Wades Beach is the island’s family beach. It is one of the island’s two guarded beaches: broad sand on the south side along Shelter Island Sound, a shallow, gently sloping swim area, a comfort station and an ADA-accessible open-air pavilion.
That makes it the place to start with small children. The Sound is protected from the open ocean, so waves are modest and the water is shallow near shore, though it still has tides and boat traffic. Keep children inside the lifeguards’ swimming zone. The calm water guide puts Wades next to the best bay beaches on the fork, and the Shelter Island itinerary shows how to pair it with the ferry.
Shelter Island’s beach parking permits are required from May 15 to September 15 and sold at the Town Clerk’s Office. Details are on Hamptons Beach Pass.
