Haven't been in a while but it's so beautiful so calming and a great place to study-…read moreThe stained glass windows always got me

This is my favorite spot to come when I want to be alone with nature. Although the lake loop is…read moresmall, the park has much to offer. Firstly, the wildlife spotting here is excellent. The lake is home to swans, ducks, turtles, deer, birds (they even have birdwatcher gatherings here), frogs, and squirrels to name a few. Every time I go I am amazed at how many pictures of wildlife and nature I end up with. Secondly, the park is beautiful in any season and offers hiking, events, and peaceful walks for the neighborhood. In the summer they have live music. There is lots of parking around if the small parking lot is filled.

This is one of the most beautiful State Parks in the system. It's great in all seasons, and a good…read moreplace for birders and paddlers.

Opened to the public in 1920 and made a National Natural Landmark in 1980. Orient Beach State Park…read moreis just a beautiful example of a natural beach environment. Orient beach offers a gorgeous environment for passive recreation as well as a paradise for beach goers. There is a 2.1 mile bike path along the park road which stretches along the section of the park called long beach. This road is also the entrance and exit to the park which is situated at the end of this stretch of road. Being part of the bike path it provides for an incredible walk with views of Gardiner's bay on one side and marsh lands on the other. There are many species of Birds and other wildlife life within the park and an amazing and unusual red cedar forest which encompasses the picnic area. Hobbies here include swimming , paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and a playground for the kiddies . Facilities here are very nice and clean, including a bath room and showers for when you get off the beach. Truly an incredible place to visit at least once in your life, its natural beauty is impressive.

There are a high number of trailers that have not moved in a long time. There is supposed to be a…read moreseven day camping limit before you have to move your unit however this doesn't seem to be the case here at this park. The park trails need maintenance as there are overgrown trees, and laid over trees across paths. Some of the trail access have planks of wood for soft ground that is rotting away. Trails are not marked and website map is difficult to read. Some of the docks on the water are inaccessible from shore.

Park is gigantic! This is probably the largest park I've seen on the island. I would bring some…read moretrail marker flags if you're planning to explore. You can get lost very very easily. Everything will look the same and there's a lot twists and turns. It has happened to me and I'm pretty well versed in hiking and trails. My swissy loves it here. He's not really a runner, so trails and lots of stuff to sniff and check out are his thing. It's pretty busy in the on season and relatively desolate in the off season, but it's nice either way. If you don't mind bundling up, doing some off season walking and hiking might be for you. It's very beautiful and extremely quiet, almost too quiet. I have always felt safe here. As a lady, it can be off putting to be in a large place alone but I always see rangers here and there even if other people aren't around. Many people bring their dogs to run and hike- most are good but as with any public place there are always some bad eggs. I would deff check this one out if you haven't. I often find that we stop and just watch nature. It's a really great way to get out and do something that feels different each time you go. Most of the photos are of my dog but you get an idea of what it looks like!

Our friends said let's get together on Saturday. Want to go to dinner? Nah, let's hang out at the…read morebeach. Hang out? Now I live by west meadow beach in Stony Brook. There are a lot of rules! No dogs, keep the noise down and be courteous of the plantings. Cedar Beach has a much more pleasant vibe. There's a live band playing and you can bring a cooler with no hassle from the local police. We have a Brookhaven virtual summer pass and cedar beach is a town beach. There's a Veteran discount on the pass, high five Brookhaven! There's a reason why the next town is "Rocky Point". The beaches on the north shore are so rocky! The beaches on the south shore are powered sand, this is a south shore thing that I always like to point out. (My beach growing up was Smiths Point) The band is playing CCR, we're drinking cold beers and having a good time at Cedar Beach. The sun is setting and now we're getting up to dance? I like hanging out.

