Hay Beach
Hay Beach is an area located on the northern tip of Shelter Island, with views toward Greenport, East Marion, Orient and Gardiners Island with five points to access its sandy beaches.
Where did Hay Beach get its name? During the Revolutionary War, trees were cut and picked up by ships to bring to points south to deliver to George Washington’s troops during winter months. After the Revolutionary War, tenant farmers paid their rent in hay, dropping it off on Hiberry Lane where ships picked the bales up to deliver to Landlords.
In the 1970’s Hay Beach was subdivided into minimum one acre lots inland and on the water and although many lots are cleared, the streets in Hay Beach have ample shading from the tall scrub oaks that grow naturally.
Gardiners Bay Country Club runs along the perimeter of Hay Beach and has a clubhouse with views toward the causeway leading to Ram Island.
One of the largest stretches of contiguous beach wraps from the causeway to Menhaden Lane with acres of preserved cedars, prickly pear cactus and a variety of seaside flora and fauna.
Menhaden Lane is the most popular access point to the beach with ample parking.
