From the sandy shores of Peconic Bay to the sunset-kissed coastlines of the Sound, the North Fork has no shortage of enchanting beaches, each offering its own charm and amenities. And while many of these local gems are reserved for residents during the season, nonresidents need not worry — there are still several seaside destinations on the North Fork that are open to all.
But before you hit the beach, here’s what you need to know:
Town of Riverhead: The Town of Riverhead includes the hamlets of Aquebogue, Baiting Hollow, Calverton, Jamesport, Laurel, Manorville, Northville, Riverhead, South Jamesport and Wading River. Parking permits are required at all Riverhead Town beaches from Feb. 1 to Dec. 31. Parking passes are for residents only. They can be purchased at the Riverhead Parks & Recreation office in Town Hall, or ordered online for mail delivery at app.govoutreach.com/riverheadtownny/public/permits. A basic resident beach parking permit costs $25 for the 2024 season. For prices and more information about parking permit options, visit riverheadrecreation.net.
Town of Southold: Southold Town comprises the hamlets of Cutchogue, East Marion, Laurel, Mattituck, New Suffolk, Orient, Peconic and Southold, plus the Village of Greenport. A Southold Town beach permit is required for parking at town beaches. Resident passes are $20 and are valid for two years. They can be purchased at the town clerk’s office in Town Hall and by mail. Parking passes are for residents only, though qualified town residents are eligible to apply for a guest permit for a fee. The application must be filled out by the resident with a notarized affidavit affirming the person is their guest.
Town of Shelter Island: Between May 15 and Sept. 15, Shelter Island’s four town beaches require a parking permit. Residents receive one for free (you must present your vehicle registration to get yours); nonresidents may acquire seasonal ($250), monthly ($125), weekly ($70) or day permits ($25) either in person at Town Hall (38 North Ferry Road, 631-749-1166) or by emailing [email protected]. No dogs are allowed on town public beaches during the summer season.
Mattituck Park District: The beaches of the Mattituck Park District are private beaches reserved for the residents of Mattituck and Laurel hamlets. A district permit is required from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A resident beach permit costs $25 and gives access to all Mattituck Park District beaches and parking facilities for the entire calendar year. A nonresident daily guest pass can be purchased for $35 to gain entrance to Veterans Memorial Park. Nonresidents can also purchase a $200 season pass for access to all Mattituck Park District beaches and parking facilities. For more information or to purchase passes online, visit mattituckparks.com.
Cutchogue-New Suffolk Park District: The beaches of the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Park District are private beaches, reserved for residents of those hamlets. A district parking pass is required to park on site during the season and is available for residents only. No day passes are available to nonresidents.
Southold Park District: The beaches of the Southold Park District are reserved for property owners in the district. They can obtain an annual Southold Park District sticker by visiting the park attendant’s booth at Founders Landing or applying via mail. Non-property owners have the option to purchase a seasonal permit for $160 to gain access to the district’s parks and beaches, or can pay a daily rate to enter Emerson Park.
Orient-East Marion Park District: These beaches are exclusively available to Orient and East Marion residents.
New York State: The North Fork is home to three New York State Beaches: Orient Beach State Park, Wildwood State Park in Wading River and Hallock State Park Preserve in Riverhead. These beaches are open to both residents and nonresidents, with parking fees that vary with the time of year. Empire Passes can be used for vehicle entry into any of these parks. Additionally, under the Golden Park Program, NYS residents age 62 or older can enjoy free weekday vehicle access to most state parks (excluding holidays) by presenting their New York State driver’s license or non-driver identification card at the entrance.
Suffolk County: Riverhead’s Indian Island County Park is part of the Suffolk County Beaches system, which requires parking permits.
Beaches by Location
Wading River
Wading River Beach
Where: Creek Road, Wading River
Why visit: Located on the Sound, Wading River Beach is Riverhead Town’s westernmost beach, with amenities including public restrooms and a sandy playground.
Permit required: Parking by Riverhead Town permit only.
