Suffolk’s first non-native landowners, the Gardiner Family, owned the land now called Gardiner County Park. Once part of the Sagtikos Manor Estate, this nature preserve is now a 231-acre public park with lots of great things to do and see.
9 Poplar Activities to Enjoy at Gardiner County Park
1. Bird Watching 
This pristine nature reserve is the perfect place to go bird watching. You will see and hear many native species, including the lovely song of the meadowlark. You may catch a glimpse of more rare birds like the Nelson’s Sparrow. The park has numerous birdhouses along the trail to accommodate the bird population.
2. Dog Park
Don’t leave Fido at home; bring your pooch along to enjoy the beautiful park. The entire park is very dog-friendly and you can explore the trails and check out the beach with your dog (on-leash). There are three large, fully-fenced runs where you can let your dog frolic off-leash. There are plenty of garbage cans and poop bags to make it easy to clean up after your furry friend.
3. Hiking
You can get on the trail right from the parking lot and continue on around the conservation area. Keep your eyes sharp to catch sight of some of the small wildlife that calls the park home.
4. Beach Time
Follow Beach Road (which is actually a wide trail, not a road, so still safe for walking) to the Great South Bay. Enjoy the stretch of beach, the beautiful water, and all the wildlife in the area.
5. Cycling
Enjoy the many trails on your mountain bike and really explore the park. You can get a great ride in on the multiple routes that criss-cross over each other.
6. Fitness Trail
Follow the well-marked fitness trail and stop at the different exercise stations to get a workout while you explore the park. This is a perfect running trail as it is flat and clear.
7. Have a Picnic
There is a roofed picnic area that is dog-free as well as plenty of picnic tables out in the open that are dog-friendly. Bring along a lunch and enjoy a beautiful afternoon outside.
8. Let the Kids Play
The entrance to the park has a great children’s playground. Between walking the trails, running on the beach, and enjoying the playground, your kids are sure to be tired out on the way home.
9. Take in the Views
From the beach, you will have an outstanding view of the Robert Moses Causeway and Bridge. You also have a great view of Fire Island and the Fire Island Lighthouse.
This beautiful bit of nature preserve is a wonderful escape for everyone, including your dog. No fee for park entrance and free parking make it an inexpensive family activity. Load up your family and take the short drive out to Gardiner Park and escape the city. Talk to the friendly team at Atlantic Toyota to find the perfect vehicle to keep you and your family safe on all your adventures.
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