🏖️ Beaches
Shelter Island Beaches & Parking
Beautiful beaches on both shores — Sound side and bay side. Parking permits required for non-residents May 15 through September 15.
10+
Public Beaches
May 15
Permit Season Starts
Sep 15
Permit Season Ends
$25
Daily Permit
Free
Year-round Residents
🅿️
Parking Permits — May 15 to September 15
Daily: $25 · Weekly: $70 · Monthly: $125 · Seasonal: $250 · Residents: Free
Permits sold at Shelter Island Town Hall, 38 North Ferry Road. Cash or check. Bring your vehicle registration.
The Beaches
Shelter Island Beaches
Crescent Beach
Classic crescent-shaped sand beach on the Shelter Island Sound. Calm water, great for families. Lifeguards in summer. Permit required May–Sep.
Wades Beach
Popular bay beach with gentle waves and a sandy bottom. Great for swimming and kayaking. One of the island’s largest beaches. Permit required May–Sep.
Shell Beach
Quieter beach known for beautiful shells and calm bay water. Popular with kayakers. Permit required May–Sep.
Hay Beach
Peaceful north shore beach with gorgeous sunset views across the Sound. Less crowded than the main beaches. Permit required May–Sep.
Sunset Beach
Small beach at the Sunset Beach Hotel with iconic views. Bar and restaurant steps away. Public access — no permit needed.
Mashomack Preserve
Secluded beaches accessible via the Mashomack trail system. Remote, pristine, and wild — worth the hike. Free access.