Robert Moses State Park – Long Island

Description

Look, I’ve spent countless summer days at Robert Moses State Park, and I can tell you it’s one of Long Island’s crown jewels. This 875-acre oceanfront paradise stretches across the western end of Fire Island, offering five miles of pristine Atlantic beach that’ll make you forget you’re just an hour from Manhattan. The water here hits different – sometimes it’s gentle enough for kids to splash around, other times the waves are perfect for surfing (I learned the hard way to check the conditions before lugging my board out here).

What makes this place really special is how unspoiled it feels. Unlike some of the more commercialized beaches nearby, Robert Moses has managed to keep its natural character. The dunes are wild and beautiful, dotted with beach grass and native plants. You’ll spot plenty of shore birds doing their thing – I once spent an entire afternoon watching piping plovers scurrying along the waterline.

Key Features

• 5 miles of white sandy beach with lifeguard-protected swimming areas
• Pitch-and-putt golf course that’s surprisingly challenging (trust me, those ocean breezes can really mess with your game)
• Four separate beach fields with individual parking lots
• Clean, well-maintained bathhouses with showers and changing areas
• Picnic areas with tables and grills scattered throughout the park
• A concession stand serving up beach classics (the ice cream here hits the spot on hot days)
• Access point to the historic Fire Island Lighthouse
• Prime surfing spots at Field 2 and Field 4
• Beach wheelchairs available free of charge
• Nature trails perfect for bird watching and exploring local flora
• Basketball courts and playground areas for the kids

Best Time to Visit

Summer weekends are fantastic but can get pretty packed – I usually aim for weekday visits in July and August if I can swing it. The sweet spot? September. The crowds thin out, the water’s still warm, and you might catch some epic surf. Plus, the parking fees drop after Labor Day.

Spring and fall each have their own magic. April brings migrating birds and empty beaches perfect for long walks. October offers spectacular sunsets and great fishing opportunities. Even winter has its moments – bundle up and you might spot some seals lounging on the beach.

Early mornings are golden here – literally. Nothing beats watching the sunrise over the Atlantic with just a few early birds and fishermen for company. If you’re coming during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), try to arrive before 10 AM to snag a good parking spot.

How to Get There

Getting to Robert Moses is pretty straightforward, but here’s the deal: you’ll need to drive. The park sits at the end of the Robert Moses Causeway, which gives you some incredible views of the Great South Bay as you cruise over. During summer weekends, traffic can back up on the causeway, so plan accordingly.

If you’re coming from the city without a car, you’ve got options. The Suffolk County Transit S47 bus runs from the Babylon LIRR station to the park during summer months. Just remember to check the schedule – I once made the rookie mistake of missing the last bus back and had to shell out for a costly taxi ride.

Tips for Visiting

Listen, I’ve learned a few things over my many visits here. First off, don’t underestimate the wind – it can get pretty fierce, so bring some beach anchors for your umbrella. Those cheap ones from the dollar store won’t cut it here (found that out the hard way when mine turned into a projectile).

Pack your own food and drinks if you can. While the concession stand is decent, it’s typical beach prices. I always bring a cooler with sandwiches and plenty of water. Oh, and bring cash for the parking fee – it’s easier than card payment.

The sun here is no joke – the reflection off the water and sand intensifies it. Even on cloudy days, you’ll want to pack serious sunscreen. And speaking of packing, bring water shoes if you plan to walk far – the sand can get scorching hot in peak summer.

Watch out for the red flags near the lifeguard stations – they’ll tell you about swimming conditions. The currents can be strong here, so always swim near a lifeguard. If you’re bringing kids, Field 2 typically has calmer waters.

For nature lovers, swing by the park office and grab a guide to local birds and plants. The area between Field 3 and 4 is great for wildlife spotting, especially during migration seasons. And if you’re up for it, the walk to the lighthouse is worth every step – it’s about 3/4 mile from Field 5, but the views from the top are incredible.

Location

Places to Stay Near Robert Moses State Park - Long Island

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