ORIENT BEACH STATE PARK Directions: The Orient Beach State Park is located in Suffolk County in the Town of Southold, on the North Shore of Long Island, New York. It is 118 miles from Manhattan on the north shore via Long Island Expressway (Route 495) east to the end, then Route 25 east to the Park. Contact Information: Orient Beach State Park Phone: (631) 323-2440 Overview: Everyone can enjoy a very pleasant ride on a well-paved path providing beautiful water views and the opportunity to observe water fowl (terns and ospreys) that are plentiful in the marshes and hillocks of the area. The park has 45,000 feet of frontage on Gardiner's Bay and a rare maritime forest with red cedar, black-jack oak trees, and prickly-pear cactus. The tree cover of the Orient Beach State Park matches the bewildering array of cacti in genetic expression. One wonders from where their seeds must have been dispersed. Or what became of their predecessors, as not all have the girth to denote kinship with the earlier species underfoot. Nature seems to have taken a day off to play with a broad canvass, as the gaze falls on a visual treat of stately oak trees with splashes of red cedar here and there. Deep introspection in the midst of the very still peace is shattered only by joyful cries of free birds, and one wishes that we could join in their celebration and animated conversation. A beautiful wood deck lets you overlook Gardiner's Bay. It is easier to digest, for its calm and very blue waters seem to be a familiar link between pre-historical times and the current century. The enveloping dimensions of ocean views from the Orient Beach State Park bear no resemblance to the fury for which the Atlantic is so feared, and the occasional signs of fishing and boating keep you comfortably rooted to your own kind. Visitors can swim in the bay, fish, play ball, hiking, biking, picnic, and walk a nature trail. There are also pavilions available for private parties with catering available by concessionaire. Temperature: The Orient Beach area experiences average January temperatures above 22 degrees Fahrenheit (above -6 degrees Celsius). Summer temperatures average above 72 degrees Fahrenheit (above 22 degrees Celsius). Precipitation in the region ranges from 40 to more than 44 inches of rain and snowmelt. Typically Long Island has more than 200 days of frost-free growing season. Facilities: Children's playground, picnic areas, play fields, environmental programs, bike rentals, concession, showers, barbecue grills, 2 sand wheelchairs, pavilion (party rentals available), gazebo, hiking, Roy Latham Maritime Forest Trail, Long Beach Trail with self-guided brochures or scheduled guided tours. Seasons/Hours: Open all year, seven days a week, sunrise to sunset. Swimming season opens in late June and continues to early September. Pets: Strictly no pets allowed. Events: Children’s Summer Theatre and Holiday Tree Lighting (dates not set). Attractions:
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