As you might expect from a location called Long Island, there's no shortage of delightful beaches and waterfront parks. Our REALTORS® give you the scoop on some lesser-known spots near Nassau County and Suffolk County homes for sale.

Relaxing Beaches and Waterfront Parks Around Long Island

North Hempstead Beach Park - Port Washington, NY

Address: 175 W. Shore Rd., Port Washington, NY 11050

Visitors to pet-friendly North Hempstead Beach Park, comprising 60 acres near Port Washington homes for sale, often describe it as "like a private beach." The half-mile beachfront features a promenade with scenic views of Hempstead Harbor.

Other amenities include:

• Picnic areas with BBQ grills
• Fishing pier and boat ramp
• Basketball,  handball, and paddleball courts

North Hempstead Beach Park is open seven days a week from sunrise until sunset. Fees are $10 for Nassau County residents and $18 for non-residents.

Gold Star Beach Park - Huntington, NY

Address: Browns Rd., Huntington, NY 11743

The name of Gold Star Beach Park reflects the rating many would award this spot. While it's right down the street from Huntington homes for sale, the park remains relatively secluded. Activities such as picnicking, birdwatching, and fishing make dog-friendly Gold Star Beach Park a favorite among families. 

Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily. Admission is free for residents and $30 for non-residents.

West Islip Marina Park - West Islip, NY

Address: 114 Beach Dr., West Islip, NY 11795

Appropriately-named Beach Drive leads directly into West Islip Marina Park, a charming waterfront spot just minutes from West Islip homes for sale. Kids have a blast "boating" on dry land with the pirate-themed playground.

Activities for everyone to enjoy include:

• Boating and paddling
• Swimming and fishing
• Walking paths

Hours are 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Admission is free with a Town of Islip recreation card. The parking fee is $5 for non-residents.

Cedar Beach - Mt. Sinai, NY

Address: 244 Harbor Beach Rd., Mt. Sinai, NY 11766

Double your fun at Cedar Beach, a stunning waterfront facility near Mt. Sinai homes for sale. Cedar Beach boasts not one but two beaches, as well as a Nature Center with interactive exhibits.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events at the Nature Center:

• Junior Environmental Stewards (ages 11+): 8/15
• Growing Up Wild (ages 3-6): 8/29
• Birding by the Beach (all ages): 8/22

Cedar Beach is open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays and 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays. Admission is free for residents, while non-residents pay daily parking fees.

Veteran's Memorial Park - Sea Cliff, NY

Address: 77 Prospect Ave., Sea Cliff, NY 11579

Veteran's Memorial Park, less than a 20-minute drive from Manhasset homes for sale, earned the nickname "Sunset Park" thanks to the views from its location atop a 120-foot bluff. Locals also refer to the spot as "Hippie Park" due to its role as a hub for drum circles, jam sessions, and other counterculture activities.

Hours are 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. There's no entrance fee, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve - Merrick, NY

Address: 1600 Merrick Rd., Merrick, NY 11566

Less than five miles from Rockville Center homes for sale, a beautiful natural oasis sits. Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve is a 50-acre recreational spot featuring nature trails, fishing and paddling, and exercise stations.

Watch for birds and wildlife that live on the grounds, such as:

• Dwarf goats
• Sheep
• Foxes

Hours are 7 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. daily, and admission is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these Long Island beaches and parks dog-friendly?

Several are. North Hempstead Beach Park and Gold Star Beach Park both welcome dogs, and Veteran's Memorial Park in Sea Cliff allows leashed dogs as well. Always check individual park rules for specific leash requirements or restricted areas.

Do I need to pay to visit these beaches and parks if I'm not a local resident?

It depends on the location. Some spots, like Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve and Veteran's Memorial Park, are free for everyone. Others charge non-resident fees, ranging from a $5 parking fee at West Islip Marina Park up to $30 for admission at Gold Star Beach Park, so it's worth checking ahead if you're visiting from outside the area.

Which of these spots is best for families with young kids?

West Islip Marina Park is a great pick thanks to its pirate-themed playground, and Cedar Beach's Nature Center runs programs geared toward younger visitors, including "Growing Up Wild" for ages 3-6. Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve is another fun option, since kids can spot dwarf goats, sheep, and foxes along the trails.

Life's a Beach on Long Island

Long Island is a wonderful blend of urban amenities and outdoor activities. Contact us for all your real estate needs.