Long Island offers a wide range of beachside walks, blending lively boardwalks with quiet coastal paths that suit different moods and interests. Stretching along sandy shores and historic waterfronts, the island’s walkable beaches provide easy access to scenic views, nearby attractions, and charming communities, making them an ideal way to explore the region on foot.
Easy Boardwalks for Casual Strolls & Family Outings
Sunken Meadow State Park is a perfect spot for a casual and relaxed stroll along the beach by yourself or with the whole family. Its three-quarter-mile boardwalk sits on three miles of serene beach and is dotted with benches and coin-operated binoculars perfect for stopping and taking in the sights of the North Shore. Families will enjoy the pirate-themed playground and surrounding park benches, while beginner hikers will enjoy the short looping trails nearby.
On the South Shore, Captree State Park offers a lively and accessible stroll along the waterfront. Spend the day finding your perfect catch on the large fishing pier, indulge in a quick bite, dance to live music, or sip cocktails while admiring the gorgeous views of Fire Island and the Fire Island Lighthouse.
Robert Moses State Park features a path that brings visitors directly to the tallest lighthouse on the island. Known for its fantastic beach facilities, the park also showcases close-up views of the Fire Island Lighthouse along a three-quarter-mile boardwalk that winds through rolling dunes on a flat, even surface, where you may spot the area’s diverse wildlife along the way. Families will enjoy the seaside park’s playground area and the five miles of shoreline to sprawl out on or explore.
Scenic Beach Trails with Breathtaking Waterfront Views
At Montauk Point State Park, you can capture the perfect photo of the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse from the park’s rocky shoreline or peer over the horizon to see the converging Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound; You might even spot a lounging seal! You can also get in touch with nature by hiking the trails, the longest loop being the 6.2-mile Montauk Point Loop.
Take in Long Island’s diverse landscapes through the trails at Shadmoor State Park. With 99 acres, it features beaches, wetlands, woodlands, and bluffs. Trek through the winding trails to experience the East End’s lush flora and fauna, with the 1.2-mile Roosevelt’s Run Trail taking you both through the forest and then along the seaside. At Shadmoor, history and coastal wildlife meet with two WWII observation bunkers tucked into the park and available for your exploration!
Accessible & Low-Impact Coastal Walks for Every Traveler
For endless, accessible outdoor leisure, Hecksher State Park offers miles of options for exploring the coastal wildlife. Those with strollers or who need mobility assistance will enjoy the park’s four miles of paved trails, and those with service animals will appreciate the dog-friendly trails as well.
Orient Beach State Park mixes accessibility with breathtaking views of nature. Considered a National Natural Landmark, Orient Beach State Park features several pathways for walking, hiking, and biking. These routes include a 2.2-mile paved bike lane for bikers and walkers who prefer a smooth and even terrain. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the low-impact, short, and scenic Roy Latham trail.
Long & Immersive Walks for the Nature Lovers
Hither Hills State Park is a tranquil escape into nature, featuring a nearby campground and a range of trail distances so you can design your hike to your needs. Start with a small, three-quarter-mile loop through the park’s beach, woodland, harbor, and bog. From there, hikers may enjoy a picnic or a day at the beach before continuing for another 2.5 miles along the Napeague Harbor.
Explore nature all year round at Wildwood State Park, which features trails perfect for hikes in the summer, bike rides in the fall and spring, and cross-country skiing in the winter! The 600-acre setting features a variety of color-coded paths that range in mileage and take explorers through the hardwood forest, high bluffs, and coastal shoreline. The park also features on-site campsites and cabins that offer easy access to the twisty, picturesque, and exciting routes.
The Sunken Forest on Fire Island is a rare natural wonder that is not well-traveled. It’s a unique 40-acre island oasis home to a collection of rare plants, a thin strip of forest, and meandering boardwalks that make you feel like you’ve entered another world. Along these trails, you may also encounter curious deer, foxes, and other wildlife before wandering onto the coast of Sailors Haven beach. Get started planning your escape to the natural oasis that is Long Island now!