It is difficult to review Cedar Beach, because essentially it is reviewing the Long Island Sound,…read morewhich is vintage Long Island. This viewpoint is from the eyes of a person who's Dad is a Town of Brookhaven resident. The thing to take into account when reviewing Cedar Beach is that it is a Brookhaven Township amenity where admission is very reasonable for it's residents. On the contrary, for the residents residing outside of Brookhaven, their price to enjoy access to the Long Island Sound could seem to compete with Six Flags Great Adventure prices. The Town of Brookhaven, NY website displays the prices. Whether you are a Town of Brookhaven or non-resident the days of paying at the admission gate appear to be a memory. I'm not a fan of the parking meters because they can be an annoyance for Cedar Beach guests at the same time that they do not provide the safety measure that a controlled access gate does in maintaining a sense of safety.     Cedar Beach is one of a few Town of Brookhaven Long Island Sound beachfront parks. The other one that I am familiar with is West Meadow Beach. Cedar Beach is situated on a peninsula in a scenic location that starts off with a drive along bucolic and windy Pipe Stave Hollow Road that gives a nod to the East End with its bordering woodlands, estates on rolling forested hills, and the picturesque Mount Sinai Harbor that brings images of the Great Peconic Bay. A left turn onto Harbor Beach Road continues the drive on the peninsula where Mount Sinai Harbor with the boats are to the south and the beachfront, nature trail, concession stand, and amenities are to the north. One advantage of the meter system is that if you want to see the beach scape by vehicle, you can drive to the end of Harbor Beach Road without paying.    The peak season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is my understanding that they provide lifeguards during this busy season. However, it was off-season when I went with my Dad, a Brookhaven resident, to see Cedar Beach. Living in the Las Vegas desert, it just made sense to spend some time by the Long Island Sound when I visited my dad. Please keep in mind that I am no stranger to Cedar Beach. My memories go back to the early 1980s when I was a child that spent time with my dad at Cedar Beach. Not much has changed since President Regan was in office. Cedar Beach is still a very rocky North Shore Beach that is unstable for swimming in barefooted. However, one change that was administered over the years is that dogs are prohibited at Cedar Beach.    My Dad and I visited Cedar Beach in May. Before peak season the beach was very unpopulated. If my dad did not have a Brookhaven pass, the parking meters could care less that the parking lot was relatively empty. Waiting for us were several spaces overlooking a band of white sand fronting a large expanse of Long Island Sound water spread out towards Connecticut. Unlike West Meadow Beach, Cedar Beach provides a prime vista of a beach scape taking in the Connecticut shoreline. On a serene Long Island day the waves were very gentle. With so few people sharing this experience, this was a mellow way to spend some time with my dad. We did go for a short walk on the beach. Being a hiker, of I was alone and had sufficient time, I would of hiked west on the sand that would take me onto the nature trail that would ultimately lead me to the end of the peninsula at the Cedar Beach Fishing Pier Area where Harbor Beach Road ends at a water view overlooking Belle Terre.     I am a fan of Long Island Sound, I am a fan of Cedar Beach. Being that my Dad is a Brookhaven resident, I could see a return visit here when I spend time with my Dad on Long Island.

Nice small loop to walk your dogs. The morning sun glistens down on the preserve floor making you…read morefeel like you are in heaven.

This was a surprise find. There was just a sign on the side of the road with a small parking area…read more At the entrance, the trail is wide and well groomed. As you get further into the preserve, the trail gets narrower and less well marked. Especially at the far end of the park where you have to find your own way, but since the park is small and surrounded by homes and businesses you can easily find your way back to the trail. It is a nice walk to burn off some calories either before or after visiting the wineries. Probably not something that you would make a special trip for, but if you are nearby you could stop by for a walk.

We were looking for a nice place to stretch the pups legs. This quiet, rarely marked trail will…read morehave you doing circles. And we enjoyed it. Hiking at just over a 1 1/2 miles, this is a pack in pack out park, with no restrooms. The trails are not well marked and you can lose yourself in the fantastic maze. The lake is not easily seen from the trail, but the lake provides watering spots for the pups. An excellent stop through wine country to catch your breath and grab a walk.

I've lived here for over 20 years. When my wife & I first got married, We were looking for a house…read morein the area. We liked the library but when we saw the Frank Melville park it sealed the deal. I've brought my children here as babies as well as trained my puppies to walk on a leash. This park is forever me and my family. I love meeting the neighbors here and talking with fellow dog owners. Its not uncommon to see wedding parties stop and take their pictures here. The views of the north shore marsh lands as well as the bird sanctuary are magnificent. This park is a neighborhood gem and I'm thankful to live in this area.

Idyllic and quiet place to relax by the water by yourself or with your friends and family. Today,…read morewas a beautiful day and I saw someone paddle boarding. Clean beach and nice and out of the way.

the park playground gym is terribly rusted and very unsafe for children !The steps are almost…read morerusted through.