
Sunken Meadow State Park
Sunken Meadow State Park offers a 3/4-mile boardwalk, serene beach on the Long Island Sound, and scenic wetland trails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Sunken Meadow State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sunken Meadow State Park offers a 3/4-mile boardwalk, serene beach on the Long Island Sound, and scenic wetland trails.
"A beautiful state park with an outstanding beach and great trails."

👟 Beach Footwear
The beach has small pebbles and shells, so water shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended for comfort.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Ample parking is available, making it easy to access the beach and trails.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 8,869 reviews
Type
State Park
Top Picks
Where most great trips here begin

The Boardwalk
Along the beach
A 3/4-mile boardwalk offering stunning views of the Long Island Sound and a pleasant stroll.

Wetland Trails
Throughout the park
Explore scenic hiking trails winding through peaceful wetlands and forests.

The Beach
Along the Long Island Sound
A clean, calm beach perfect for relaxing, with a rocky/shell shoreline.

Playground Fun
Near the picnic areas
A multi-section playground, including areas for toddlers and older kids.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
In Their Words
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sunken Meadow State Park for its beautiful boardwalk, clean beach, and well-maintained trails, offering a serene escape on Long Island's North Shore. While the pebble beach is noted, the calm waters and ample amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas make it a family favorite. Some find the entrance fee a bit high, especially if not utilizing all facilities.
"A great place. The embankment with its spruce trees and fine sand is simply magnificent. The beach area is large and well-maintained. The picnic area is clean and comfortable. There's plenty of parking. There's a playground for children. Park entrance is $8. I definitely recommend visiting!"
Nataliia T.
"Sunken Meadow is a beautiful state park located on the north shore of Long Island. It has a boardwalk with stunning views of the sound, hiking trails through the wetlands, and a number of athletic fields. We visited for a cross country event this morning. It was eight dollars to enter the park and the price was worth every penny. This place is beautiful!"
A R
"Beautiful park with great trails & an outstanding beach. The trails are well maintained and the beach is very clean. It is a rocky/shell beach do keep that in mind but it’s less crowded than the south shore beaches."
M K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Smart Visit Timing
When this place feels at its most magical
What Repeat Visitors Say
crowd-sourced visitor wisdom
👟 Beach Footwear
The beach has small pebbles and shells, so water shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended for comfort.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Ample parking is available, making it easy to access the beach and trails.
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Strolls
Enjoy a leisurely walk on the 3/4-mile boardwalk with beautiful Sound views.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Spacious and clean picnic areas are ideal for a family outing.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Beach Footwear
The beach has small pebbles and shells, so water shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended for comfort.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Ample parking is available, making it easy to access the beach and trails.
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Strolls
Enjoy a leisurely walk on the 3/4-mile boardwalk with beautiful Sound views.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Spacious and clean picnic areas are ideal for a family outing.
☀️ Sunset Views
The park is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets over the Long Island Sound.
Know Before You Go
Smooth-visit basics in one place
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Park Entry and Amenities
Common Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sunken Meadow State Park is located on the North Shore of Long Island. If you're driving, it's accessible via the Sagtikos Parkway. Many visitors use GPS for direct navigation. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available within the park. The parking lots are conveniently located near the beach, boardwalk, and picnic areas.
From the Sagtikos Parkway, take the exit for Sunken Meadow Parkway North. Follow signs for the park entrance. If coming from other directions, use a GPS for the most accurate route to Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park, NY.
Public transportation options to Sunken Meadow State Park are limited. While some bus routes may pass nearby, it's not a direct or convenient option for most visitors. Driving is the most common and recommended method.
Trails are accessible from various points within the park. Look for trailheads near the picnic areas and the main beach access points. The boardwalk also provides access to some of the wetland areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park entrance fee is typically $8 per vehicle. This fee grants access to the beach, boardwalk, trails, and picnic areas.
Typically, there are no widespread free entry days announced for Sunken Meadow State Park. The $8 fee is standard for vehicle entry. It's always a good idea to check the official New York State Parks website for any seasonal updates.
Sunken Meadow State Park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk. However, specific facilities like restrooms or concessions may have seasonal hours. It's best to check the official NY State Parks website for the most current information.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the park entrance. There isn't usually an option to buy tickets in advance for general park entry.
Yes, like any outdoor park, Sunken Meadow State Park may close temporarily due to severe weather conditions such as storms or heavy snow. It's advisable to check local weather reports and the park's status before visiting.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking the 3/4-mile boardwalk, hiking scenic wetland trails, relaxing on the beach, picnicking, playing at the playground, and golfing at the park's course.
Absolutely! The park features a playground with different sections for various age groups, a spacious beach, and plenty of open fields for running around.
The beach is on the Long Island Sound, offering calm waters. It's a clean beach, but it is characterized by small pebbles and shells rather than fine sand.
Yes, Sunken Meadow State Park boasts well-maintained hiking trails that wind through beautiful wetlands and wooded areas, offering a different perspective of the park's natural beauty.
Generally, pets are not allowed on the beach or in the picnic areas of New York State Parks, including Sunken Meadow. Always check the specific park regulations for the most up-to-date information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a shop on the boardwalk that offers food and drinks. It's a convenient spot for snacks or a quick meal during your visit.
Absolutely! Sunken Meadow State Park has excellent picnic areas, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages for a more personalized dining experience.
The boardwalk shop typically offers standard beach fare such as hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. It's a good option if you forget to pack your own food.
Yes, the surrounding areas of Kings Park and East Northport offer a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to more formal dining options, if you prefer to eat outside the park.
While not explicitly mentioned, the boardwalk shop often carries ice cream and other frozen treats, especially during the warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk offers fantastic vantage points for capturing the Long Island Sound, especially during sunrise and sunset. The wetland trails provide opportunities for nature photography, and the beach itself is picturesque.
Yes, Sunken Meadow State Park is renowned for its spectacular sunsets over the water, making it a prime location for photographers looking to capture stunning evening skies.
Drone usage is often restricted in state parks to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. It's crucial to check the specific regulations for Sunken Meadow State Park regarding drone operation before flying.
The park's diverse ecosystem, including wetlands and wooded areas, offers opportunities to photograph various bird species, plant life, and other small wildlife.
The 3/4-mile boardwalk, with its expansive views of the Sound, is an iconic spot. The tree-lined embankment leading to the beach is also a popular and visually appealing location.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit