10 Best Public Beaches on Long Island

10 Best Public Beaches on Long Island

Here’s What We are Covering

• A Guide to the Top 10 Best Public Beaches on Long Island

• • Top 10 Best Public Beaches on Long Island
     • Jones Beach State Park
     • Robert Moses State Park
     • Sunken Meadow State Park
     • Heckscher State Park
     • Wildwood State Park
     • Orient Beach State Park
     • Hither Hills State Park
     • Cupsogue Beach County Park
     • Smith Point County Park
     • Sailors Haven, Fire Island

• Why Long Island Beaches Are a Must-Visit
  

• Wrapping Up
  

• FAQs

A Guide to the Top 10 Best Public Beaches on Long Island

Summer’s almost here! Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach. Long Island is home to over 400 miles of coastline, so there’s no shortage of places to unwind by the water, whether it’s the Atlantic Ocean, the Great South Bay or the Long Island Sound. 

And the best part is a day at the beach doesn’t have to break the bank. You and your family can have a day at the beach at one of these 10 public beaches on Long Island, for just the cost of an in-season vehicle fee. 

Here are 10 of the best public beaches on Long Island for you and your family to check out this summer. 

Psst… Check out carnivals, festivals and parades happening on Long Island in June!

Too Long, Didn’t Read:

1. Spending a day at Long Island beaches is a great way for families to enjoy summer. Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow, and Wildwood State Park offer plenty of sand and water fun.
2. Most public beaches on Long Island offer soft sand, calm spaces, and safe swimming areas that feel comfortable for young children.
3. Families can enjoy simple activities at these beaches, including boardwalk walks, nature trails, playground fun, and quiet picnic meals.
4. Public beaches across Long Island provide clean restrooms, changing areas, and lifeguards, which helps parents feel relaxed and supported.
5. Each beach has its own special view, whether it is the ocean, the bay, or the Long Island Sound, giving families something new to discover.
6. A day at these public beaches is budget-friendly because most places only require a small in-season parking fee.

Jones Beach State Park: Popular Beach with Ocean Views in NY

2400 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793

Over 8 million visitors visit the world-famous beach every year, and your family can be among them! Jones Beach State Park features a design inspired by an ocean liner and offers enough activities for a day full of summer fun. When you’re not swimming in the ocean or relaxing on the beach, you can stroll the boardwalk, play a round of mini golf or face off in a game of pickleball. 

Robert Moses State Park: Best Beach in NY for Surfing and Picnics

600 Robert Moses State Pkway, Babylon, NY 11702

Travel to the western-most point on Fire Island to relax on Robert Moses State Park’s five miles of shoreline. Spend a day in the water boogie boarding at one of the park’s four lifeguard-staffed fields. Take part in surfing or surf-fishing, some of the most popular activities enjoyed by beachgoers. After your day on the beach, enjoy a family picnic at one of the park’s scenic picnic areas, complete with park grills and tables. 

Sunken Meadow State Park: Scenic Beach in NY Offering Water Sports Activities

Rte. 25A and Sunken Meadow Pkwy, Kings Park, NY 11754

You can catch a stunning view of Connecticut across the Long Island Sound from the shores of Sunken Meadow State Park. This beach offers a good spot for family swimming in the Sound. Head to the eastern portion of the park to find launch spots for windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing. 

Heckscher State Park: Relaxing Beach in NY with Picnic Areas and Cottages

1 Heckscher State Park, East Islip, NY 11730

There’s no limit to the outdoor fun you can have at Heckscher State Park. Find a shady spot for a family picnic. Catch a glimpse of beautiful views of Fire Island across the Great South Bay and spot local wildlife. The State Park also boasts new cottages, which can accommodate up to six people, which is perfect if you’re looking for a quick getaway with the family. 

Wildwood State Park: Peaceful Beach with Forest and Scenic Views in NY

790 Hulse Landing Rd, Wading River, NY 11792

Wildwood State Park is one of the most relaxing beaches on Long Island, where you can enjoy forest trails, gentle waves, and endless scenic views. Explore 600 acres of undeveloped forest finishing at a gorgeous view overlooking the Long Island Sound. Take a deep into the Sound’s cool waters, or relax at a shading picnic table if swimming’s not your speed. There’s even a playground for children to enjoy. 

Orient Beach State Park: Family-Friendly Beach in NY with A Playground

40000 Main Rd (Route 25), Orient, NY 11957

There’s something for everyone at Orient Beach State Park. Kids will love the playground situated right on the sand. Nature lovers will have a great time searching for local wildlife, like horseshoe crabs and various species of seabirds (the park is recognized as an Audubon Important Bird Area). Parents will love the beach’s tranquil setting, making it a great spot for a summer unwind. It’s also a United States Light House Society Passport Stamp Location! Get your Lighthouse Passport stamped this summer. 

