Summer in the city is elite, but nothing beats sneaking away down Long Island to a little island paradise when the humidity spikes.
Right now, there is an unmissable reason to grab your beach towel and catch the next ferry out east.
The ultra-chic Sunset Beach Hotel is bringing the ultimate summer energy to Shelter Island by hosting one of the best end-of FIFA World Cup events of the whole tournament.
According to the area’s local outlet, The Shelter Island Reporter, the beloved hotel is setting up a massive, elevated projection screen right on the sand for a completely free World Cup Final watch party.
Here are all the details on how to get involved with this sandy finale! ⚽ 🏖️
The ultimate beachfront watch party
Whether you are a die-hard soccer fan or just in it for the immaculate vibes, this is the place to be on Sunday, July 19 from 3 to 6 pm.
Locals have been making noise all summer about wanting a massive town-sponsored celebration, according to the Shelter Island Reporter.
The team at Sunset Beach officially answered the call, and they are throwing a party for everyone.
The setup is exactly what summer dreams are made of.
Admission is totally free, and the hotel is even throwing in free parking in their lot. You can bring your own drinks right onto the sand to sip while you watch the game. Just make sure to leave any glass containers behind so everyone can stay barefoot and stress-free.
A slice of Saint-Tropez in New York
Even on a regular weekend, the Sunset Beach Hotel feels like a portal to the south of France.
It’s a gorgeously reimagined 1960s motel that brings pure European luxury to the edge of New York.
Think twenty retro rooms with private sundecks, pristine white decor, and bright pops of orange that look straight off an influencer’s feed.
The crown jewel of the property is the iconic treehouse restaurant.
Once the final whistle blows, you can head up to the open-air deck for fresh seafood, crisp rosés, and the absolute best views of the Peconic Bay.
It’s the ultimate spot to celebrate a win or just toast to a perfect day out of the city.
Why Crescent Beach is a summer must-visit
The watch party is taking over Crescent Beach, a gorgeous stretch of coastline known for its tranquil, crystal-clear water.
Tucked away on the north side of the island, this beach completely skips the aggressive waves of the Atlantic, making it perfect for floating, swimming, and lounging all afternoon.
Halftime is the perfect excuse to explore, as the shoreline is packed with rental spots for paddleboards and kayaks.
True to the name of the hotel, the sunsets here are legendary. Watching the sky turn vibrant shades of pink and gold over the water after an epic game is going to be the peak summer memory of 2026.
How to plan your getaway
Getting to this hidden gem is half the fun.
Shelter Island is completely surrounded by water, so you will need to take a quick, scenic boat ride to get there.
You can hop on the North Ferry from Greenport or take the South Ferry from Sag Harbor. Both options run on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to head out early to secure your spot on the sand.
- What: Free Beachfront World Cup Final Viewing
- Where: Crescent Beach at Sunset Beach Hotel, 35 Shore Road, Shelter Island
- When: Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.