West Gilgo Beach, New York
Nestled between Tobay Beach and Gilgo Beach, West Gilgo Beach is a private oceanfront community located along Ocean Parkway on Jones Beach Island in the Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York.
This small seaside neighborhood represents one of Long Island’s most distinctive and tightly knit beach enclaves, a tranquil stretch of coastal homes bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the Great South Bay to the north.
Shielded by dunes and accessible only through a gated entrance, West Gilgo embodies the charm and simplicity of old Long Island beach life – where residents live steps from the ocean, enjoy boating on the bay, and gather as a close community every summer season.
Location & Access
West Gilgo Beach lies on the western end of Jones Beach Island, within the Town of Babylon’s Barrier Beaches District, directly east of the Nassau County line.
It can be reached via Ocean Parkway, which connects to the Wantagh Parkway to the west and the Robert Moses Causeway to the east.
The community’s private gate limits general access to residents and their guests, maintaining an exclusive, quiet environment amid the busier public beaches nearby. The closest public beach access is at Gilgo Beach, just a few minutes east, which offers parking, surfing, and lifeguard-supervised swimming areas.
History
The origins of West Gilgo Beach trace back to the early 20th century, when barrier island lands were first leased for recreational cottages and fishing shacks. After Ocean Parkway was constructed in the 1930s as part of Robert Moses’ Long Island parkway system, the area became more accessible, and seasonal beach colonies flourished.
West Gilgo developed as a private leasehold community, similar to neighboring Oak Beach, Gilgo Beach, and Oak Island. Residents own their homes but lease the land from the Town of Babylon under long-term agreements. This arrangement has helped preserve the community’s low-density footprint and natural setting, preventing overdevelopment.
Despite exposure to the elements and periodic damage from major coastal storms – including Hurricane Sandy in 2012 – West Gilgo has maintained its identity as a resilient, close-knit community dedicated to environmental stewardship and coastal preservation
Community & Lifestyle
West Gilgo Beach is characterized by modest, elevated cottages and modernized beachfront homes situated between the ocean and the bay. The community’s quiet streets and dune walkways encourage walking, cycling, and golf-cart transportation rather than heavy traffic.
Because of its limited access, West Gilgo feels almost like a private island neighborhood, yet it’s only a short drive from the mainland. Residents share a community clubhouse, a small marina, and direct beach access – fostering a laid-back, neighborly atmosphere rooted in generations of family traditions.
The West Gilgo Beach Association, managed by residents, oversees community maintenance, dune care, and recreational activities, ensuring the area retains its unique seaside character.
Recreation & Natural Setting
The natural environment surrounding West Gilgo is quintessential Long Island coastline – wide ocean beaches, grass-topped dunes, and calm bay waters.
Popular activities include:
- Surfing & swimming on the Atlantic side (residents-only access).
- Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the Great South Bay.
- Fishing & crabbing along the docks and tidal flats.
- Birdwatching in nearby wetlands, frequented by ospreys and herons.
- Biking or walking along Ocean Parkway’s scenic paths and coastal trails.
The area’s proximity to Jones Beach State Park, Gilgo Beach, and Captree State Park also provides easy access to public recreation, marinas, and nature preserves.
Key Facts & Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Jones Beach Island, Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, NY |
| Access Route | Ocean Parkway (west of Gilgo Beach, east of Tobay Beach) |
| Community Type | Private gated residential beach colony |
| Land Ownership | Homes privately owned; land leased from the Town of Babylon |
| Nearby Beaches | Gilgo Beach, Oak Beach, Jones Beach, Captree |
| Water Bodies | Atlantic Ocean (south), Great South Bay (north) |
| Notable Features | Private marina, community clubhouse, gated access |
| ZIP Code | 11702 (Babylon) |
| Managed By | West Gilgo Beach Association |
| Known For | Exclusive beachfront living, quiet atmosphere, boating lifestyle |
Environmental Significance
Like much of Long Island’s South Shore, West Gilgo plays a crucial role in protecting the mainland from ocean storms and erosion. The community’s dunes, wetlands, and barrier geography act as natural buffers against tidal surges and coastal flooding.
Residents and the Town of Babylon work closely with state and federal coastal programs to manage dune grass restoration, bay water quality, and shoreline resilience. The community’s small scale and careful stewardship help preserve the fragile ecosystem that defines Long Island’s barrier island chain.
Visiting West Gilgo Beach
Because West Gilgo Beach is a private, residential area, public access is restricted to residents and invited guests. However, visitors can enjoy nearby Gilgo Beach and Jones Beach State Park, which provide expansive public oceanfront areas, surfing spots, and lifeguarded swimming.
For those driving along Ocean Parkway, West Gilgo’s scenic layout – its homes nestled between dunes and the ocean – offers a glimpse into a rarer side of Long Island life: a peaceful community suspended between sea and sky.
West Gilgo Beach captures the essence of Long Island’s South Shore – a place where coastal living, natural beauty, and heritage meet. Though small in size, it stands as a testament to the island’s long tradition of seaside resilience, where families have weathered storms, tides, and change for generations while holding onto the timeless rhythms of the Atlantic.
