Overlook Beach

Overlook Beach is one of the park’s most scenic and popular features, located along the shore of the Great South Bay in East Islip, New York. It is part of the 1,657-acre Heckscher State Park. The beach area was once part of 19th-century estates, including those of George C. Taylor and J. Neal Plumb, and earlier William Nicoll’s property. 

Heckscher State Park Overlook Beach is a picturesque destination offering a serene beach experience with soft, white sand. The beach is approximately 1.5 miles long and provides stunning views of the Great South Bay with Fire Island as a backdrop. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing. The park also features a playground for children and offers amenities such as restrooms and showers. Heckscher State Park itself is a 1,600-acre haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails, picnic groves, and opportunities for biking and wildlife observation.  

The beach is open seasonally, typically from late June to early September, and offers a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation and recreation.  

Today, Overlook Beach remains a signature attraction of Heckscher State Park, combining natural beauty with recreational and cultural value, and continuing to draw visitors year after year. 

Photo:Courtesy of NYS OPRHP Long Island Region