Tiana, Cupsogue, Coopers Beaches Among Top 10 In NY State

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Tiana Beach, a longtime local gem, was just given the nod as one of the best beaches in New York State — as were Coopers Beach and Cupsogue.

USA Today named Tiana Beach #4 on a list of the state’s Top 10 beaches. It was listed ahead of Coopers Beach in Southampton Village, a perennial among Top 10 on the annual Dr. Beach best beach list — this year, Coopers Beach was ranked #8. Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton came in at #6.

Seven Long Island beaches altogether were recently named among USA Today's 10 Best New York Beaches.

Dr. Beach, aka as Dr. Stephen Leatherman, teamed up with 10 editors and local experts to develop the list of New York’s best beaches.

“This recognition confirms what we already know — that our beaches are among the finest in the state. Indeed, I believe they are some of the best beaches in the world,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman.

The Town of Southampton Parks Department maintains Tiana Beach's pristine beauty.

“Last year the town purchased machinery to regularly rake and clean the sand for a more enjoyable beach experience,” said Southampton Town Parks Director Kristen Doulos.

In its article, USA Today says of Tiana Beach: “Typically less crowded than nearby Ponquogue, Tiana Beach offers both bayside and oceanside barrier beaches complete with amenities like lifeguards, showers, concession stands, picnic tables and beach volleyball courts.”

Tiana Beach sits in the middle of an area along Dune Road that is being transformed into a recreational and educational destination for marine activities, town officials said.

Last summer, the town partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension to create a marine education and stewardship center at the Tiana Bayside Recreational Facility.

An array of activities offered by the town and Cornell including, sailing, swimming, windsurfing, oyster gardening and marine, art and science programming. To the west of the bayside facility, participants can enjoy dance and acting camps at the Tiana Beach Activity Center.

Next door, the historic Tiana Lifesaving Station is currently undergoing a major restoration effort and will soon be open to the public, town officials said. Last year, the town resurfaced that portion of Dune Road to address flooding problems.

To the east of Tiana Beach, the town is currently building a fishing pier at the old Ponquogue Bridge, Schneiderman said. This fall, after working with the community on their suggestions, a major renovation begins for the Ponquogue Beach Pavilion. Upgrades will include new siding, roofing, cupolas and an expanded deck and seating as well as improvements to the parking lot.

USA Today also gave a nod to Coopers Beach, noting its 296 acres of barrier island, lifeguarded Atlantic swimming, saltwater bass fishing, showers, restrooms, changing rooms and snack bar.

And, of regular favorite pick Coopers Beach, USA Today said the beauty features a "wide swath of grainy white sand backed by sand dunes and stately mansions."

Check out the full list by USA Today below:

1. Fire Island National Seashore in Patchogue
2. Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh
3. Robert Moses State Park in Babylon
4. Tiana Beach in Hampton Bays
5. Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk in Brooklyn
6. Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton Beach
7. Million Dollar Beach (Lake George Beach) at Lake George
8. Coopers Beach in Southampton
9. Hither Hills State Park in Montauk
10. Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville

Patch file photo.