere surrounded by water like Long Island, it can be hard to pick which beach to spend the day at.

From the Island’s rocky North Shore beaches and their calm waters, to its sandy South Shore beaches and their Atlantic waves, there are endless options to choose from. Below is a list of just a select few South Shore beaches to choose from when you’re looking for sand and waves. 

1.Lido Beach: Lido Beach is perfect for everyone from children, to seniors, to entire families and everyone in between.

The beach provides more than just sun and sand with its picnic and barbeque area and live entertainment, as well as bocce and shuffleboard and basketball and volleyball courts. Although surfing is not permitted at Lido Beach, surfers can head to Lido West to get their fill of surfing. Those interested in bodyboarding can do so at designated areas along the beach. Fishing is permitted at specified times. 

The 2021 Season Beach Parking Pass for Lido Beach and its Lido West and Point Lookout counterparts will be available for purchase starting Monday, May 24, 2021 at the Point Lookout office. Passes go for $125 for residents, $75 for seniors (60+), handicapped, auxiliary police, volunteer firefighters, veterans and active military.

Currently, beaches are open to Hempstead Town and Nassau County residents only. Lifeguards will be on duty for the season beginning May 29, 2021 through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, visit the Town of Hempstead website.

2. Robert Moses State Park: Robert Moses State Park occupies the westernmost point of Fire Island, located on Robert Moses Causeway. Activities like swimming and bodyboarding are permitted at all four fields, and surfing and surf-fishing are permitted at select fields that vary day-to-day. Each of the four fields hold concession stands, beach shops, bathrooms and private outdoor shower stations. Fields 2, 3 and 4 hold picnic tables and grills. Field 5 connects the park to Fire Island’s town of Kismet, with a ¾ mile stroll along a boardwalk that leads directly to the Fire Island Lighthouse.

The park accepts the New York State Empire Pass as well as single day cash admissions.

3. Cupsogue Beach County Park: Cupsogue Beach, located at the end of Westhampton’s Dune Road, is a white sand barrier beach park that offers activities such as swimming under lifeguard supervision from Memorial Day through Labor Day and quality fishing. Also available for beachgoers is a snack bar, restrooms, first aid, and showers at Cupsogue’s pavilion. It has also been noted as a great spot for seal watching when the semiaquatic mammals start showing up on beaches in spring.

Recreational activities such as scuba diving and camping are permitted as well. A Recreational Vehicle Permit is required for outer beach access and camping. There is a parking fee, which comes at a reduced price with the Suffolk County Green Key card. Leashed dogs are permitted.

4. Smith Point County Park: Smith Point County Park is Suffolk County’s largest oceanfront park, and occupies the Fire Island barrier beach on its eastern end. It accommodates beach lovers, surfers, and other outdoor recreational activity lovers annually. Its Atlantic waves and classic South Shore soft sands make for the perfect beach day for Suffolk County residents and tourists alike. The park’s nationally recognized team of lifeguards protects swimmers seasonally.

The beach is also home to a variety of endangered shorebirds on both its ocean and bay beaches. Areas the birds inhabit are marked by fences, which beachgoers are expected to respect and keep away from.

Reservations are required for all of the park’s campground sites. All sites have water, and many have electric hookups and sewers. Outer beach camping is available on a first come, first served basis based on daily beach conditions. Off-road vehicles are allowed with a permit only, and may drive on the eastern portion of the outer beach. There is a parking fee, which comes at a reduced price with the Suffolk County Green Key card.

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