This map may be the most highly coveted of them all. We’re talking beaches, rounding up our top picks across the North Fork in the most curated way possible. Sure, you’ll have to be a resident to visit some, but many offer day passes and others are open to the public. Now, go forth and don’t forget your towel.
- Camping
Wildwood State Park, 790 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River
Enjoy two miles of Long Island Sound beach at this state park and make it a getaway by camping out either at a campsite or in one of the park’s new cottages.
2. Hunting for beach glass
Edwards Ave., Baiting Hollow
Don’t kill the messenger, but we heard this dead-end spot is THE PLACE for hunting for beach glass.
3. Multitasking
Hallock State Park Preserve, 6062 Sound Ave., Riverhead
If you wake up feeling like a hike, but also longing for the beach the Hallock State Park Preserve is your place to go. Hike the preserve or take a short walk down to the Long Island Sound to 1-mile of pristine beachfront.
4. The whole family
Veterans Memorial Park, 11020 Peconic Bay Blvd., Mattituck
Huge fenced-in playground? Check. Bathrooms? Check. Peconic Bay? Check. Lifeguards? Check. If you have kids, you’ll want to head here. Oh, and did we mention, Mister Softee is here on the daily?
5. Dune walking
Bailie’s Beach Park, 2205 Bailie Beach Road, Mattituck
Stroll the trail past the Scout lodge and you’ll find the most beautiful upland and dunes that overlook the beach and the Long Island Sound.
6. Leisurely swimming
New Suffolk Beach, Jackson Street, New Suffolk
New Suffolk is the ultimate beach lover’s tiny town. Here the Peconic Bay is calm and welcoming and the beach is sandy and serene.
7. Fishing
McCabe’s Beach, North Sea Drive, Southold
It’s rare that you’ll visit McCabe’s Beach and not see fishing poles casted in the water — it’s truly a great spot for it.
8. Watching the sunset
Southold Town Beach, 53005 Route 48, Southold
Expansive east to west views and that landmark rock make this beach our favorite for sunset on the North Fork. Join others celebrating the daily phenomenon of watching the sun dip below the horizon here.
9. Instagramable moments
67 Steps Beach, 66 Sound Road, Greenport
If a picture-perfect shot is “your thing,” this beach is a must. The view from the top is always one of our most-liked Instagram photos and will be yours, too.
10. Stargazing
Orient Beach State Park, 40000 Route 25, Orient
Head all the way east to the end of the fork to find the perfect location to look out at a super dark and starry sky.
