Smith Point County Park

Description

Checklist

Attraction Type:  park, kid-friendly, beach
Number of accessible spaces:  *
Location of accessible spaces:  *
Surface of lot:  paved
Distance to venue:  depends on where you have to park
Transportation to venue offered:  na
Terrain:  flat
Places to rest:  not until you get to boardwalk
Paths and walkways:  wood, concrete
Location of accessible entrance:  all open
Doors:  none - this is a beach
Number of floors:  na
Elevators:  na
Ramps:  to get to several sections of beach
Steps and staircases:  at some beach entrances
Width of aisles:  ample space throughout
Places to sit:  benches on boardwalk, picnic tables and benches near Tiki Joe's
Location of restrooms:  in building near First Aid station
Type of restroom:  multi-stall, with large, accessible stall and accessible sink
Ease of entry and exit:  easy, doors are open
Baby changing station:  yes
Available food services:  Tiki Joe's
Friendliness of staff:  friendly and helpful
Notes:  * there is an accessible parking area very close to the boardwalk and beach * if you cannot find parking here, you can drop passengers off and park in huge, main lot

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If you like white sands, and the rolling Atlantic surf, Smith Point County Park is a great choice for a visit before the summer is officially over. This is the largest park owned by Suffolk County and one of the loveliest. “Their nationally recognized team of lifeguards make Smith Point their home base, providing ocean visitors with an extra special safety factor.” (website) 

You do not have to be a Suffolk County resident to visit. It will just cost you a bit more than if you were one. We think it is worth the cost.

There is an entire area just for accessible spaces close to to the boardwalk and beach. If you cannot find a spot here, you can drop a passenger (s) off here and then go park in the huge paved lot. From here you will have to walk through the tunnel to get back to the boardwalk and beach. We parked in the main lot and made our way through the tunnel. As we came out on the beach side, we found the TWA Flight 800 Memorial on our right. If you can, take some time to visit this peaceful tribute area. 

There are mobi mats from the boardwalk to the beach at several locations. We wish they would go closer to the water, but were told that they cannot be closer than the high tide line on the sand.  There is also a beach wheelchair available to borrow at the First Aid station. It is on a first-come, first served basis. We found a wheelchair user and friend that had taken her own chair to the end of the mobi mat and positioned the chair partially on the mat and themselves right next to it. They said it works for them!

If you crave something to eat, Tiki Joe’s is the concession here. They seem to offer the standard fare. Picnic tables and benches are outside, facing the ocean. We did not see any wheelchair accessible tables.

Multi-stall restrooms have a large, accessible stall, accessible sink and baby-changing station.

Although the boardwalk is short, you can continue walking on a sidewalk to the playground (not accessible) and farther to the Wilderness Visitor Center for the Fire Island National Seashore. We found a lovely Park Ranger here, who told us a bit about the activities that are available here, as well as a small museum (up a flight of steps) and a lovely 1,000 foot accessible (wood) walk. She warned us that if the wind stopped we would be inundated with mosquitos. She was right! We probably only went a third of the way before they arrived. Needless to say, we quickly turned around and headed back ! If you only want to go to the Wilderness Visitor Center  you can park at that end of the parking lot, or try to get one of the three accessible spaces in their very small parking area. 

We had a lovely time at Smith Point Park and will definitely be back.

If you have the time, give it a try! We think you will like it.

As always, we at Destination Accessible, advise your to visit a venue’s website “www.suffolkcountyny.gov,” to “know before you go.”

Location

Nearby