The Top Beaches in Mastic/Shirley/Moriches
When I moved to the Mastic/Shirley/Moriches area (also known as William Floyd, the historian who settled here and the school district we all attend) from Babylon five years ago, I was unsure of whether the beaches would be good enough. I was pleasantly surprised and have grown to love the cozy coves and beaches more than the vast expanses of beach where I grew up.
There are so many nooks, waterfront areas, fishing holes and beaches in the Mastic/Shirley/Moriches area that it would be impossible to list them all, especially since many don’t even have a name. If you drive around the neighborhood, you will find many incredible, private, waterfront areas where wildlife thrives. The most renowned is Smith’s Point in Shirley, which is also considered a part of Fire Island.
Smith’s Point is a Fire Island barrier beach with pure white sands and the excitement of pounding Atlantic surf. Simply take the William Floyd Parkway (LIE Exit 68S) south all the way to the end, over a draw bridge and straight to Smith’s Point Park. There is a beautiful nature walk, a huge campsite for both tents and RV’s, surfing, fishing and two restaurants – the big, fun Beach Hut on the boardwalk and the little grill by the campsite called The Wave. Both have great food and the Beach Hut often has awesome bands that play rock, jazz and pop while you dine on the boardwalk and watch the waves crash. You can also order a pina colada there and sip it on the beach – a true pleasure. The nature walk takes you through protected nesting areas and you can observe endangered species such as the piping plover. Smith’s Point is the ultimate beach lover’s beach, with everything you need to appreciate wildlife and be a total beach bum. The telephone number to contact this New York State park is (631) 852.-1313.
Another beach I love to go to is Shirley Beach on Grandview Drive in Shirley. This is a Town of Brookhaven beach and you can telephone them at (631) 281-5566. Take the William Floyd Parkway south and about a mile before your reach Smith’s Point you will see Grandview Avenue. Make a right, take Grandview to the end and you will find a great little nook to take your children. The beach faces the bay side, so the water is calm and safe for little ones to play in. There is an area roped off for swimming and a lifeguard. The Town even offers swimming lessons for kids at this child-friendly beach. There are restrooms and a playground with slides, swings and bouncers. Your children will love a day out at this super little beach in Mastic/Shirley/Moriches – it’s hard to get them to leave!
Finally, I also appreciate Mastic Beach – take Washington Avenue south to the end and you will find a tiny beach area that is governed by the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association, (631) 399-6198. There is a roped off area and a sign that allows swimming until 4 pm. It’s a wonderful place to have a private excursion to the beach, take a walk along the shore, relax and appreciate nature. Since it is close to the Mastic Beach marina, you can also fish and crab here, as well as watch the boats come in and out. There is also a calm side to the beach where you can rowboat or kayak.
The William Floyd waterfront community known as Mastic/Shirley/Moriches has some of the most incredible, private, scenic beaches on Long Island. Come take your family for a day rich in ecology and good times here in our lovely, historic community!
