Attractions and Places To See around Bay Shore - Top 15
Best attractions and places to see around Bay Shore, a coastal community on Long Island's South Shore, include diverse waterfronts, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. The area provides access to the Great South Bay and Fire Island, offering both natural beauty and historical sites. Visitors can explore parks, nature centers, and a revitalized downtown area. This region presents opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural engagement.
Best attractions and places to see around Bay Shore
- The most popular attractions is View of the waterfall at the Belmont Lake outlet, a viewpoint where Belmont Lake funnels back into the Carlls River. This spot offers a pleasant pause with a view of a small cascade formed by the lake flowing into the tight waterway.
- Another must-see spot is Heckscher State Park Beach, a beach that provides picnic tables, a playground, playing fields, and opportunities for hiking and biking. It also includes a disc golf course and a boat launch.
- Visitors also love Fire Island Lighthouse, a man-made monument that served as a crucial landmark for transatlantic ships. Visitors have the opportunity to enter the lighthouse and take a 182-step tour of the tower.
- Bay Shore is known for its picturesque waterfronts, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural experiences. The area offers a variety of attractions, from natural parks and beaches to historical sites and a revitalized downtown.
- The attractions around Bay Shore are appreciated by the komoot community, with 16 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Heckscher State Park Beach
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Fire Island Lighthouse
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Main House at Connetquot River State Park Preserve
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View of the waterfall at the Belmont Lake outlet
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Southards Pond
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Tips from the Community
From this spot you get a nice view of a small waterfall flowing out of Belmont Lake into Carl's River. This is a pleasant spot to pause as you ride around Belmont Lake State Park and the surrounding area.
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Rising majestically along the shores of Fire Island, the iconic lighthouse stands as a testament to maritime history. In its prime, it guided countless transatlantic ships safely into New York Harbor, serving as the first welcoming sight for European immigrants seeking a new life in America. The current tower, built in the 19th century, replaced an earlier, inadequate structure, ensuring mariners received a reliable beacon through the ever-shifting sands. Today, this lighthouse remains a beloved landmark, its presence evoking memories of the past while continuing to symbolize hope and new beginnings.
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Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a 3,473-acre refuge of sandy pine barrens, wetlands, ponds, and woodlands. Visitors can find over 200 bird species and 300 plant species, along with other mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and moths that once lived all over Long Island. This area was created as New York's first "State Park Preserve," and remains a protected area open to the public today.
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Southards Pond is the main attraction with Southards Pond Park. The main trail basically walks up to the shore of the water on the west side of the reservoir and offers an immersion into nature without having to leave the city. This spot, on the south side of the pond, crosses the Carlls River on a bridge and looks out over the water.
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This was a crucial landmark in New York for transatlantic ships arriving in the area. You have the opportunity to enter the lighthouse and take a 182-step tour of the tower, adding a bit of extra exercise to your trip. It's important to check for hours of operation, as they may vary throughout the year. You can find more information on their website: https://www.fireislandlighthouse.com/planyourvisit
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Southards Pond offers beautiful views of the pond, streams, and wildlife. You can enjoy the tranquility of nature while getting some exercise. The trail is mostly flat and well-marked, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or climbing steep hills. The best times to visit this trail are April through September, when the weather is pleasant and the foliage is lush. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, you will find this trail to be a rewarding and relaxing way to explore the park.
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The area where Belmont Lake funnels back into the Carlls River at the southern end of the reservoir is a popular viewing spot of the water. There is a bridge crossing the creek with a head-on view of the small cascade formed by the lake flowing into the tight waterway.
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This nearly 3,500-acre refuge of sandy pine barrens, wetlands, ponds and woodlands is nestled in central Long Island along the pristine, spring-fed Connetquot River. A wilderness surrounded by suburbs, the preserve provides excellent opportunities to see more than 200 bird and 300 plant species, as well as several mammal, reptile, amphibian, butterfly and moth species that once flourished throughout Long Island.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural attractions can I explore around Bay Shore?
