Having moved to NYC 20+ years ago, eventually one gorgeous morning of September 2017 with blue sky and no clouds I went very early by car to Sayville, parked in the almost empty parking lot of the Ferry dock, and made the lovely transfer to the Pines in an almost empty ferry. I had breakfast at the dock, walked a little bit in the "village" then walked to the beach, chose a very quiet spot, put my beach chair by the ocean, spent a few hours taking the sun, swimming and chatting with a couple of people, and eventually went back to the Dock, Sayville and Brooklyn.
I have passed by at least 25 years the time when I could have enjoyed the gay scene and the Meatrack, and having become with age a bit allergic to crowds I really enjoyed the beauty and quietness of the place, the ferry ride, the beach.
I went another 3 times since, choosing a beautiful day during the week, arriving early morning and coming back in the afternoon.