I grew up in Port Jefferson where Pirate’s Cove has become part of my childhood, adolescence and adulthood. My Dad and I would walk our 3 Australian Shepherds from the beginning of the beach near Danfords all the way out to Pirates Cove. We would walk and talk about science, nature, college, shells… where the dogs went. We would anchor the Dreamweaver, the family boat, at Pirate’s Cove where a slew of friends and family would jump off, swim to shore, and race to the top of the dunes.
As a senior in high school I finally allowed myself to quit the cross-country team after years of torment and guilt. After school, I would drive my old orange volvo station wagon, which I painted frogs on the back of, to the beach with my dogs and run on my own.
The walk to Pirate’s Cove is something in my life that has remained constant. I have grown up, changed, evolved, yet all the versions of myself I have brought to this place. It is a special place in the world to me.
Pirate’s Cove is now officially called McAllister Park. Parking used to be private in Belle Terre, the closest area to the cove, but now there are park spaces available to the public on Anchorage Road. The parking area only holds about 6 cars so in the nice weather it is hit and miss if you will actually find a spot. The Belle Terre police are always patrolling and love giving tickets so I would not advice parking along the street or down by the beach.
Parking at McAllister Park bypasses the walk (approximately 0.75 miles) from the town of Port Jefferson to the cove. Once you park you are at the entrance of the cove, at the North East corner of Port Jefferson Harbor. The cove is a result of a sand and gravel mining operation. The remains of the mining operation can be found throughout the park. McAllister is a 113 acre Suffolk County park. Following the dunes to the path along the inlet and back again can clock in 3 miles.
Walking up the dunes is a magical experience. It’s a strenuous walk to the top of the dune but once you begin to see what is on the other side it is breathtaking. At the top of the dune you can see water in all directions. The Long Island Sound ahead, the ferry traveling through the inlet, and the Port Jefferson Harbor behind. You can walk along the top of the dunes, run down the other side, sit and take it all in….meditate. It is absolutely beautiful.
Here are a few helpful items for your visit:
25 thoughts on “McAllister Park: Pirate’s Cove in Port Jefferson, NY”
This looks exactly like the kind of place I would love to visit and bring my dog along. Sooo beautiful! Thanks for the info! Putting it on my list! 😉
What a beautiful area. Looks so relaxing. I could see my self resting on the beach and reading a book.
I have always wanted to explore Long Island! Looks beautiful, thanks for sharing!
Isn’t it awesome that you grew up to this really awesome place! I would love to visit and see that view in person!
Ooooh! I’d love to go here and check out that view. Beautiful!
Great article! Very good pictures!
Looks like a beautiful place! I love it when there is something that you enjoy now but also brings back childhood memories.
This looks like a great place for a walk or swim! I love the blue ocean against the light sand.
Looks like a great time! I love anything near the water on LI
It looks absolutely beautiful!
what a gem! thank you for sharing a part of your childhood!
That IS a gorgeous view and well worth any hike! So wonderful that you’ve been able to keep this as part of your entire life! What a treasure!
I’ve never heard of this! What a fun place to explore. The cove is beautiful.
This looks absolutely beautiful! I love any place in nature that has a history. Thanks for sharing the tip about the police. 😉
Looks absolutely beautiful! Can you swim there, too?
I’ve driven by here so many times but never knew this existed. I’ll definitely add it to my list for places to visit
Love those dunes…I can see why this place is special to you!
I grew up on Long Island on the south shore so we always took our boat to Fire Island. I too love the beach and go as often as possible. We now live a 5 minutes walk to the beach. It’s awesome.
Pirates Cove Forever! I grew up in Poquott. The memories of Pirates Cove make my heart sing. It is exactly as you describe. My brother and I would climb to the top of the dunes and hurl our bodies off with great enthusiasm to the water below. And repeat!!! Love, Love, Love.
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