We visited Cupsogue Beach on the west end of Westhampton Island on a warm day in February for a lovely afternoon of ocean, sand, and seals. I’ve lived in New York State my entire life and when I want to go to the beach, I never think of Long Island. That was a mistake I will not be repeating.
Westhampton Island and the Outer Barrier Islands
Westhampton Island is one of the Outer Barrier Islands; the string of islands south of Long Island that serve as a buffer between the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island. These islands stretch for 75 miles and most notably include Coney Island, Jones Beach Island, and Fire Island, among others. Westhampton is the most eastern of these Outer Barrier Islands. Westhampton Island was actually part of Fire Island until 1931 when a Nor’easter separated the connecting land between the two.
Cupsogue Beach County Park
The name, Cupsogue, derives from a Native American term that means “closed inlet”. This 296 acre park is actually located on both the eastern end of Fire Island and the western end of Westhampton Island. However, the only way to access Cupsogue Beach by car is from Westhampton Island.
A visit to this beach is all about the nature. You can find a wide variety of shells here including clams, oysters, and scallops, which my son thoroughly enjoyed. There are protected dunes located all around. To help keep the dunes intact, you must stay off of them and only take marked trails between Dune Road and the beach. On the north side of the beach, you can often spot seals playing in the calmer waters. The Piping Plover, a once plentiful seabird found across Long Island, has a rapidly decreasing population due to development and is a federally protected species. However, you can still spot them nesting at this beach, as they have done for thousands of years.
There are several public facilities near the beach parking lot including restrooms, showers, and a concession stand. Additionally, there are designated areas for camping and recreational vehicles. There is a lifeguard on duty when the beach is open for swimming.
Where is it located?
Cupsogue Beach County Park is accessible via Dune Road on Westhampton Island. Take Dune read as far west as you can, and it will bring you to a parking area for the beach.