Growing up in New York, one had to be careful when picking beaches to go to: In my day, finding medical waste, such as syringes, floating in the waters of Coney Island beach wasn't too far-fetched. But a lot has changed since then, and apparently (according to New York's water quality numbers), Coney Island Beach has improved drastically from its needle poking days.

So when some friends and I decided to go to the beach, we could only think of one beach to go to...Robert Moses State Park Beach.

Yeah, so I'm still traumatized. Robert Moses (whom as a person himself was a pretty awful, racist guy) has, nevertheless, a pretty awesome beach named in his name. Located on the western end of Fire Island, Long Island, there's lots of sand (5 miles worth) and big waves. Also, what I've always loved about this beach are the snacks they sell (i.e. french fries in a cup). Always have food on the brain...

Anyway, to good times at the beach!