One of LI's hidden gems - also happens to be free. Well kept trails and birds of prey you can check…read moreout before talking a nice walk. Trails are very easy to walk, even if you have a stroller with you. Easy beginner hike or leisurely stroll for just about anyone.

4.5 Stars.    I love…read morethe Long Island Pine Barrens Region. So much so, that in Las Vegas, I have had dreams that I was hiking in Sears Burrows County Park. A few forested miles southwest of it, my dream kind of came true when we visited the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. My stepmother, who is familiar with the Refuge encouraged my dad and I to join her there on a nature walk.    The Quogue Wildlife Refuge has been protecting this 305 acre naturescape since 1934. It is a naturescape adorned with pine forests, fields, the rare dwarf pine forest, bogs, swamps, a pond, and pine oak forests.    Contrary to how I envisioned the Refuge, it was not this difficult to find place. Parking was right off Old Country Road. Across from the unpaved parking lot were the attractions that serve as a trailhead to the four color coded trails (please see the map proceeding the review) that range from a 0.8 mile hike on the Green Trail to a 2.5 mile hike on the Blue Trail. Welcoming us was the Outdoor Wildlife Complex where injured wildlife are well taken care of thanks to the kindness of people that care. One of the acts of kindness are the Visitors who donate money at the entrance. This leads to the point that admission is free, yet a donation is the right thing to do. I took some time photographing the animals that included owls, foxes, raccoons, and Giant African Spurred tortoises in the nearby greenhouse. Although these aren't grand habitats that would be found in the Bronx Zoo, I appreciated that the animals had a home. In the shadow of the Outdoor Wildlife Complex and pine trees was the full service restrooms. All the way to the left was the Old Ice Pond.    My Dad, stepmother, and yours truly engaged in a relatively short walk in the southeast corner of the park where a pine oak forest interspersed with fields dominate. My Dad's knees bother him, so we engaged in a shorter hike with breaks on the benches breathing, hearing, and sightseeing the pine barrens. We'd see a deer and birds up on the pine trees. Our ears would also take in the sound of the nearby train. Our experience leads to the point that the seven miles of hiking trails appear to be more relaxing than strenuous.    The Old Ice Pond framed by a mature forest is the picture postcard centerpiece of the landscape. There are hiking trails that overlook it. We took in this picture postcard from a bench and inside the Charles Banks Belt Nature Center, which looks like an inn overlooking the pond. We shared the panoramic spectacular views of the ice pond with several volunteers who were sending out materials that we assumed were promoting the Refuge. Within this building that reminds me of a lodge, is a museum of neat nature related stuff. Some were real like the lizards. The preserved butterflies were really cool. This is a neat place to check out when it os open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.    Our visit ended with the three of us taking in the springtime scenery of the Old Ice Pond.    I do have a concern that is causing me to leave my rating at 4.5 instead of 5 stars. That has to do with the east preiphery fence. When we walked along the southeast border there was a fence smack dab in the middle of the pine forest. My concern is that this is unprotected land that can fall victim to the bulldozer. If that were to happen, it would ruin the experience on account of a truncated forest causing the Refuge to feel more like a caged in 305 acre yard than a part of a pine forest. I really hope that the other side of the east periphery fence is a protected forest. My concern is merited from seeing a before and after picture inside the Nature Center of rapid sprawl along nearby County Route 104.    On the future, I would love to return to Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Especially in the Fall when the trees change colors over the pond. Until then, I hope to have more dreams about the Pine Barrens.

A true 5 star beach. I grew up not far away and almost lived here in the summertime. Lifeguards on…read moreduty from about 9-5:30 from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I've been to east coast beaches, west coast and Hawaii. The only ones that compete are Hawaii, particularly one near barking sands. But overall this is my favorite to return to.

This beach is extremely clean , everyone is friendly , there's a beach hut restaurant on the beach…read morewhich makes the beach #1 to go to . Its a plus to have everything right there for anyone . The waves are perfect you can go our in the water and not get hit and smacked around and rolled over everywhere . The water is gorgeous its clear and you can see your feet when your in the water . You can see lots of fish , there's crabs , seaweed . The salt water isn't strong at all . Seashells there's so many seashells that you can take a bucket and have lots of fun shell shopping . There small to big shells . There is also sea glass which I was surprised . The sea glass there is really cool small and big pieces all different colors . There is changing rooms , bathrooms , and showers . Everything is clean and everyone is polite . I didn't even see any garbage laying around . This is the first beach I've gone to which was actually really clean and people are really nice . The parking fee is only 15$ which is not bad at all then you can park anywhere and just go onto the beach . The sand is perfect its so soft and some shells but its easy to walk on . Its great for anyone family , couples , groups etc . The west Hamptons beach is a must to go to .

I like Pike's because the sand is white and clean. The people are friendly and when it's crowded it…read moreis still NOTHING like a crowded public beach. You've gotta be a local resident to use the beach, so that helps keep the crowds down. Bonus for having a lifeguard on duty, bathrooms, showers and a safe vibe where you leave your shoes at the end of the pier. Even waves for surfing!

One of the local beaches. Family friendly. No dog poop on the beach. Would recommend on a weekday…read morebecause it is not too crowded. Love this beach though because who doesn't love a day on the beach!

Little known park on Dune Road. It's easy to miss and the parking lot only holds 10 to 12 vehicles…read more It's usually full. I imagine if you get there early, you'd have a chance to park here. There aren't any facilities but you do get beach access via walkway. Due to its limited access, you basically get your own private beach for the day. And that my friends is the whole point. So get out of bed early and get there before the crowds. Cheers!!

Down the street from Lashley & Pikes, this unassuming, tiny lot is the go-to spot if it's empty…read morewhen you pass by. The crowd is low-key and necessarily small, and beach access is clutch; not sure what happens post-MDW, but on MDW (Monday, aka Memorial Day itself) no one checked and we scooted out gratis. Sure, there are no amenities, and I'm not really even sure Atlantic Beach is the correct name, but if you don't know, now ya know.

If you love The Hills Have Eyes, come stay at Sears Bellow! We had the lovely view of the lake, as…read morewell as a man abusing his mother through out the night while we slept! And you might think "oh they won't be there." Nope, they live here and Suffolk County has received many complaints about them Don't worry- the ambulance only came and took the mom TWO TIMES in our 35 hour stay! We had to leave our fire as the man screamed and berated that she was a nuisance for having issues accessing the bathroom. Don't camp anywhere near site 27! Definitely not a safe and serene experience we were hoping for. Will be contacting the main Suffolk County Parks office tomorrow.

We came to visit in the spring It looks like it might have potential there is a small but dirty…read morebeach and it looks like they have row boats. There is camping however I couldn't find any literature

Happened upon this beach wandering down Dune road. Beautiful pristine white sand beach with a…read morelittle center (it was closed March). Apparently there is a cafe, restroom/showers open during season. There were rocking chairs out and baskets to collect garbage. Gorgeous day and had fun collecting shells. I'm sure this beach is amazing during season! Plenty of parking and lots of handicap spaces available

Outside people should note that this beach , even if open, is not open to the public. It's not…read morejones beach. Your car needs a sticker and if you bike in your bike and rider still need a pass.