Wildwood State Park
Where: 790 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River
Why visit: This state park spans 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest, culminating at a high bluff that overlooks Long Island Sound, and is popular for fishing, grilling, swimming, hiking and biking. Camping enthusiasts can rent tenting sites, while those seeking a bit more comfort can opt to rent out one of the newly built cottages, located just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Permit required: The vehicle entrance fee is $10 daily from May 25 to Sept. 2, and $8 on weekends and holidays only from Sept. 7 to Oct, 14, 2024. Empire Pass cards and Golden Park Program are accepted. For more information on fees and activities, visit parks.ny.gov/parks/wildwood.
Baiting Hollow
Reeves Beach
Where: Off Park Road in Baiting Hollow
Why visit: With stunning views from its bluffs, this Sound-side beach features seasonal lifeguards and a gazebo for relaxation. One of its notable attractions is “The Wrecks”—the remnants of five ships from the 1930s that can be seen via a short hike west of the parking lot entrance.
Permit required: Parking by Riverhead Town permit only.
Riverhead
Indian Island County Park
Where: Indian Point Road, Riverhead
Why visit: Stretching across 275 acres, Indian Island County Park marks the spot where the North and South forks meet and the Peconic River opens into Flanders Bay. Its picturesque hiking trails and sandy beaches are worth visiting year-round. Visitors can utilize campsites, picnic tables, grills, restroom facilities with showers, and more.
Permit required: Resident beach parking is $9 per vehicle per day, $75 for a seasonal parking pass and $25 for a replacement pass. For nonresidents, the cost is $18 per day per vehicle. For more info about fees, visit suffolkcountyny.gov.
Jamesport
South Jamesport Beach
Where: South Jamesport Beach, Peconic Bay Boulevard
Why visit: Featuring tennis and pickleball courts, a playground and a basketball court, this spot is perfect for an action-packed day at the beach. Conveniently located near the East Creek boat launch, the beach ensures accessibility with amenities like a ramp and beach wheelchairs (available on request). Plus, enjoy additional amenities like a gazebo, picnic tables and a seasonal refreshment stand.
Permit required: Parking by Riverhead Town permit only.
Iron Pier Beach
Where: Pier Avenue and Bayberry Lane, Northville
Why visit: Year-round, this beach attracts visitors who come to watch the waves crash against its mighty iron pier. It’s a prime location to catch breathtaking sunsets over the Sound. It also offers several family-friendly amenities including picnic tables, a playground and seasonal public bathrooms, as well as a boating ramp.
Permit required: Parking by Riverhead Town permit only.
Hallock State Park Preserve
Where: 6062 Sound Ave., Riverhead
Why visit: The 225-acre public preserve features a series of trails, including a quarter-mile gravel path that leads to a Sound-side beach. This mile-long stretch of shoreline welcomes visitors year-round for activities like paddle boarding and kayaking. Its wooded paths are home to a variety of wildlife, including red-tailed hawks, yellow warblers, ospreys and red foxes.
Permit required: This state park charges $8 per day for parking during the season from May 28 to Oct. 14, then weekends until Oct. 31. From Nov. 1 to March 31, 2024, no fees are charged. Empire Pass cards and the Golden Park program are accepted.
Mattituck
Bailie Beach Park
Where: 1901 Bailie Beach Road, Mattituck
Why visit: Located on the eastern side of Mattituck Inlet, Bailie Beach Park has sandy dunes, tidal wetlands and serene sunset views. It’s also home to the Scout Lodge, a rental space maintained by the Mattituck Park District that can host up to 150 guests. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Permit required: Bailie Beach Park is maintained by the Mattituck Park District, though a Town of Southold permit is required to park along the roadend.
Breakwater Park
Where: 5155 Breakwater Road, Mattituck
Why visit: Located on the west side of Mattituck Inlet, this Soundfront beach’s rocky shores are a popular spot for anglers. Visitors will find restrooms, a playground, lifeguards during the summer months, a pavilion and four volleyball courts.
Permit required: Parking by Mattituck Park District permit only.
Veterans Memorial Park
Where: 11280 Peconic Bay Blvd., Mattituck
Why visit: With 400 feet of pristine shoreline, this bayfront beach is perfect for swimming and unwinding. It offers lifeguard services, barbecues, restrooms and an outdoor shower, with beach wheelchairs provided for visitors with disabilities. Other amenities include a community room and recreational facilities like a bocce court, shuffleboard and horseshoe pitch.
