Location: Kings Park, NY

Key Features: Long stretch of beach on Long Island’s North Shore; rocky sand with abundant shells, especially after high tide; calm waters and scenic sunsets.

Peak Season: Late spring through early fall

Parking/Tips: Paid parking; best shelling after storms or high tide; water shoes recommended for rocky areas.

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/37/details.aspx 

Location: Northport, NY

Key Features: Expansive beach on Long Island Sound; diverse shells including slipper shells, moon snails, whelks, hard and soft clams, and oysters; salt marsh and estuary habitat.

Peak Season: Spring through fall

Parking/Tips: Paid parking for non-residents; best shelling at the southern tip after storms; bring binoculars for birdwatching.

Website: https://www.huntingtonny.gov/crab-meadow-beach  

Location: Orient, NY (North Fork, Long Island)

Key Features: 45,000 feet of shoreline along Gardiners Bay; scallop, slipper, jingle, hard clam, oyster, mussel, and whelk shells; rare maritime forest nearby.

Peak Season: Summer

Parking/Tips: Paid parking; best shelling at southwestern tip and after storms; playgrounds and picnic tables available.

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/101/details.aspx 

Location: Lloyd Harbor, NY

Key Features: Miles of shoreline, salt marsh, and rock beaches; good shelling along the Sound; nature trails and birdwatching.

Peak Season: Spring through fall

Parking/Tips: Paid parking; walk required to reach beach; limited facilities—bring water and snacks.

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/23/details.aspx 

Location: Wantagh, NY

Key Features: 6.5 miles of white-sand Atlantic Ocean beach; surf clams, quahogs, scallops, and horseshoe crabs; popular for family outings and long walks.

Peak Season: Late spring through early fall

Parking/Tips: Paid parking; best shelling away from central area and after storms; no pets allowed.

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/10/details.aspx 

Location: Suffolk County, NY

Key Features: 26-mile barrier island with both bay and ocean beaches; surf clams, oyster shells, coquinas, scallops, moon snails, and whelks; accessible by ferry or car.

Peak Season: Year-round (best after storms)

Parking/Tips: Paid parking at select access points; check ferry schedules; best shelling at low tide and after storms.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm 

Location: Southampton, NY

Key Features: Rugged, undeveloped barrier beach with both ocean and bay beach areas; miles of wide, sandy coastline with beautiful light beige sand; excellent for shelling, fishing, and camping with RVs.

Peak Season: Late spring through early fall

Parking/Tips: Small parking lot for Green Key card holders; RV and off-road vehicle access with permit on outer beach; best shelling after storms or high tide; limited facilities—bring supplies.

Website: https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks/Our-Parks/Shinnecock-East-County-Park 

Location: Montauk, NY (Eastern tip of Long Island)

Key Features: Rocky and sandy shorelines; diverse shells including scallops and whelks; dramatic ocean views and lighthouse nearby.

Peak Season: Spring through fall

Parking/Tips: Paid parking; bring sturdy shoes for rocky areas; combine with lighthouse visit.

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/61/details.aspx 

Location: Massapequa, NY

Key Features: Long sandy beach on the South Shore; surf clams and other shells common after storms; family-friendly amenities.

Peak Season: Summer

Parking/Tips: Paid parking (Town of Oyster Bay residents get priority); best shelling after storms or high tide; check beach hours.

Website: https://oysterbaytown.com/tobay/ 

Location: Rocky Point, NY

Key Features: 6,000-acre state forest with sandy soils and pine barrens; not a traditional beach, but sandy areas and proximity to Long Island Sound; unique ecosystem and hiking trails.

Peak Season: Spring through fall

Parking/Tips: Free parking; best for hiking and nature walks; bring water and sun protection.

Website: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4937.html