I recently hosted a Christian Singles Hub event at Cedar Beach in Babylon, and I couldn't have…read morepicked a better spot! We were scheduled from 4:30-6:30pm but ended up staying until just after dusk because it was that good. The back picnic tables made the perfect setup for deep conversations, games, and even s'mores by the grill. A few of us took a walk down to the water and got in plenty of steps--it was totally worth it for the views! I'd love to come back and check out The Salt Shack next time. On a quick walkthrough, I noticed how beautifully it was decorated, and the staff I met were so friendly. Even from the picnic area, we could hear and enjoy the live music, which was such a fun bonus. I was also surprised to see their full volleyball tournament setup--it turns out a friend of mine was even competing that same day! Cedar Beach really has something for everyone, and I can't wait to return.

This and Tobay are our favorites on Ocean Pkwy. It was such a nice day we decided to take a drive…read moreout early and go. I forgot how big Cedar Beach is. There is a long path that leads through the Salt Shack (always wanted to eat there but it was way too early to pop in for a meal) and out into the beach. The beach was quiet but the lifeguards were out. We let Bubs run around in the sand before leaving. I did see a bit of garbage on the beach...people please clean up after yourselves. But yes, we love the beaches on LI and we have our favs. This is one of them, but if you're not a resident of the town you will pay a ton to park and for a pass. I think they stop charging after a certain time. But if you want to go for a beach day, it's worth it if you pack the car and go!

Awesome local beach/ park right on the Great South Bay. There is a boat ramp as well as plenty of…read moreball fields and tennis courts. The beach hut also serves food and drinks in the summer months and often has a great live music scene every night.

A really nice family-friendly place. My son loves the splash park here. Fortunately it isn't ever…read moretoo crowded here which is great. There are plenty of lounge chairs and regular chairs to watch the kiddos splash and play - or you can join in the fun as well! An hour or so of playing here and my toddler is wiped out. Be mindful of your own children here - obviously surfaces can get slippery with the water so running is not a great idea. The lifeguards are teenagers usually looking at their phones or chatting with one another. Hours for the splash park at 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and last day of the season is Sept. 2nd. There are also fun lawn games when you first enter like giant connect four and corn hole. If the sand and beach is more your thing, Venetian has you covered. There is a small section roped off in the water designated for swimming. The food section is fast-food esque - think burgers, dogs, that sort of thing. Last time we got a soft pretzel which, at $6.50 was a bit outrageous. And it was underwhelming. We sat at one of the picnic tables - no food allowed in the splash park area. They do have concerts here at night which is fun, and a great (free) family summertime activity. In the off-season, the playground here is awesome. Great for the 3-8/9 year old range. It is also completely closed in via gate, which always makes me feel more comfortable.

My boyfriend and I came here later in the evening and we loved this beach to sit and enjoy the…read moresunset. We dipped our feet a bit in the water a bit, looking to come back for a full beach day.

10 dollars per hour parking in Wes Meadow Beach in the town of Crookhaven, if you park and leave…read moreyour car to get your parking pass that costs $10 an hour a meter maid will run up to your car and give you an $80 ticket. Beach is full of large rocks, no soft sand. I don't recommend this awful place, across the water you see three smoke stacks from a large industrial factory. Not safe to swim there.

Picnic on the beach with the fam to end summer. This is only the 3rd time I've been here and each…read moretime I'm like, why haven't I been here more. It's literally the perfect beach for kids with great food options, a killer playground area and a bar for the adults. Would I wade in this water? Absolutely not. But let Bubs and my nieces run around here and eat pizza and sandwiches was the perfect way to end the season.

Loved it here. This…read moreis a great beach with chairs, showers and plenty of space. There is a beach restaurant right on the beach too. This was such a great spot.

I love to go off roading at Gilgo. They recently reopened the outer beach. There are a lot of…read moresurfers here. The beach is always empty. You do need a permit to get on and they do usually check.

Limited access beach…read more Beaches - we all love them except for the crowds. I am not a huge fan of any crowd situation - ever. Because of this, I tend to limit my trips to the south shore beaches since they are almost always mobbed. There are exceptions however. Gilgo State Park is located on the south shore of Nassau county but there is no road nor parking lot- in fact you would miss it if you do not know where to look for the entrance. Even better is that you can walk in (not advisable) or drive in with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Even this is limited though as you need a state issued fishing permit to gain access. I have to admit I've never actually used the official name of this place, it is known as the sore thumb locally. What does this mean? Well- if you are lucky enough to have the wheels and the pass, you can drive out and park on the waters edge and enjoy the entire day with hardly another soul around. There are some catches - you are supposed to be "fishing" and you have to take everything out with you that you brought in. There are many off limit areas due to nesting birds and sometimes the flies can really make you miserable (if there is no breeze). To obtain the pass is not easy - you have to have an assortment of items available for inspection, but it is worth the hassle. The park is undeveloped- there are no restrooms or concessions nor first aid stations- so you have to be a boy scout and sew up that gash on your own. The area is well maintained and great pains are taken to ensure it remains in pristine condition; even with the 4-wheel vehicles, there is little in the way of damage done to the environment. So- you have a summer day fishing, you are on the beach and the double bonus is that you are almost always completely alone there - and yes, you can sun the nether parts there so long as you keep an eye open for the odd wandering soul... Bliss!

Well maintained. Clean…read more Plenty of concessions and parking. Perfect foe town of oyster bay residents.

Always a good day at Tobay Beach. The bayside has a sprinkler area for the kids and restaurants.read more

Such a fun beach for the doggies! It's a harbor so the water is calm and safe, though the sand is…read morefull of shells and rocks so make sure to sit your blanket on the outskirts near the woods where there's more sand. The one drawback is that the quality of the water is a little suspect since you're in a heavy shipping area. I had a cut on my leg and was a little nervous about going in but, ah, what are you gonna do. It's also right in the downtown area where it's easy to get dinner or lunch nearby.

Great dog beach! Lots of shells close to the shore, so be careful. But dogs can run leash free if…read morewell behaved. Wasn't crowded. Water was perfect and dogs running having a great time. Was able to get a parking spot close to the beach but it not their is public parking for a fee not far. Walked into village and farmers market after.

Peaceful environment. So nice to sit and glance at the Northport harbor . There is a magnificent…read morelittle playground for children. Also a covered area with picnic tables. There are beautiful memorial benches and trees for what I believe Northport residents who have passed away.