While there are obviously an abundance of beaches on Long Island (it is an island, after all...), I always find myself gravitating towards one beach in particular. One of the vast differences between this beach and others on the island is that it offers a little something special every season. I am able to go to this beach year-round (yes, even in the dead of winter) and still find something to do/look forward to. If I had to choose, I would definitely say that Robert Moses State Park is my favorite Long Island beach.
PS: I am so happy that we can finally add videos to blog posts!! I wish the sizing worked the same way as the photos (the videos are a little small...you will see), but it's a start!
A Special Tradition: New Year's Day Sunrise
One of my favorite traditions is held annually at Robert Moses State Park. For a few years now, a small group of friends and I have ventured to the beach before the crack of dawn on New Year's Day to witness the first sunrise of the new year. Many others seem to have the same tradition since every single year (without fail), there is a decent sized crowd gathered on the long stretch of beach waiting to ring in the first day of the new year. The New Year's Day 2021 sunrise (pictured below) was one of the most breathtaking ones I have seen in years. I love this tradition and I cannot wait to ring in many more years on this beach! I highly recommend dragging yourself out of bed one New Year's Day to witness this beautiful sight...pictures and videos do not do this view any justice.
Beautiful Sunsets Year-Round
As we all know, the best sunset locations vary every change of season. For example, the sunset at Sunken Meadow State Park is beautiful during the summer months. However, during the winter months, this state park does not have the best view for the sunset. Robert Moses State Park has a nice view of the sunset all year long. While the winter sunset does have a more "straight on" view from this location, the summer sunsets still cast beautiful colors all over the park while providing glimpses of the sun. I have found that many of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen are in the dead of winter. While it is absolutely freezing at the beach, it is so worth it for this view. Again, pictures/videos do not do it justice...trust me!
Fire Island Lighthouse, Boardwalk, & Wildlife
If you did not know, Robert Moses actually has a boardwalk located in Field 5, which leads to the Fire Island Lighthouse. While I love walking the Jones Beach boardwalk during the summer, I feel like the Robert Moses boardwalk is a better option for a year-round boardwalk. While it is not nearly as long as the one at Jones Beach, I find this walk more natural. The boardwalk is not super wide, is located among the dunes and bushy areas, and is home to an abundance of wildlife. I have come across deer (and even a fox once!) multiple times while walking this boardwalk. As mentioned, the boardwalk leads you straight to the Fire Island Lighthouse, which is where you can take a tour, climb to the top, or check out the museum. I love how you are able to see the lighthouse a majority of the way on your walk...it is very scenic! Usually when I walk the boardwalk, I visit the lighthouse, check out the "hidden beach" area, then I head down towards the main beach. I love walking this route all year long! It is very relaxing and provides a great little stroll.
A Day at the Beach
Lastly, of course Robert Moses State Park is ideal for your typical day at the beach. Although this beach gets crowded quickly during the summer months (especially over the weekend...) there are five different fields that create a large beach capacity. One aspect that has me favor Robert Moses over Jones Beach for a regular beach day is the distance from the parking lot to the beach and ocean itself. As soon as you step out of your car, the sand is right there and it is not a long walk to reach the ocean. I particularly enjoy this since nobody likes to drag their chair, cooler, umbrella, etc. for a long distance...it makes life at the beach a little easier and a lot more enjoyable!
Pro Tip: I strongly recommend heading over to Swell Taco in Babylon Village (my all-time FAVORITE Mexican restaurant) to grab some tacos and margaritas before heading over to Robert Moses for a summer sunset...you will not regret it😜
I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite Long Island beach! Since it seems this will be another year of little to no traveling because of covid, I definitely plan on blogging about more of my favorite local spots...stay tuned✨
Many more adventures to come,
Ashley
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