Re: Long Is. Sound V Jersey Shore ,opinions
I'm probably shooting myself in the foot with this post because I like the fact that LI is not (very) crowded and is very clean, but am advocating it as a nice vacation spot so it will now be more crowded!<br /><br />If you have a camper or like camping and have a boat, you can have a very nice (relatively) inexpensive vacation on the outer most part of LI. There are state campgrounds (that means state troopers and park rangers keep a high profile and riffraff out) that have beautiful camp sites, some just behind the dunes. Many places to put your boat in for free or for low fees. <br /><br />This summer I spent 3 weeks there with my family (a 1 week stay, then later a 2 week stay). The Peconic bay was "walk-in" warm and you could see bottom crystal clear in 4 feet of water. The ocean side was really nice, a little cooler, but still wonderful beaches are there to visit for about $15 a day pass. After 4:00pm many beaches don't collect a fee or check for season pass. <br /><br />If you have a boat, there are many isolated locations that you can anchor at for free (beaching is often not allowed and well posted). Some of the bay side beaches have a boat anchor area. Beach fees are for your car & parking. Walking in or boating in are free.<br /><br />My folks now have a house in Sag Harbor so we don't pay to stay, but in the past we have used the local bed and breakfasts, camped, and stayed at some of the more out-of-the-way hotels. Although I see even the hotels that were cheap 10 years ago are now more pricey, especially those on the water.<br /><br />Every weekend in the summer it is crowded in town, but the water is not. Weekdays the place empties out. My experience has been that the summer crowd does not show until the 4th of July weekend. Some beaches do not collect fees prior to the 4th.<br /><br />Lots to do there, get a copy of Dan's paper and you will find all the hot night spots, and where the fishing is.<br /><br />From Warren County, NJ, its 160 mile trip to Sag Harbor/Hamptons area. Takes me about 3hours of driving time towing the boat and $15 in tolls.<br /><br />Drawbacks are that most restaurants are expensive, gas is still about $2.20 gal for regular, and even the food stores cost more. Basically, everything costs more there, plus the higher NY state tax doesnt help. Driving is best done on off-hours. Early or late. Getting in on Friday evening and leaving Sunday evening is asking for a 5-6hr drive easy.<br /><br />Enjoy!