Bay Shore offers a variety of natural attractions. You can visit Heckscher State Park Beach, which provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying the Great South Bay. Another serene spot is Southards Pond, perfect for tranquil walks with views of the pond, streams, and local wildlife. The South Shore Nature Center also features walking trails, birdwatching, and interactive exhibits in its Orr Wildlife Learning Center.
Are there any historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit in Bay Shore?
Yes, Bay Shore has several historical and cultural sites. The Fire Island Lighthouse is a significant man-made monument that once guided transatlantic ships, offering tours to the top. You can also explore Connetquot River State Park Preserve, which includes historical elements and protects a vast natural refuge. Additionally, Sagtikos Manor, a historic estate dating back to 1697, offers seasonal tours detailing its colonial past.
What are some family-friendly activities available in Bay Shore?
Families will find plenty to do. Heckscher State Park Beach has picnic areas, a playground, and playing fields. The Bay Shore Marina features Shipwreck Cove, a popular spray park with water slides and a pirate ship for children. Gardiner County Park is another great option with playgrounds and open fields, and it's pet-friendly.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints or unique natural features?
For scenic views, head to the View of the waterfall at the Belmont Lake outlet, where Belmont Lake flows into the Carlls River, offering a pleasant cascade. The Fire Island Lighthouse provides panoramic views from its tower. You can also take a ferry to Fire Island to explore the unique Sunken Forest, a rare maritime holly forest with an elevated boardwalk.
What kind of outdoor activities and routes are available for hiking near Bay Shore?
Bay Shore offers various hiking opportunities. You can explore routes like the 'Green & Long Island Greenbelt Trail Loop' or the 'Blue Trail Loop' within Connetquot River State Park Preserve. Another option is the 'Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve loop'. For more details and routes, visit the Hiking around Bay Shore guide.
Are there opportunities for cycling or running around Bay Shore's attractions?
Yes, there are several routes for cycling and running. For cycling, consider the 'Waterfall at Hawleys Lake loop' or the 'West Beach – Heckscher State Park Beach loop'. Runners can enjoy routes like the 'Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve loop trail run' or the 'Belmont Lake loop'. Find more options in the Cycling around Bay Shore guide and the Running Trails around Bay Shore guide.
What is there to do in Downtown Bay Shore?
Downtown Bay Shore has undergone significant revitalization, making it a vibrant spot for dining, shopping at local boutiques, and enjoying the local atmosphere. The Bay Shore Bandshell frequently hosts free live music performances, adding to the cultural experience.
Can I access Fire Island from Bay Shore?
Yes, Fire Island Ferries depart directly from Bay Shore, providing convenient access to the pristine beaches and charming car-free communities of Fire Island, including Ocean Beach, Kismet, and Fair Harbor. This is your gateway to attractions like the Fire Island Lighthouse and the Sunken Forest.
Are there any parks suitable for pets in the area?
Gardiner County Park is a pet-friendly park that welcomes dogs. It features walking trails, open fields, and picnic areas, offering views of the Great South Bay. Dogs are generally welcome on trails in many parks, but always check specific park regulations for leash requirements.
What kind of water activities can I do in Bay Shore?
Bay Shore's waterfront location on the Great South Bay provides excellent opportunities for water activities. The Bay Shore Marina is a central hub for boating and water sports, offering access to fishing charters and boat rentals. Waterfront parks like Bay Shore Manor Park are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. You can also swim at Benjamin's Beach or at Heckscher State Park Beach.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Bay Shore?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse offerings, from the natural beauty of parks and beaches to the rich historical sites. The community values the opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and biking, as well as the cultural engagement provided by local events and revitalized downtown area. The scenic views, such as the waterfall at Belmont Lake outlet, are also highly regarded.
Where can I learn more about Bay Shore's local history?
To delve deeper into Bay Shore's past, you can visit the Bay Shore Historical Society, located at the Gibson-Mack-Holt House. They collect, preserve, and share the community's history through museum exhibits and archives. You can find more information on their website: bayshorehistoricalsociety.org.
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