Smith Point Beach –Fire Island, NY: Best Beaches in the Mid-Atlantic

ByLisa Dworkin Hours

Photo courtesy of Lisa Dworkin. All rights reserved.

Beach Personality: Affordable, But Often Crowded, Beach Near NYC

Smith Point Beach

Fire Island is a barrier island located off the south shore of Long Island approximately midway between Brooklyn, New York to the west and Montauk, New York to the east. It’s 32 miles long, but averages less than a mile wide. With the exception of Smith Point County Park on Fire Island’s east end and Robert Moses State Park on Fire’s Island’s west end, cars aren’t allowed on the island. It’s only reachable by ferry, water taxi, or private boat.

Since it is possible to drive to Smith Point Beach, it’s a more convenient alternative for people who want to visit Fire Island on a day trip or save money by camping at Smith Point’s campground or staying off island. You can enjoy the same clean, soft, white sand and water yet save time and money. For this reason, Smith Point Beach tends to get very crowded on summer weekends, so you may want to keep that in mind when planning your visit.

One of the more distinctive things about Smith Point County Park is the TWA Flight 800 International Memorial and Garden adjacent to Smith Point Beach and parking lot. On July 17, 1996, TWA Flight 800 exploded in mid-air off the shore of Fire Island killing all 230 people on board. The Memorial is a tasteful and moving tribute to the victims.

Beach Activities:

  • Lounging
  • Swimming
  • Surfing
  • Boogie boarding
  • Paddle boarding
  • Fishing

Beach Amenities:

  • Public bathrooms – Yes.
  • Showers – Yes.
  • Parking – Yes, for a fee.
  • Food – Yes, at the Beach Hut in season.
  • Lifeguard – Yes, seasonally.
  • Dogs allowed on the beach – No.

Additional amenities – playground, campground, and seasonal events.

Beach Rentals:

None.

Directions:

Smith Point Beach and County Park is located at the far eastern end of Fire Island. It’s approximately 2 hours’ drive from New York City, depending on traffic. To reach Smith Point County Park from New York City, and other points west, take I-495 E to exit 68, William Floyd Parkway. Take the William Floyd Parkway south toward Shirley, NY. Continue across the bridge. At the traffic circle, follow the signs for beach parking.

To many joyful beach experiences!

— Lisa Dworkin

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