Vacationing on Long Island and going to the beach just seem to be like peas in a pod.  One of the favorite beaches is Orient Beach State Park.  Orient Beach has 45,000feet of frontage on Gardiners Bay and the water is calm and delightful.  It has been said that Orient Beach “has the most shells available at any state park beach” and is a shell-collecting paradise.  Now this is an activity all in itself and a delightful way to enjoy the day.  Of course, to make it a little more enjoyable there is also a bathhouse, showers, restrooms, and a food concession stand.   
Visitors at the beach can swim in the bay, fish, picnic, play ball, go hiking or biking, and enjoy a calming walk on one of the many nature trails.  Since this is a calm beach, it is also perfect for kayaking.  So bring your own or plan to rent one at the beach.  Bike rentals are also available, so not to worry if you do not have yours with you!  However, the all time favorite thing to do is just sit in a beach chair and feel the warmth of the sunshine.  Now this is summer on Long Island!