Everything you need to know about the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge in Sag Harbor, NY.

The east end of Long Island is a very popular tourist destination.  Between the Hamptons and Montauk, the South Fork of Long Island is bustling with crowds all Summer long.  Luckily for you, I've been here my whole life and can tell you how to avoid those really obnoxious crowds.

Today we are going to talk about a hidden gem that's nestled in the coast of the east end of Long Island.  This place is a quiet refuge often frequented by locals and overlooked by tourists.  It's called the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge (link) and is located in in Sag Harbor, NY.

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Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge in Sag Harbor, NY

The Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge (link) is located on the famous east end of Long Island and on the south fork, in Sag Harbor, NY.  While Sag Harbor can get touristy, this park is nestled in a hamlet a few minutes away from downtown making it practically unknown.

Why should you visit the Elizabeth A. Morton Wildlife Refuge?

I'm so glad you asked!

1.  This park is home to Jessup's Neck.  This peninsula separates two bays making for a kid friendly and beautiful beach.  Skip the crowds at the public beaches and enjoy the serenity at Elizabeth A Morton National Wildlife Refuge instead.  Please note, there are no lifeguards at this beach.

2.  Their easy hiking trails cross through all different types of environments.  They go through woods, salt marshes, sand, grasslands, and even around a pond and to the ocean.

3.  Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge is most known for it's birds.  I don't mean bird watching although the birding there is fabulous.  I'm talking about the locals that go there with bird seed in tow and spend the afternoon hand feeding the wild birds.  The kids love it and so do the birds.

4.  You can pack a picnic!  There are plenty of picnic tables at the entrance of the park.

5.  Spend the afternoon fishing.  All you need is your gear and a free NYS salt water fishing license.  Striped bass, weakfish, and flounder are all fish that are commonly caught here.

6.  This wildlife refuge has many opportunities for visitors to snap beautiful landscape and wildlife photos.  Typically traveling and photography go hand in hand, so bring your camera!

If you want to learn how to easily monetize those travel photos visit my stock photography page for all you need to know (link).

What else would visitors need to know about the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge?

1.  Although small, there is a parking fee.  It's $4 for the day or $12 for an annual pass.

2.  They DO NOT sell bird seed onsite.  Be prepared with your own bird seed like this one (link).

3.  There are restrooms onsite, but only at the very entrance to the park.

4.  Sag Harbor is a beautiful boating community with some of the best seafood.  Before you go, do some research and end your day with a delicious meal at a casual, outdoor, waterfront dining spot!

-R&W

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