Smith Point County Park on Long Island, New York

Everyone loves the ocean, and on hot days it's the first place you want to be. The ocean is your spot to swim, fish, surf, suntan, and just hang out.

I live on Long Island and the closest ocean to my home is Smith Point Park. The park however is actually an ocean, and a beach on the other side of the gigantic parking lot. There are 2 main entrances for beach goers. The walk from the parking lot is quite tedious; it consists of walking from the parking lot, walking underneath a small bridge, traveling down a small trail, and finally the main entrance to the actual beach. This is a feat that a handicapped person may not be able to complete.

So Smith Point County Park added in a handicapped-parking section that is an easy walk to the beach, and it only requires a minimum of about 40 steps to the beach. (Not actual 'wooden' steps. Footsteps). This is my first major blah when it comes to the ocean. For one the handicapped parking lot can only fit about 30 cars. So imagine how long one must wait on a hot 100 degree July day.

Another huge problem with the handicapped parking is that it is free to go to the ocean. Everyone else must pay the $10 fee to get in, or purchase a $50 season pass. So people, (you know the selfish ones) will borrow their grandmother's handicapped parking tag, or car, and take it to the ocean just for free parking.

BBQ

Now I've always enjoyed a good BBQ, and at Smith Point there are about 9-10 outdoor grills for people to use freely. However the grills and benches can get tightly packed. If you are not there by 12 in the afternoon you can forget about using a grill.

OFF ROAD VEHICLES:

Smith Point allows you to ride your vehicle onto the beach for a hefty fee. It will be separate entrance from the rest of the beach where people are tanning, so if you want to you can isolate yourself from everyone else and drive right up onto the beach.

THE OCEAN PARKING LOT:

Huge!!!! On one side of the parking lot is the ocean, and the other the beach. The beach is so small though that there is only about 5 - 6 feet of actual sand to sit on.

Also on any given day it is not rare to see anywhere from 10-15 deer roaming about the outer skirts of the lot. People think it is cute to bring their kids out and try to pet and feed them, although there are warnings not to do so all over the beach. For one, if you look closely you can easily see that these deer are covered in ticks. So if you don't mind Lyme's disease go ahead and be foolish. Keep in mind though if the cops catch you, you're in for a $1,000 fine.
The deer are nice to look at 'inside' of your car, try to refrain from breaking any laws.

THE OCEAN WATERS:

The ocean opens and starts charging at 8am-5pm. After that the beach is free, and its a swim at your own risk time.

However when the lifeguards are there, you are confined into 3 -5 swimming spots that are roped off. Each spot is about 50 feet wide by 50 feet long. The rest of the ocean will be off limits. You are not allowed to bring in boogie boards into these swimming lines. If you leave the swimming lines, they will toot their whistles and yell at you until you come back into the line. It's really an embarrassing ordeal, so try following the rules...or walk away with a red face.

Now can you imagine hundreds upon hundreds of people swimming in a 50 by 50-swimming area?

If you're going to the beach while they charge leave your boogie boards home or in the car, they won't let you use them anyway.

AFTER THE BEACH CLOSES:

You can park for free, but you are now at high risk for injury because everyone seems to go insane because the rules no longer apply. It is not uncommon for an idiot surfer to jet right past your face only 5 feet out in the water. It is also not uncommon to get blasted in the face by these unruly rebellious surfers. Surfing is cool and all, but people, seriously, you cold kill someone. Keep it deep out and away from swimmers!!!

PETS-

Pets are NOT ALLOWED on the beach, but people bring them anyway. However I don't mind that, what I do mind is that they will not clean up after the dog takes a dump! I mean Christ, this is why its been banned. Maybe the town would allow pets again if locals would just stop being slobs about it.

GARBAGE:

I'm a green earth girl, and whenever I see someone packing up to leave the beach, as they leave all of their soda bottles and dirty diapers behind, I have no problem alerting them to clean the hell up after themselves. Sometimes people have a problem with my being rude because of them being pigs... so I call the cops. Do not be afraid to call the police, they will be there immediately, and are only a few footsteps away.

I however am a one-man army. Some seem to think beaches filled with trash is okay. Its not! Clean up after yourselves!
If you see someone leaving trash at any beach, don't sit there say something!

Now aside form everyone's I don't give a damn attitude, you could have a great time at Smith Point if you allow yourself to.

ENTERTAINMENT:

The band music echoes all throughout the beach, and you are forced to listen to it, no matter how far you walk away from the pavilion. The music usually starts at 5 and will last till ... well; I never stuck around long enough to report that information. I'm sure though, it's close to closing time.

SEX ON THE BEACH!

And I'm not talking about the drink. I'm talking straight up porn sessions at the beach, and the sick part is most of these acts are done in broad daylight, with the guards around, and other times it's after hours. Either way its disgusting, there are children present, and its right out in the open.

In any given summer I quite a few dirty acts taking place on the beach. Some will try to be discreet by hiding behind the lifeguard post, and others will do it right in front of you without a care.

If you see any activity as such, call the cops.

FOOD:

Yes you can buy food here too. At the pavilion stand they will sell you things from hot dogs, beer, burgers, chips, and soda. Prices are high, so I tend to avoid the stand.

Bringing your own snacks in coolers will save you a bundle.

BASKETBALL COURT:

You don't have to pay admission to use this court... it is located right before you actually enter the parking lot.

THEFT:

While you are enjoying yourself in the water, it is not uncommon to come back up to your spot on the beach to find your wallet, towel, sandals, and board gone. Keep your eye on your things, or make bring along a friend or two, where your belongings will always be watched. Or leave them home.

Theft of such can occur anywhere though, but because you are not present with your belongings it makes it all the more easier for crimes to occur. Leave your valuables home, and take you jewelry off at home. Don't just leave it out wrapped in your towel.

WILDLIFE WALK:

In the far corner of the Parking lot is a small building where you could walk through a trail to see wildlife.

The mosquito's are out of control. It is because of the grasses and plants that these mosquito's hide in during the day. You see Smith Point has a lot bushes, plants and grasses on its trail that the mosquito's love to sleep in during the day. As soon as the sun goes down some they all come out full-blown. And when I say full-blown I mean FULL BLOWN. It is a battlefield just getting back to the car.

-Bring your bug spray!!!

OVERALL:

This is not my favorite beach on Long Island. I will visit on occasions just because it is nearby, but mostly I'd prefer to just take the ride out to the Hampton's and enjoy their oceans off of Dune Road.

MORE INFORMATION:

Visit the lovely site at http://www.lirv.com/camps/Smith.htm

TO HAVE A GOOD TIME:

I enjoy myself best here when I walk the distance away from huge crowds of people. The walk may be far, but I tend to enjoy myself more when I am not surrounded by mobs of people.

Directions:

495 to exit 68 William Floyd Parkway South.
Go all the way to end

Like with any beach, take care, have fun, and be safe. Don't forget your sun block, bug spray, towel, and cooler.