<p>Some additional tips re: the beaches: (since that is clearly the #1 summer activity!)</p>
<p>North Shore Beaches: almost every town has one- just remember to bring a pair of water shoes or old sneakers or flip-flops with you- your feet will welcome them as the beaches tend to be rocky…</p>
<p>South Shore Beaches:
stretch for over 100 miles! It will take you 3 summers to explore them all! They are beautiful- soft sand- no rocks- lots of waves! Just remember to respect Mother Nature while you are there:</p>
<p>-DO swim within the “green flag” areas- and when the lifeguards are on duty
-Yellow flags: swim with caution- might me rough waves, or a stonger undertoe- just stick closer to the lifeguard stands and you will be fine
-Red flags: water is off limits: usually because of fierce waves or undertoe- so while you can get your ankles wet, don’t go any further-</p>
<p>-Riptides:are not common along the south shore, but they can happen. You will know you are in one if you are being pulled"out" regardless of your efforts to swim back in…so what to do…first, don’t panic…these are easy to “get out of” as long as you remember not to panic…instead of swimming “towards” the shore, swim in either direction PARALLEL to the shore- for about 50-100 feet…riptides are generally not wider than that- and once you are free, you can swim to shore quite easily…</p>
<p>…and, as always, follow the golden rule: never swim alone.</p>
<p>-since the south shore “sand” tapers towards the shore differently along the 100 miles, you will find wave characteristics different at many places…for example:</p>
<p>Jones Beach:
-west end: miles of sand- gentle taper into the water- good waves- often beach will develop “back water” that gets trapped on-shore which makes a great outdoor shallow swimming pool for younger brothers and sisters to play in…but be prepared for a long hike to the water…something to consider if you have a big cooler to drag along!</p>
<p>-Field4 and 5: the “central mall”…lots to do…big hang out for those that"want to be seen" and those that “want to look!”</p>
<p>Field 6: (my favorite)…parking is right on the beach-side part of the access road- beach is just the perfect width for dragging stuff down to the water…handicap ramp…and tends to be just a bit quieter than Field 4 especially (field 5 is a good alternative too)…the bad news about Field 6 is that the parking field is small in comparison…so if you are headed there on a weekend, better get there before10am or else the lot will be closed!</p>
<p>-ZACH’S bay: besides summer concerts (which are great- might want to think about tickets to a concert if you can get them!)…this is “bay swimming”…very calm, absolutely no waves (except for an occassional boatwake)…ideal for toddlers (which I know you mids don’t have)- but if you folks are traveling to visit you with some toddlers in tow, this might be the place to go…just be aware, there will be hundreds of other toddlers there along with you, so try not to lose yours!!</p>
<p>speaking of lost…if you ever do get lost, go to the nearest lifeguard stand. Also, if they find a lost child, that’s where they will bring them too. Believe me, the system works! :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Following Ocean Parkway East from Jones Beach:</p>
<p>Gilgo: has a steep taper towards the shore, making the waves the best for surfing</p>
<p>Captree: best for fishing and charters; also where you catch the bridge to cross over to Fire Island (Robert Moses State Park- the only part of fire island you can drive onto)</p>
<p>Robert Moses State Park:
-beaches have a steeper “slope” into the water the more to the “east” you go…ok on most days- but if the water is rough, just remember you can be in waist-high water in 10 or less steps! so be careful…</p>
<p>Hamptons: spectacular, what can I say? finding direct acess to the beaches can be tough…especially along Dune Road. Stick to public parking. DO NOT PARK ILLEGALLY…you will have a great day at the beach, but no ride home! The challange will shift to which lot your car was towed to! (and parking fines are given liberally- and they are costly!)</p>
<p>-the rest of FireIsland must be accessed by ferry- out of the town of Bayshore- well,well worth the travel time- and the ferry ride is wonderful too!</p>
<p>-almost every town out to Montaulk has beaches that the public can access- just be mindful of parking</p>
<p>lastly-
-DO bring sunscreen- and use it! you will still get color-
-almost every beach has a snack bar, but bringing something to drink is still a good idea! (no alcholol)</p>
<p>ENJOY!!!</p>
<p>(send a PM if you need resturant tips! 
otherwise, I will spare you!)</p>