Our family is all about the beach. And why not? Isn’t that one of the reasons we live on Long Island? It’s a quick getaway, fun and cheap (okay, it used to be cheap to park but it’s still worth it). Hitting the beach can feel like a mini vacation if it’s the right beach. Before the summer is up, I’d like to trade beach secrets.  Where do you go? Why do you go there? What makes “your” beach special. Sure Jones Beach is great but many small beaches can be better because each has its own character.
 

Here’s a few we do every year:

NICKERSON BEACH – It’s on Lido Boulevard on Nassau’s South Shore. Nice beach. Fairly quiet. Nice new playground for kids.

COREY BEACH – It’s in Bayport on Suffolk County’s South Shore. We like it because it’s tucked away and has what I think is the warmest water of any Long Island beach (can’t stand cold water!).  Good concession stand, playground and there’s an awesome burger shack about 300 feet away (with lots of creative drinks!). For non-residents, it’s pricey to park - why it pays to get an Empire Passport!

WEST MEADOW BEACH – You’ll find it in Stony Brook on the North Shore of Suffolk. I try to go there at least once a summer and here’s why. At low tide a sand bar is revealed off shore. Wade out (the water is waist high then) and you’ll feel like you’re in the Caribbean! I’ve even seen tropical fish there (I’m serious!). It’s also got a sprinkler park for kids. Plan to bring your own food as the concession stand is decent but lacks a lot of variety.

What’s your special beach on Long Island? Email me (Steve@KJOY.COM) and I’ll share here!