Crab Meadow Beach Northport
A mile-long sandy shoreline on the North Shore of Long Island, offering stunning Long Island Sound views and spectacular sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Nearly empty beach
Crab Meadow Beach Northport
Best Time
Nearly empty beach
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mile-long sandy shoreline on the North Shore of Long Island, offering stunning Long Island Sound views and spectacular sunsets.
"Great place to go and have a fun family day... Rocky beach for sure, bring water shoes or old sneakers and watch a sunset and be happy your alive."
👟 Bring Water Shoes
The beach is rocky, so water shoes or old sneakers are a must for comfortable walking.
🚗 Parking Access
Parking is ample, but non-residents may face challenges with entry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Long Island Sound Views
Entire shoreline
Enjoy picturesque views of the Long Island Sound, with glimpses of Connecticut on clear days. A tranquil escape.
+1
Family-Friendly Fun
Playground area
A small playground area makes it a great spot for families with children to enjoy a day out.
Sunset Spectacles
Western shoreline
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the water, offering a perfect end to a day at the beach.
+1
La Casa Cafe
On the beach
Enjoy pizza, wings, or a refreshing drink right on the beach at this convenient cafe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access for Non-Residents
Beach Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Bring Water Shoes
The beach is rocky, so water shoes or old sneakers are a must for comfortable walking.
🚗 Parking Access
Parking is ample, but non-residents may face challenges with entry.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunsets here are stunning and a major draw for visitors.
🍕 Beachside Bites
La Casa Cafe offers convenient food and drinks right on the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Bring Water Shoes
The beach is rocky, so water shoes or old sneakers are a must for comfortable walking.
🚗 Parking Access
Parking is ample, but non-residents may face challenges with entry.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunsets here are stunning and a major draw for visitors.
🍕 Beachside Bites
La Casa Cafe offers convenient food and drinks right on the beach.
🚶♀️ Explore the Boardwalk
Enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk for scenic views and a pleasant walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Crab Meadow Beach is a beloved spot for families and locals, praised for its beautiful Long Island Sound views, stunning sunsets, and convenient beachside cafe. However, access is a significant issue for non-residents, with entry often restricted to Town of Huntington residents only. The rocky nature of the beach also means visitors should come prepared with appropriate footwear.
"Great place to go and have a fun family day ... Bad part is if you don't live in the town, they don't even let you pay a 1 day fee to enter now.
There are workarounds if you use your brain
I went there for over 10 years with my kids on the weekends, and it's just a great Old school park your car, walk 30 ft & go to the beach.
Relax See the water from any place there and enjoy life. Rocky beach for sure, bring water shoes or old sneakers and watch a sunset and be happy your alive
Long Island costs a lot of money to live here and some people say it's overpriced, but I can tell you if you don't live on a coast, a lot of people have to jump on a plane, to have access to this kinda place
I'm not saying it's turks and caicos by no means, but if you live on Long Island and you don't find hidden gems like this then move dont pay the taxes and jump on a plane and go on vacation to have a great beach day"
Brandon Hoffman
"Very pretty clean beach with plenty of parking and a great redtaurant right on the beach."
Joseph Sherov
"It is a relatively small but fun to walk beach with water streaming out of the adjacent wetlands. Ample parking lot and nearly empty beach on sunny early spring weekend."
Mike Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crab Meadow Beach is located at the end of Waterside Avenue in Northport, NY. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. For those using public transport, check local bus routes that service the Northport area, though direct access might require a short taxi or rideshare from a transit hub.
Yes, Crab Meadow Beach offers ample parking. However, access is often restricted to Town of Huntington residents, so non-residents may encounter difficulties even with payment options.
Crab Meadow Beach features a kayak launch, making it a suitable spot for water sports enthusiasts looking to explore the Long Island Sound.
The beach is about a mile long and offers a pleasant walking experience, especially with water shoes due to its rocky nature. There are also walking paths and a boardwalk.
