Summer drives: Ocean Parkway
Photo credit: Newsday / Lorina Capitulo | The Jones Beach water tower at Ocean Parkway.
There's nothing quite like a summer drive. When the weather's nice and your day is free from other obligations, consider taking a little road trip to explore a new neighborhood - or two.
On Long Island, you can spend an afternoon beach-hopping on a quiet oceanside drive or take a meandering journey past glorious Gold Coast mansions. You might head east, following a trail of farm stands and wineries . . . or west through a string of downtowns just begging you to stop and wander.
We'll help you get there. Our "Summer Drives" series kicks off with a trip along Ocean Parkway - including a few diversions worth stopping for.
Now, put your windows down and turn up the feel-good tunes - we're going for a ride.
The Drive: Ocean Parkway Distance: About 15 miles Good for: Scenic views, beach-lovers, peace and quiet
Away from the bustle of Jones Beach, Ocean Parkway runs in an east-west loop, linking several beach and recreation areas. To get there, head south on the Wantagh Parkway or the Robert Moses Causeway.
Pit stops (from west to east):
Singleton's Seafood Shack: Tobay Beach , 516-679-3900. Fuel up on a plate of steamers or a lobster roll at this beach-side seafood shack. If you're just stopping to eat, you can skip the $10-$30 beach parking fee.
Cedar Beach: Babylon, 631-893-2100. Parking: $15 weekdays, $25 weekends for nonresidents. Stretch out in the sand and enjoy the view. Play basketball or volleyball - or turn the kids loose on the playground.
Oak Beach: Babylon, 631-893-2100. The Oak Beach Inn is no more - but it's worth pulling into the parking lot for the great view of the Robert Moses Bridge. Unwind by the docks or meander down a 111/2- mile road where you can catch glimpses of beach-side houses.
Captree State Park: Off Robert Moses Causeway, 631-669-0449. Parking: $6. With plenty of tables by the sand, this is an ideal place for a picnic. Head to the Captree Cove Restaurant for a drink or dessert (631-587- 3447, captreecoverestaurant.com ). Try a sightseeing cruise aboard the Moon Chaser ($12, 1 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday beginning July 8, 631- 265-1848, themoonchaser.com ) or board a party boat for a few hours of fishing ( captreefleet.com ).
Fire Island Lighthouse: East of Robert Moses State Park, 631-661-4876, fireislandlighthouse.com . Cost: $8 parking; $6 lighthouse admission ($4 ages 12 and under). Park at Field 5 at Robert Moses and take a long walk (just under a mile) along the boardwalk to the lighthouse. If you still have energy, you can climb 182 steps to the top of the tower for sweeping views.
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