Cornell Co-Operative Extension Marine Center

The Cornell Co-Operative Extension Marine Center focuses on the beaches and waterways of Long Island, with a mission to protect the local water quality, plant life, and marine wildlife. The staff of researchers and educators work on various projects to increase local species populations, provide resources to the public, and introduce children to marine conservation through free events. 

Visitors primarily show up at the beach in front of the Cornell Extension because of it's abundance of resources, programming, and events, but the beach itself is woofderful for those seeking sun and sand away from the crowds, as the beach is somewhat secluded from other houses and businesses. The beach and Center are located in the northern area of Cedar Beach County Park, and the park’s main entrance may be your best bet for accessing the beach and ocean along both areas if you are arriving when the Center is not hosting a public event. However, the Center does have ample parking, and public buildings are closed on weekends, which may make for an opportune time to visit if you’re visiting the beach alone. Access for the beach in front of the Cornell Extension is at the end of Cedar Beach Road where a gate is open from dawn to dusk.

Here, you can find a boat launch, a few parking spots, and a 2,800 foot stretch of pawsome shoreline. The sand isn't very fine, and is comprised of a lot of gravel, pebbles and shells, so its pawfect for shell hunters, just be careful of those paws. Along with the beach, there is also a nearby estuary, which is home to migrating birds throughout the late summer, as well as a heavy dragonfly and damselfly population.

This quiet public beach is dog-friendly, so long as your dog is well-behaved and not a nuisance to other visitors and wildlife. Keep your pup leashed on a lead no longer than six feet. Be sure to bring drinking water and a bowl, and clean-up bags, and always stoop and scoop anywhere in Cedar Beach County Park.

For a quieter beach experience with your sun and sand pup, head to the beach at the Cornell Co-Operative Extension Marine Center!