Main image

dougtone CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Sunken Meadow State Park

Park

Sunken Meadow State Park on Long Island features a sandy Sound-side beach, hiking trails, a long boardwalk and picnic areas; visitors arrive for swimming, birdwatching and paddle sports.

Sunken Meadow State Park New York CityBuffalo, New YorkManhattanAlbany, New YorkBrooklynThe BronxQueensRochester, New YorkSunken Meadow State Park
In this guide

Sunken Meadow State Park essentials

Address: Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park, NY 11754, United States
Website: parks.ny.gov
Hours: Daily 8am-Sunset (seasonal)
Admission: $8-$10 (day use, subject to change)
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Sunken Meadow State Park

Summer is busiest for beach activities; spring and autumn are best for solitude and birding.

Summer
June-August · 22-28°C
Beach access and swimming are at their peak; expect crowds on weekends.
Spring/Autumn
April-June, September-October · 10-22°C
Good for hiking the long boardwalks and quieter beaches; migratory birds pass in spring and autumn.

Weather & Climate near Sunken Meadow State Park

Climate

Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1098 mm/year), wettest in March, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 29 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -5° - 3° -6° 90 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
February - -4° - 4° -5° 77 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
March - 0° - 9° 1° 103 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
April - 5° - 15° 7° 101 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
May - 10° - 20° 15° 96 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
June - 15° - 25° 20° 82 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
July - 18° - 28° 23° 83 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
August - 18° - 27° 23° 98 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
September - 14° - 23° 19° 87 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
October - 8° - 18° 13° 88 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
November - 3° - 12° 5° 98 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
December - -2° - 6° -2° 95 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Sunken Meadow State Park

From northern Long Island, take Sunken Meadow State Parkway to the park entrance; regional transit includes S47 bus from Smithtown LIRR on weekends/seasonal schedules-check MTA/NY State Parks for current service.

Tips for Visiting Sunken Meadow State Park

  • Walk the boardwalk at low tide for birdwatching and quiet views of the Sound.
  • Arrive for sunrise on weekdays to avoid weekend traffic to the park's limited parking areas.
  • Use the Randall Road entrance to avoid the long line of cars that forms near the main entrance on summer weekends.