Permit required: Parking by Mattituck Park District permit only.
Cutchogue-New Suffolk
New Suffolk Beach
Where: 2650 Jackson St., New Suffolk
Why visit: This bay beach offers a safe place to swim, with lifeguards and beach attendants on site. After a day of sun and sand, venture down the road to the historic New Suffolk waterfront for a bite to eat at Minnow at the Galley Ho or Legends.
Permit required: Parking by Southold Town permit only.
Dave Allison Park
Where: 55 West Road, Cutchogue
Why visit: This small, family-friendly park and bayfront beach is complete with a designated swimming area for safety, playground equipment, picnic tables, barbecue grills and a basketball court. Bathroom facilities are available and lifeguards are on duty during the summer season to ensure a safe experience.
Permit required: Dave Allison Park is reserved for residents of the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Park District. Parking by district permit is allowed along West Road on the northern edge of the park. Parking is also available at the dead end of Pequash Avenue, although a Town of Southold parking sticker is required for this area.
Southold
Horton Point Lighthouse
Where: 3575 Lighthouse Road, Southold
Why visit: Resting atop a serene cliff in Southold is the Horton Point Lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington in 1790. Picnic at the outdoor tables and grills on the grounds or head to the wooden steps at the edge of the property for a walk along the rocky beach with stunning views of the Sound and Connecticut.
Permit required: Parking is free for Southold Park District property owners and seasonal parking permit holders. On weekends from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, visitors can pay a $5 parking fee for access to the grounds and admission to the lighthouse museum. It cannot be used to access the beach. The street next to the parking lot requires a Southold Town parking permit.
Southold Town Beach
Where: 53005 County Road 48, Southold
Why visit: One of the most-used beaches in the Town of Southold, it’s especially enchanting just before sunset, when the warm, golden-hour light illuminates the water. Facilities include restrooms, a playground, picnic areas and beach wheelchairs for accessibility. Lifeguards and beach attendants available during the season. For more waterfront views, dine at The Halyard, just a minute up the road.
Permit required: Parking by Southold Town permit only.
Goose Creek Beach
Where: 2575 North Bayview Road, Southold
Why visit: This beach is a well-known spot for kayaking due to its calm waters. Amenities include lifeguards, restrooms and a playground.
Permit required: Parking by Southold Town permit only.
Kenney’s Beach
Where: 4200 Kenneys Road, Southold
Why visit: Just a half-mile from McCabe’s Beach, Kenney’s Beach
is a quiet spot ideal for an evening stroll after grabbing a bite at nearby Little Fish. Lifeguards and restrooms are available on site.
Permit required: Parking by Southold Town permit only.
McCabe’s Beach
Where: North Sea Drive, Southold
Why visit: Just a half-mile from McCabe’s Beach, a prime spot for anglers, this rocky beach offers lifeguards and restroom facilities.
Permit required: Parking by Southold Town permit only.
Emerson Park
Where: South Harbor Road, Southold
Why visit: At the end of South Harbor Road, Emerson Park is a sandy beach in the Southold Park District. While there are no lifeguards on duty, it’s a great spot for alfresco eating at one of its picnic tables or exploring the beauty of Richmond Creek with a stand-up paddle board or kayak.
Permit required: Emerson Park is under the jurisdiction of the Southold Park District. Property owners in the District can enter for free with a permit, and non-property owners can pay a $20 daily fee per vehicle to enter the park.
Founders Landing
Where: Terry Lane, Southold
Why visit: This small beach is equipped with picnic tables, a playground and restroom facilities, with lifeguards on duty during the summer season. A distinct feature is the Wharf House, available for rental by residents for parties of up to 80 people.
Permit required: Founders Landing is under the jurisdiction of the Southold Park District. Use of its grounds is limited to property owners in the Southold Park District. Non-property owners can enter with a seasonal permit.
Peconic
Goldsmith Inlet
Where: End of Mill Lane, Peconic
Why visit: Opposite the County Park on Mill Road in Peconic, this no-lifeguard beach is located along the west side of Goldsmith’s Inlet.
Permit required: Parking by Southold Town permit only.
