I recently hosted a Christian Singles Hub event at Cedar Beach in Babylon, and I couldn't have…read morepicked a better spot! We were scheduled from 4:30-6:30pm but ended up staying until just after dusk because it was that good. The back picnic tables made the perfect setup for deep conversations, games, and even s'mores by the grill. A few of us took a walk down to the water and got in plenty of steps--it was totally worth it for the views! I'd love to come back and check out The Salt Shack next time. On a quick walkthrough, I noticed how beautifully it was decorated, and the staff I met were so friendly. Even from the picnic area, we could hear and enjoy the live music, which was such a fun bonus. I was also surprised to see their full volleyball tournament setup--it turns out a friend of mine was even competing that same day! Cedar Beach really has something for everyone, and I can't wait to return.

This and Tobay are our favorites on Ocean Pkwy. It was such a nice day we decided to take a drive…read moreout early and go. I forgot how big Cedar Beach is. There is a long path that leads through the Salt Shack (always wanted to eat there but it was way too early to pop in for a meal) and out into the beach. The beach was quiet but the lifeguards were out. We let Bubs run around in the sand before leaving. I did see a bit of garbage on the beach...people please clean up after yourselves. But yes, we love the beaches on LI and we have our favs. This is one of them, but if you're not a resident of the town you will pay a ton to park and for a pass. I think they stop charging after a certain time. But if you want to go for a beach day, it's worth it if you pack the car and go!

I've passed this hidden gem THOUSANDS of times, and while back in NY for a long weekend finally…read moredecided to check it out. Though I grew up less than 15-20 min. away, this beach was not in my township (Huntington) so we stuck to our own local N. Shore Long Island Sound beaches (rather than pay a craaazy entry fee). Off season, everyone's a resident of everywhere/anywhere, so a beautiful, sunny February afternoon was a PERFECT opportunity to check out Callahans. We had the whole place to ourselves, and my sister and I checked out the upper picnic area, the new/improved playground, and the wonderful views around the perimeter of the parking lot. Rumor has it there are other trails, but we did not see them, so we ventured down to the entrance to the beach to get a closer look at the BEAUTIFUL views... NOTE: I don't believe you can park in the little circle near the stairs leading down to the beach, though strangely enough, there are handicapped parking spaces there. This beach is many things: scenic, secluded, convenient if you live in the area, great for families, picnics, and golf fans, but it is definitely NOT handicapped friendly, unless you just plan to enjoy the view from above. There are MANY steps to get down to that beautiful beach, and you'd better be in reasonably good shape AND not forget anything in your car, because it's a TRIP up and down those stairs. While my sister and I didn't find the hiking trails that are supposedly there, we did hike the full length of the beach, a WONDERFUL walk all the way to neighboring Sunken Meadow State Park beach and back. BEAUTIFUL, invigorating, and very do-able, nearly 3 miles back and forth. Well worth the "ride!!" Some of the best things/places on Long Island are still free, especially if you go off season... Check this place out!!

Nothing good to say about this beach.Parking is far from beach area the. After walking to beach…read morearea you have to tackle the stairs going down then after a few heart attacks the beach area is dirty and water dirty with floating it looks like used condoms. Where did my tax dollars go besides the steps and the asphalt area above where lifeguard station is. My last time there!

I love to go off roading at Gilgo. They recently reopened the outer beach. There are a lot of…read moresurfers here. The beach is always empty. You do need a permit to get on and they do usually check.

Limited access beach…read more Beaches - we all love them except for the crowds. I am not a huge fan of any crowd situation - ever. Because of this, I tend to limit my trips to the south shore beaches since they are almost always mobbed. There are exceptions however. Gilgo State Park is located on the south shore of Nassau county but there is no road nor parking lot- in fact you would miss it if you do not know where to look for the entrance. Even better is that you can walk in (not advisable) or drive in with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Even this is limited though as you need a state issued fishing permit to gain access. I have to admit I've never actually used the official name of this place, it is known as the sore thumb locally. What does this mean? Well- if you are lucky enough to have the wheels and the pass, you can drive out and park on the waters edge and enjoy the entire day with hardly another soul around. There are some catches - you are supposed to be "fishing" and you have to take everything out with you that you brought in. There are many off limit areas due to nesting birds and sometimes the flies can really make you miserable (if there is no breeze). To obtain the pass is not easy - you have to have an assortment of items available for inspection, but it is worth the hassle. The park is undeveloped- there are no restrooms or concessions nor first aid stations- so you have to be a boy scout and sew up that gash on your own. The area is well maintained and great pains are taken to ensure it remains in pristine condition; even with the 4-wheel vehicles, there is little in the way of damage done to the environment. So- you have a summer day fishing, you are on the beach and the double bonus is that you are almost always completely alone there - and yes, you can sun the nether parts there so long as you keep an eye open for the odd wandering soul... Bliss!

