Looking for a peaceful coastal town with beach access and nature escapes? Visit Shirley, New York! Located on Long Island’s South Shore, Shirley offers quiet beaches, family parks, and easy access to the Hamptons and Fire Island—perfect for a relaxing day trip or laid-back weekend getaway.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Shirley is from late spring through early fall (May–September). Warm temperatures make it ideal for beach outings, boating, and exploring nearby preserves. Fall is also great for lighter crowds and mild weather.
How to Get There
- By Car: Shirley is located off the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Sunrise Highway (NY-27), about 1.5 hours from New York City.
- By Train: The Mastic–Shirley station on the Long Island Rail Road (Montauk Branch) provides direct service to NYC’s Penn Station.
- By Air: Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) is the closest airport, about 20 minutes west of Shirley.
Where to Stay
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Long Island Brookhaven – Modern hotel nearby with free breakfast and a convenient location.
- Hilton Garden Inn Islip/MacArthur Airport – Comfortable, full-service option just a short drive from Shirley.
- Beachside Rentals – Vacation homes and cottages near Smith Point Beach for a more local, relaxed stay.
Top Attractions
⮕ Soak Up Sun and Surf at Smith Point County Park
Beautiful oceanfront beach with a boardwalk, campground, and swimming areas.
Smith Point County Park faces the Atlantic Ocean on a Long Island barrier island called Fire Island. The park is the ideal destination for beach-loving visitors who have access to a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach and several beach facilities including lifeguards and a campground. The park is also popular with off-road enthusiasts who have access to a Jeep Rd (permit required). You can book a campsite in advance – all the sites have water and many offer full electrical hook-up. Activities include swimming, sun-bathing, surfing and kite-surfing, and paddling – there are several outfitters near-by where you can hire equipment.
Smith Point County Park, 1 William Floyd Pkwy, Shirley, NY 11967, Phone: 631-852-1315
⮕ Pause to Reflect at the TWA Flight 800 Memorial
Located in the Smith Point County Park, the TWA Flight 800 Memorial remembers the victims of a fatal airline crash which occurred on July 17th 1996. On this fateful day TWA Flight 800 inexplicably exploded and fell into the sea just 14 miles from the park. The airline had just taken off from J.F. Kennedy airport en-route to France and Italy. Sadly, all 230 passengers and crew perished. The memorial occupies a 2-acre plot next door to the main pavilion and includes manicured grounds and flags representing the 13 nations to which the victims belonged. The memorial bears the names of all the victims and a poignant black granite lighthouse, designed by the brother of one of the victims, stands over a tomb containing salvaged personal belongings
TWA Flight 800 Memorial, Smith Point County Park, 1 William Floyd Pkwy, Shirley, NY 11967, Phone: 631-852-1315
⮕ Spot Wildlife in Peaceful Wetlands at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge
The Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge lies along the south shore of Long Island, where it was established to conserve the Carman’s River Estuary as a sanctuary for migratory birds. Within the refuge varied habitats like grasslands, wetlands and oak-pine woodlands attract and protect many species of wildlife including deer, osprey, fox, muskrat, turtles, fish and a wide variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. The refuge offers wildlife enthusiasts an idyllic location to spend a few hours observing and photographing nature at its best. You can get a great overview of the refuge by starting your visit at the Visitor’s Center where you can view various interactive exhibits.
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, 340 Smith Road, Shirley, NY 11967, Phone: 631-286-0485
⮕ Fuel Curiosity and Connection at the Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library
Shirley residents and visitors are fortunate to have access to the excellent facilities at the Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library. The library was originally established in two portable classrooms in 1975. Since those days a lot has changed and the library now has a permanent home large enough to offer a wide variety of services to the community. Of course you may borrow books, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. The library offers a variety of educational programs and events as well as arts and crafts workshops for children and adults and an inspirational Brainfuze program to help school children with their studies.
Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, 407 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley, NY 11967, Phone: 631-399-1511
⮕ Take the Leap of a Lifetime at Long Island Skydiving Center
The Long Island Skydiving Center offers visitors the unique opportunity to do something completely different during your visit to Shirley. Here you have the chance to enjoy an adrenalin boosting skydiving experience overlooking the Long Island Atlantic coastline, Fire Island and the wonderful Hampton Beaches, probably one of the most scenic skydiving locations in the world. If you are a first-time skydiver with zero experience you can opt for a tandem skydive, where a profession instructor will take charge of the dive and literally show you the ropes. This amazing and unforgettable experience is also suitable for disabled people and the entire dive will be videoed to ensure you never forget a moment of the fun.
Long Island Skydiving Center, 133 Dawn Drive, Shirley, NY 11967, Phone: 631-351-5867
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- William Floyd Estate – Historic home of a Declaration of Independence signer, with scenic walking trails and gardens.
- Fire Island National Seashore – Accessible via Smith Point Bridge, this protected area features dunes, wildlife, and hiking paths.
- Southaven County Park – Family-friendly spot for picnicking, kayaking, fishing, and nature walks along the Carmans River.
- Long Island Game Farm (nearby) – Petting zoo and wildlife park popular with families visiting the area.
Where to Eat
- Tano Sushi – Fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine in a casual, local favorite spot.
- La Margherita Pizzeria – Delicious New York–style pizza and Italian comfort food with friendly service.
- Shirley Wings & Things – Classic American fare including wings, burgers, and hearty sandwiches.
Local Events
- Smith Point Light Show (Winter) – Drive-through holiday light show fundraiser at Smith Point County Park.
- Summer Concert Series at Smith Point (July–August) – Free live music with ocean views and sunset vibes.
- Brookhaven Town Fair (Fall, nearby) – Seasonal family fun with rides, vendors, and local entertainment.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Shirley, New York
- Patchogue (20–25 min) – Enjoy waterfront dining, vibrant nightlife, and ferries to Fire Island.
- Riverhead (25–30 min) – Visit the Long Island Aquarium, Tanger Outlets, and gateway to the North Fork wine region.
- Bellport (15–20 min) – Stroll through a charming seaside village filled with shops, cafés, and historic homes.
- Medford (15–20 min) – A suburban hub with shopping centers, parks, and easy access to major highways.
- Center Moriches (10–15 min) – Discover local eateries, creeks, and small-town coastal charm.
- Mastic Beach (5–10 min) – Explore nearby Smith Point County Park and beaches along the Atlantic coast.
- Yaphank (10–15 min) – Visit the Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater or enjoy local nature preserves.
- East Moriches (15–20 min) – A peaceful town near the water with marinas, seafood spots, and scenic views.
- Westhampton (25–30 min) – Gateway to the Hamptons with beautiful beaches, boutiques, and upscale restaurants.
- Manorville (10–15 min) – Enjoy local farms, animal sanctuaries, and a relaxed rural vibe close to nature.
FAQ
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Where is Shirley located?
- Shirley is located on the South Shore of Long Island, just 66 miles by road from New York City.
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Why is Shirley a great destination for visitors?
- The town is an ideal destination for day trippers and offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors.
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Where can beach lovers go in Shirley?
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Beach lovers can enjoy sandy beaches and great Atlantic waves at:
- Smith Point County Park
- Shirley Beach , which also features a splash pad for children.
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Beach lovers can enjoy sandy beaches and great Atlantic waves at:
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What can nature lovers do in Shirley?
- Nature lovers can spend time observing a wide variety of birds and animals at the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge .
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Where can visitors go for an adrenaline-filled experience?
- For the thrill of a lifetime, visitors can book a tandem skydive at the Long Island Skydiving Center.
Driving Times to Shirley, New York
| City | Driving Time |
|---|---|
| Rochester, NY | 4-5 hours |
| Cleveland, OH | 7-8 hours |
| Boston, MA | 6-7 hours |
| Washington, D.C. | 5-6 hours |
| New York City, NY | 3 hours |
| Albany, NY | 3-4 hours |
| Philadelphia, PA | 5-6 hours |
| Portland, ME | 8-9 hours |
Map:
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