When you visit Oyster Bay you will get an idea why the rich and famous were attracted to the North Shore that came to be known as the Gold Coast of Long Island. But some parts of the coast weren’t always gold. What is now Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in the town of Oyster Bay was once a salt marsh, used for dumping garbage for several hundred years, until it was purchased by the Theodore Roosevelt Association in 1928 and later donated to the town of Oyster Bay.

The North Shore’s beautiful beaches are rocky and of geologically diverse composition, unlike the sandy type on the South Shore. Some scientists believe that Long Island started forming 60,000 years ago, when a moving giant glacier stopped suddenly, causing rocks to slide off, forming the northern side. Sand, clay, and gravel were washed out to the South to form the sandy South Shore.

Visit Oyster Bay to explore historic Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and enjoy a free access to the beach. Just hop on the train!

The park is large. Near the entrance there is a lifeguard on duty during certain times. You will see Center Island right ahead, and tens of yachts floating on the water, that stretches across. This part of the park is very picturesque. There are vast lawns, where you can picnic, or ride a bike on the path.

(click on photos below to view photo gallery)

On the eastern side, you will find a pier with many a fisherman and a beautiful view of yachts and sailboats. It is certainly a glamorous place to fish. I spotted a horseshoe crab and small fish. Unfortunately, the fishermen told me they weren’t catching much that day.

In the western side of the park you will find a place to barbecue, a tennis court, a soccer field, and a large baseball field. Everyone is welcome to swing a bat.

The beach curves dramatically in the western part. Anyone wishing to explore the Oyster Bay Harbor can rent kayaks, paddle boats, and even sail boats. You can take sail boat lessons as well, and they don’t cost much. I kayaked in the Harbor, and even though there isn’t much variety in the ocean, as opposed to the river, it was fun. You will find the rentals if you walk all the way west, past the Fire House and the wooden fishing pier. Just make sure to come early.

The western part of the park is my favorite – it feels more secluded by the shore curve, and you can see trees and hilltops stretching far north. It is quieter here, as most people tend to stay near the entrance. The water is calmer too. My tip for the bathers is to bring water shoes or flip flops to walk comfortably on the pebbles. I wear these rubber flats that I call my “river shoes”.

There are other things to do in Oyster Bay, so it pays off to come here early. There is a local beer brewery called Oyster Bay Brewing Company, where you can learn about a beer brewing process and taste freshly made local beer at their bar. And there is a small Railroad Museum right by the train station. Did you know that president Theodore Roosevelt was a frequent commuter on the Long Island Rail Road? Make sure you come to the museum first, because they close early (especially if you plan on tasting that delicious beer – you’ll never make it). All is within a short walking distance from the park.

For info about the museum visit http://www.obrm.org

For info about the brewery visit http://oysterbaybrewing.com

It was really nice to just walk around this historic town…

To visit Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park take Long Island Rail Road to Oyster Bay station. It is the last stop on the Oyster Bay branch.

Enjoy your visit!

Yours, Natasha Pea.

Tip: Collect some stones and place in a glass jar at home. 
Put a label on it with date and name of the place. 
You can also bring watercolors and paint what you see. 
You don't have to be a professional. 
Write date and name of the place, then put in the folder. 

You can create a portfolio for many places you go to, 
in the form of paintings or nature in jars or bottles. 
Who said photography is the only way to remember a place? 

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