West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook, Suffolk County, NY

West Meadow Beach is a public beach and historic district located in the northwestern side of Stony Brook, Suffolk County, NY. It has over 1,100 feet of sandy beach that is adjacent to a stretch of wetland that is home to many species of water fowl.

In the early 1900’s, home lots were put up for lease by the town. People took the opportunity to build summer cottages along the beach. In 1976, the area was designated as a public parkland. Local people complained that these private cottages restricted their access to all of the beach. After decades of legal wrangling among the town, the local residents, and the cottage owners, the owners were eventually evicted by 2004. All but four cottages were removed in order to restore the beach. The remaining cottages were repurposed for use by public agencies.

Today, local residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful beach and parkland. Visitors can swim in the warm waters which is shallow enough for kids to play in during low tide. Other activities include kayaking and paddle boarding. During low tide, it is perfect for beachcombing for seashells. The park has a volleyball court and a playground for younger kids. During the hot summer months, children can enjoy a water spray area. For the nature enthusiasts, the Erwin J. Ernst Marine Conservation Center offers environmental programs and tours throughout the year. It is a opportunity to learn about bird life and sea life. There is a 2.4 mile trail along Trustees Road that is suitable for walking, biking, or skating while enjoying gorgeous views of the estuary. The beach faces west which allows for enjoyment of spectacular sunsets during the spring and autumn.

The beach is open to all visitors. For those who don’t live in the area, there is a non-resident fee to use the park.

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