Excellent venue for free concerts!…read more Beautiful view of the water. Clean restrooms. Plenty of parking. Snack bar. Bocce. Skate park. One of the nicest town parks in the area!

Juneteenth at Tanner Park was a good time. I saw many familiar faces, some from the neighborhood…read morewhere I grew up, and some from work. The concert had many vendors but due to me working the event I wasn't able to mingle too much but I did enjoy myself. Aubrey at 9 is a star on the rise with her fresh squeezed lemonade and it was good, she also has flavors you can add to the lemonade. The entertainment was awesome, the stage was filled with known and unknown artists and they all did well, I really enjoyed the young girl singing "so easy". Tanner is an awesome park where you can bring the kids to play, take a walk/run, enjoy a concert orsit by the water and clear your mind.

This was a nice experience. Good Visitor Center with wonderful docents. The Observation Deck was an…read moreeasy walk from the parking area and the path was top notch. Bench and binoculars make for an easy observation time for those who just drop by like we did. Saw their signage along the highway and decided to visit. Glad we did. Two bald eagles, a swan, a turkey, and a Monarch Butterfly was our reward.

Great trail. I'm a slow walker now, about a 22 minute mile. The long loop is 2 miles, perfect…read morelength and barely any incline. I wished they had better facilities, the main building was locked up and the "pit" toilets were about a 1/2 mile in. I did notice a lot, I mean a lot of dead trees. Hopefully no lighting storms.

Awesome local beach/ park right on the Great South Bay. There is a boat ramp as well as plenty of…read moreball fields and tennis courts. The beach hut also serves food and drinks in the summer months and often has a great live music scene every night.

A really nice family-friendly place. My son loves the splash park here. Fortunately it isn't ever…read moretoo crowded here which is great. There are plenty of lounge chairs and regular chairs to watch the kiddos splash and play - or you can join in the fun as well! An hour or so of playing here and my toddler is wiped out. Be mindful of your own children here - obviously surfaces can get slippery with the water so running is not a great idea. The lifeguards are teenagers usually looking at their phones or chatting with one another. Hours for the splash park at 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and last day of the season is Sept. 2nd. There are also fun lawn games when you first enter like giant connect four and corn hole. If the sand and beach is more your thing, Venetian has you covered. There is a small section roped off in the water designated for swimming. The food section is fast-food esque - think burgers, dogs, that sort of thing. Last time we got a soft pretzel which, at $6.50 was a bit outrageous. And it was underwhelming. We sat at one of the picnic tables - no food allowed in the splash park area. They do have concerts here at night which is fun, and a great (free) family summertime activity. In the off-season, the playground here is awesome. Great for the 3-8/9 year old range. It is also completely closed in via gate, which always makes me feel more comfortable.

Picnic on the beach with the fam to end summer. This is only the 3rd time I've been here and each…read moretime I'm like, why haven't I been here more. It's literally the perfect beach for kids with great food options, a killer playground area and a bar for the adults. Would I wade in this water? Absolutely not. But let Bubs and my nieces run around here and eat pizza and sandwiches was the perfect way to end the season.

Loved it here. This…read moreis a great beach with chairs, showers and plenty of space. There is a beach restaurant right on the beach too. This was such a great spot.

I love West End 2 at Jones Beach. The walk from the beach side to the jetty and along the inlet…read moreback to the car feels so secluded and peaceful. I love how clean and spacious the bathrooms are too, which is just a stark contrast to Field 6 facilities. Today I spent 2 hours walking the beach, observing birds and collecting some incredible sea shells. It really felt like my own little slice of heaven for nearly the entire time. If you're looking for a beach that is off the beaten path, West End Beach 2 is the spot you're looking for. Elite tip: Free parking after 6pm most days

do not go there. all cops are scammers. they are looking for ticket. the park do not have sign…read morenotice. Bo resident, No fish, No claiming, if you bring your children to there for beach playing. you won't know when you will receive a summon. those cops will come to you. first thing to ask; what you got, what you got. where is your basket. then they will write you a summon. special to Asian and Spanish. never go there again in life. be carefully when you see cops are there. they are not protect you. they are looking for a summon for them. not fare for the visitors. and no detail notice to visitors. all those cops summon people .