Greenport
Norman E. Klipp Marine Park
Where: 3303 Manhanset Ave., Greenport
Why visit: Also known as Gull Pond Beach, this park offers views of Shelter Island and Bug Lighthouse, as well as swings for kids, a boat launch area and lifeguards on duty in the summer for swimmers.
Permit required: Parking by Southold Town permit only.
67 Steps Beach
Where: 66 Sound Road, Greenport
Why visit: 67 Steps Beach, near Greenport Village, is a beloved destination for its mighty boulder formations, stunning sunset views and iconic Instagrammable staircase.
Permit required: Parking by Southold Town permit only.
Inlet Pond County Park
Where: 64795 County Road 48, Greenport
Why visit: Inlet Pond County Park is a paradise for birdwatchers and hikers, with a diverse trail system spanning about 55 acres of protected parkland. After about 1.5 miles, the trail leads visitors past a serene pond to a picturesque Soundfront beach, with Connecticut in view.
Permit required: A green key is required for parking. Green keys can be purchased for $30 by residents and are good for three years.
East Marion
Truman’s Beach
Where: 19340 Main Road, East Marion
Why visit: Truman’s Beach in East Marion is a sought-after destination for summer swims and fall fishing. Note: There are no lifeguards or restrooms at this location.
Permit required: Truman’s Beach is exclusive to residents of the Orient-East Marion Park District.
Orient
Orient Point County Park
Where: 41425 Main Road, Orient
Why visit: Travel as far east as you can and you’ll find yourself at Orient Point County Park, where Gardiners Bay and Long Island Sound meet. While it’s often overshadowed by the expansive state park down the road, this small park has much to offer, including spots for picnics, fishing and stunning views of the iconic Coffee Pot Lighthouse, standing proudly since 1899. The park’s entrance is on the north side of NY Route 25, across from the Orient Point Ferry.
Permit required: A green key is required to park at Orient Point County Park. Green keys can be purchased for $30 by residents and are good for three years.
Orient Beach State Park
Where: 40000 Main Road, Orient
Why visit: Located on the tip of the North Fork, Orient Beach State Park offers miles of stunning natural beauty, from tranquil shorelines to maritime forest trails. Amenities include public showers, restrooms, barbecue grills, kayak and paddle board rentals, a children’s playground and shaded picnic areas. Beachgoers can also enjoy refreshments and small bites at Little Creek’s Sunshine Shack.
Permit required: While no permit is required, there is a vehicle fee that changes with the season. In 2024, June 29 to Sept. 2, there is a daily $10 fee. From Sept. 3 to Oct. 14, it’s $8 on weekends and holidays. Empire Pass cards and the Golden Park program is accepted. For more info about pricing, visit parks.ny.gov/parks/orientbeach.
Shelter Island
Crescent Beach
Where: Shore Road, Shelter Island Heights
Why visit: Crescent Beach (aka Louis’ Beach) faces Southold and Greenport on the north and is popular for its lovely sand, restrooms and lifeguard protection, as well as paddle board lessons and volleyball games from adjacent hotel/restaurant Sunset Beach. It’s also the site of the island’s annual fireworks celebration.
Permit required: Parking by Shelter Island Town permit only.
Wades Beach
Where: 114 S. Midway Road, Shelter Island
Why visit: On the south side of the island, overlooking Shelter Island Sound, Wades has seasonal lifeguards, a designated swimming area, restrooms and an open-air pavilion at the edge of the sand.
Permit required: Parking by Shelter Island Town permit only.
Menhaden Lane
Where: Menhaden Lane, Shelter Island
Why visit: Overlooking Gardiners Bay with a great view of Bug Lighthouse, this dog-friendly town landing is popular with long-form swimmers paddling back and forth along the shore.
Permit required: Parking by Shelter Island Town permit only.
Shell Beach
Where: Oak Tree Lane, Shelter Island
Why visit: Located in the neighborhood of Silver Beach, this narrow little tail juts out about three-quarters of a mile, with West Neck Harbor to the east and Shelter Island Sound to the west. Wave hello to the folks just across the way at Wades Beach. There are no amenities here and part of the strip on the west side is wildlife protected. But the swimming is out and out delightful and worth the bumpy, long ride.
Permit required: Parking by Shelter Island Town permit only.