From major Long Island highways, navigate towards Northport. Take local roads to Waterside Avenue, which leads directly to the beach entrance and parking area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Crab Meadow Beach is primarily for residents of the Town of Huntington. Non-residents may find it difficult to gain entry, and day passes are not always available.
While specific hours can vary seasonally, the beach is generally accessible during daylight hours for swimming and recreation. Lifeguard schedules typically align with peak summer season.
There is typically an entrance fee or parking fee, often exclusive to Town of Huntington residents. Non-residents may not be able to pay for a day pass.
Online booking for day passes is generally not available for non-residents due to the resident-focused access policy. It's best to check with the Town of Huntington Parks Department for the most current information.
Typically, pets are not allowed on the beach during the summer season to ensure safety and cleanliness for swimmers. Check local regulations for specific pet policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, walk along the boardwalk, enjoy the playground, and launch kayaks. The beach is also a popular spot for watching sunsets. +1
Yes, Crab Meadow Beach is a popular swimming spot with lifeguard supervision during the summer months, offering a safe and enjoyable experience in the Long Island Sound.
Restrooms and changing facilities are typically available at Crab Meadow Beach, especially during the peak season, to accommodate visitors.
Crab Meadow Beach is described as a rocky beach. Visitors are advised to wear water shoes or old sneakers for comfort.
Yes, there is a small playground area at Crab Meadow Beach, making it a great destination for families with young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, La Casa Cafe is located directly on Crab Meadow Beach, offering food and drinks like pizza and wings. +1
La Casa Cafe serves a variety of items, including pizza, wings, and specialty drinks like the 'Crab Meadow Punch' and espresso martinis.
Picnic areas are available, suggesting that visitors can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the beach.
La Casa Cafe is situated right on the beach, offering dining with views of the Long Island Sound.
La Casa Cafe is typically open Thursday through Monday from 11 am to 9 pm, but hours can vary.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire shoreline offers beautiful views of the Long Island Sound. The western end is particularly popular for capturing stunning sunsets.
Absolutely! Crab Meadow Beach is renowned for its spectacular sunsets, making it a prime location for photographers looking to capture golden hour.
Landscape photography, sunset shots, and family beach portraits are very popular due to the scenic views and relaxed atmosphere.
Drone usage regulations can vary by local park and town ordinances. It's advisable to check with the Town of Huntington Parks Department before flying a drone.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings can also provide soft, beautiful light with fewer crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While access can be tricky for non-residents, if you are a local, it's an easy, old-school beach experience where you can park close and head straight to the water. The presence of La Casa Cafe also means easy access to snacks and meals, making a full day of family fun convenient.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're not a resident, exploring 'workarounds' might be necessary, though not guaranteed. Alternatively, consider visiting during the off-season when access might be more relaxed, or research other public beaches on Long Island that offer more straightforward day-use options.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The rocky shoreline and the interplay of water create unique photographic opportunities. Beyond sunsets, the beach offers scenic vistas of the Long Island Sound, and the boardwalk provides a nice element for landscape shots. Early mornings can also yield beautiful light with fewer people, allowing for unobstructed compositions. Remember to bring your wide-angle lens for expansive shots and a polarizing filter to enhance the water and sky.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Access and Fees
For residents, parking is generally ample, making it convenient to access the beach. The fee structure is typically part of the town's recreational services, often included with resident permits or a specific parking fee. Understanding these local regulations is key to a smooth visit.
Embracing the Rocky Shoreline
This rocky nature also contributes to the beach's charm, with water streaming out of adjacent wetlands and creating interesting visual dynamics. It's a great spot for those who appreciate a more rugged coastal environment and are prepared with the right footwear. The rocky bottom can also mean clearer water in some areas, offering a different perspective for swimmers.
Culinary Delights at La Casa Cafe
Beyond standard fare, La Casa Cafe also offers specialty drinks, such as the 'Crab Meadow Punch' and espresso martinis, adding a touch of flair to the beach experience. While one review noted the cafe was closed during a particular visit, it is generally operational during the summer season, typically from Thursday to Monday, 11 am to 9 pm. It's always a good idea to confirm their hours before your visit.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit