You may explore numerous onesTop sandy beaches in New York while visiting the HamptonsHowever, if you’re seeking a less busy option, you might consider venturing a bit farther from the highly popular Jones Beach. If you go to the end of the North Fork, beyond Greenport and Shelter Island, you’ll reach the town of Orient Point and the nearby Orient Beach State Park, a preserved area featuring 8.5 miles of coastline. The park is recognized for its expansive sandy peninsula that overlooks Gardiners Bay, offering a more tranquil beach perfect for water activities, walking, and birdwatching.
The sand is more gritty, containing rocks and shells, making it less ideal for lounging, but it offers excellent opportunities for those interested in discovering natural ecosystems. The maritime forest features clusters of red cedar and black-jack oak trees, with prickly-pear cactus growing in between, creating a breathtaking landscape that was recognized as a National Natural Landmark in 1980. Additionally, the area is home to a wide variety of birds, which has led to the park being designated an Audubon Important Bird Area. Here’s all the information you need about activities available at Orient Beach State Park, including visiting historic lighthouses and finding the best places to stay nearby.
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Birdwatching at Orient Beach State Park
Although the sand in this area is quite coarse, there are numerous things to do to keep you entertained, such as the beautiful 2-mile drive near the visitor center. Don’t forget to stop by the Orient Long Beach Bar “Bug” Light, a lighthouse that was first built and then later restored in the 19th century. For bird watching, look out over the wetlands where you’re most likely to see egrets, herons, and osprey.
Several trails are available in the forest, such as the Roy Latham Maritime Forest Trail, a brief 0.25-mile walk, or the 2.5-mile circuit around the Long Beach Peninsula. Would you rather be on the water? Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Eagle’s Neck Paddling Company from May through September. If you’re keen on exploring to observe more bird species, learn more about thetop locations for bird watching in the United States.
How to Explore Orient Beach State Park and Where to Accommodate Yourself
Orient Beach State Park is roughly a 2.5-hour drive to the east of New York City. The route is straightforward along the highway, with no direct bus or train options available. For those traveling from Connecticut, an option is to use the Cross Sound Ferry from New London to Orient Point, which lasts approximately 90 minutes and costs $20 for an adult, or $70 if you’re bringing a vehicle.
The state park does not have camping facilities, but you can spend the night close by at one of the top-rated hotels at the tip of the North Fork. The Menhaden is a stylish boutique hotel inGreenport, a town rich in history offering scenic vistasJust 11 miles away, it presents that trendy coastal Hamptons style featuring white walls and driftwood furnishings, along with a stylish rooftop space and free beach chairs and coolers that you can bring along for a day trip. Also located in Greenport, the Silver Sands Motel & Beach Bungalows is an unexpectedly trendy discovery hidden behind a vintage motel facade. It provides a range of stays, from standard rooms with garden and water views to one-bedroom beach houses and two-bedroom bungalows, all beautifully designed with vibrant and imaginative decor.
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