Asharoken Beach Park

Northport, NY

Parking Fee

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

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I discovered this by complete accident and through an inquisitive mind. When I had visited the Vanderbilt mansion the town over, I had asked the guide if the land across the water was Connecticut.  He told me it was actually Asharoken peninsula in the town of Northport.  He told me it was a street with water on both sides and it is worth seeing.  So I followed through and drove ten minutes to Asharoken Avenue.  It is a three mile stretch of waterfront homes on both sides of the street.  It is a very unique point on the North Shore of Long Island.  At the very beginning of the street, you will find two neighboring beaches, one for residents and one for anyone willing to pay $20 for parking.  The beach is a sand beach with calm and crystal clear waters, and a concession stand, and a short walk to the parking lot!   I went on a weekday and was able to find a lifeguard who let me access the private beach.  This is a wonderful place to go with the family and enjoy collection shells with the kids and actually swim in calm waters!  Tip:  have sandals for the rocks at the bottom of the ocean!

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Vanderbilt Mansion in neighboring Centerport!  And park on Main Street in the town of Northport and walk around the town!

For a list of other beaches, click here.

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Soundside Beach Park

Bayville, NY

No admission fee, free parking on street

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

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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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Ocean Beach Park (Long Beach)

 

Long Beach, NY

Admission Per Person Fee

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

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I found everything about this beach amazing!  The free parking spots.  The $15 per adult charge but free for children.  The numerous food vendors and restaurants you will find along the 2 mile boardwalk (lined with apartment buildings and the modern and sleek Allegria Hotel). 

Kill a few birds with one stone:  

There are a lot of restaurants and delis along West and East Park Avenue. Walk around the Allegria lobby and have a meal or drink in its restaurant with views of the beach.

For a list of other beaches, click here.

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Allegria Hotel rooftop

Allegria Hotel lobby

Tiana Beach

Westhampton Beach, NY

$25 Parking Fee

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

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Tiana Beach is all the way east on Dune Street.  I choose this beach over Rogers because Rogers is private for residents only.  But Rogers is far more convenient!  Anyway, the drive to Tiana is spectacular.  Here is where you can spot 50 million dollar homes and dream big! Tehre is a myth that you have to get here before noon to find a spot in the lot, but the people by the entrance assure that the 800 spot lot never fills up on weekends.  And I always see people strolling in hours after I arrive.  So if this is the truth, go a little later as your children might get naggy at a beach for that long.

There is a concession stand but you may want to bring some extra food regardless!  I love this beach because the coast line is nearly on the parking lot, so you don't have to schlep a long distance.   The water is also extremely clean and the beach is far more private than those you'll find closer to NYC! 

Kill a few birds with one stone:  The closest of all the Hamptons, I find Westhampton extremely charming and much more kid friendly than neighboring Southhampton.  Westhampton Bakery is my personal favorite.  It has a wide variety of foods on its menu, you can dine inside or outdoors on its adorable patio, and you will never have a custard croissant quite like theirs.  Tip:  beat the after-beach traffic so you can get your hands on one of these before they run out!  I love their Napoleon, pizzas, seared tuna dish, and most everything I try here.

Also, 4th of July (or another date depending on when they do the fireworks) is a wonderful time of year to come here.  The fireworks on the Great Lawn on Main Street are magical and start around 9:15pm.  Worth it to drag out your kids bed time!  Tip:  beat the after-beach traffic so you can get your hands on one of these before they run out!  I love their Napoleon, pizzas, seared tuna dish, and most everything I try here.

For a list of other beaches, click here.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below! Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

 

Alley Park

Bayside, NY

No admission fee, free parking on street

Optimum Seasons:  Fall

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The most scenic part of this park is Oakland Lake (the Northwest point).  If you get here an hour before sunset on a clear sunny day, you will be due for the most exquisite sunset!  The foliage is brighter, the colors reflecting off the pond are more vibrant, and the shots are perfect.  You can use your children as props in photos, go on a romantic date, or just go here alone, sit on a bench and read a book for some tranquility.  I go here without fail every year in early November for photo ops. My favorite of all things fall foliage!  Important Fact:  This is located on Cloverdale Blvd one block south of Northern Blvd.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Drive around the neighborhood of Bayside north of Northern Blvd.  Specifically Bayside Terrace...some streets are private, but that never really has stopped me!!  Also, stop by Martha's Bakery on Bell Blvd on your way there and the Bayside Shopping Center.  Also, depending on whether you go on a Sunday or not, you can find a rope course activity at neighboring Alley Pond Park. 

For a list of other great places to take fall foliage pics, click here.

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Caumsette State Historic Park Preserve

Huntington, NY

No admissions fee, free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

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This is a scenic peninsula located on the Long Island Sound. It is a 1,750 acre preserve that includes multiple hiking paths, horse stables, gardens, and a sand beach.  The land is relatively flat so the hike is not so difficult.  It will take you about two hours to park in the lot and then walk around the property (at snail's pace mind you).  I did this in the second week of November when foliage was at its peak, on a beautiful sunny day with blue skies.  I'd say anything under a 50 degree day is too frigid, as you are surrounded by water.  The big perk to this hike is that when you get to the end of the trail, you find yourself on a sand beach!  It was a truly beautiful and exhilarating experience.  You can go with a friend, a loved one, old children, or young children.  Have a good jogging stroller if you are bringing a toddler or baby. Lots of photo ops at every turn!

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Huntington is among the most charming towns on the north shore of Long Island.  There are many towns along the drive on Northern Blvd.  Also, if you are in the mood for another hike involving an uphill climb, try Cold Spring Harbor park.  I have not checked this off my bucket list yet but I have been told once you get to the top of the short mountain, you enjoy breathtaking views of the Sound.  Let me know how it goes!

For a list of other gardens and local places to hike, click here.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

Wave Hill

Riverdale, Bronx

Admission fee, parking lot

Free on Tuesdays from 9am to noon (double check before you go)

Free on Saturdays from 9am to noon (double check before you go)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer Fall

www.wavehill.org

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Located on the Hudson River, this is a beautiful 28-acre public garden that is perfect and scenic in any season.  I visited in the very beginning of Spring when some flowers were in bloom but no trees  yet.  I could have waited a couple of weeks to get to see some Magnolias or Cherry Blossoms, but I love tulips and the garden was full.  This is one of the most unique gardens I have visited in all of New York.  Once we parked in the parking lot, a shuttle drove us to the front entrance and once there, it was easy to navigate using a map.  We spent two hours at this magical place but could easily have stayed the entire day.  Make sure you check to see what time the mansion tours are open to as we missed the opportunity. But the house was exquisite and super charming!  The park is not open till late so you cannot catch the sunset.  I imagine the park being unbearably warm in the summer so I chose the Spring.  I would love to visit in the Fall and experience the foliage reflecting off the Hudson.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Take a 10 minute detour and explore the neighborhood around Wave Hill as well as the neighborhood of Fieldston, both in Riverdale.  It is one of NYC's wealthiest neighborhoods of the five boroughs, and truly unique.  Also, you can pick up lunch from the local Carlos and Gabbys and picnic away at the park.  Or drive down to the Upper West Side in Manhattan for dinner.

For a list of other gardens, click here.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!