Hither Hills State Park: Best Beach in NY Featuring Trails

164 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

Hither Hills State Park is truly one of the best Long Island beaches, offering not just a beautiful beach but also peaceful trails and picnic areas for the whole family. Stop here not only for a beach that borders on the ocean, but scenic picnic areas, fireplaces, playing fields and a playground as well. Take a walk through nature on the park’s bridle paths and hiking trails. 

Cupsogue Beach County Park: Beach with Supervised Swimming Facility in NY

975 Dune Rd, Westhampton, NY 11978

Renowned as one of the best beaches on Long Island, Cupsogue Beach County Park is where you can enjoy safe swimming with lifeguards and relaxing sunshine all day. Take a lifeguard-supervised swim and sunbathe at this 296 acre barrier beach. The county park also offers amenities like a concession stand, restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. 

Smith Point County Park: Beach in NY with Great Views

1 William Floyd Pkwy, Shirley, NY 11967

For sporty families looking for a spot on Long Island to catch some waves, Smith Point is worth checking out. It’s a go-to spot for surfers and casual beach enjoyers alike. Dip into the Atlantic Ocean and keep an eye out for endangered shore birds that call the ocean and bay beach home. 

Sailors Haven, Fire Island: Beach in NY with Access to Sunken Forest

Fire Island, NY 11770

With no residential living, Sailors Haven is the ultimate day trip destination. Gain access to the Sunken Forest, one of the best known areas of Fire Island National Seashore. Relax on the lifeguarded public beach, grab food at the snack bar, wander the nature museum or take a guided ranger tour.

Why Long Island Beaches are a Must-Visit?

Long Island beaches are wonderful places where families can spend the whole day together, enjoying the sun, sand, and water. Kids can run, dig in the sand, and splash in the waves, while parents can relax and watch them have fun. Each beach feels a little different, with ocean waves, quiet bays, and fun spots to discover. 

Most beaches have lifeguards to keep everyone safe while swimming and playing, so parents can feel at ease while kids enjoy themselves. Long Island also has many easy and affordable beaches, making it simple for families to spend a full day outdoors together. Below are some of the main reasons why Long Island beaches are a must-visit.

• Wide Open Spaces for Safe Play: Beaches like Jones Beach, Robert Moses, and Sunken Meadow give kids lots of space to run, dig in the sand, and explore safely. The soft sand and open shorelines let children play freely without feeling crowded.

• Peaceful Spots for Family Relaxing: At Wildwood State Park and Sunken Meadow, families can find quiet areas to sit together, enjoy the warm sun, and take a calm break from busy days. The gentle waves and fresh air make every visit soothing.

• Simple Activities That Everyone Can Enjoy: Jones Beach and Robert Moses have fun boardwalks, playgrounds, and walking paths. Kids and parents can enjoy easy activities like exploring nature trails or playing simple games together.

• Safe Swimming With Lifeguards: Most beaches, including Robert Moses, Jones Beach, and Sunken Meadow, have lifeguards watching the water. This helps families feel safe while kids splash and swim, so parents can relax.

• Nice Picnic Areas for Family Meals: Beaches like Wildwood State Park and Sunken Meadow have picnic tables, shady spots, and clean areas where families can enjoy lunch or snacks together. It makes a long summer day feel easy and comfortable.

• Different Beach Views to Discover: Jones Beach, Robert Moses, and Wildwood State Park each have a different view. Some face the ocean, some the bay, and some the Long Island Sound, so families can discover new sights and adventures every visit.

• Easy and Budget-Friendly Day Trips: Public beaches such as Jones Beach and Robert Moses have low entry or parking fees. Families can enjoy a full day outdoors without spending a lot of money.

Wrapping Up

With wide sandy shores, calm spots to relax, and plenty of fun activities, Long Island public beaches are perfect for families who want a happy and easy summer day. Every beach offers something special, whether it is soft sand for playing, safe water for swimming, or peaceful spots for resting together. Kids can explore new views, and parents can enjoy a calm and refreshing break from busy days. With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, every family can find a spot that feels just right for them.

FAQs 

What is the nicest beach on Long Island?
Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow, and Wildwood State Park are all popular Long Island beaches. Jones Beach is known for its boardwalk, Robert Moses has calm areas for families, Sunken Meadow offers wide open spaces, and Wildwood State Park has quiet spots and nature areas.

Where is Long Beach Island located?
Long Beach Island is off the southern coast of Long Island in New York. It is near Jones Beach and Robert Moses and is part of the same region that is easy for families to visit for a day by the water.

Is Long Island a part of NYC?
Long Island includes parts of New York City, but most areas including Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow, and Wildwood State Park, are outside the city limits. These beaches are in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Why is Long Island famous?
Long Island is famous for its wide sandy beaches, calm bays, and fun outdoor spaces. Beaches like Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow, and Wildwood State Park attract families for swimming, playing, and enjoying summer days by the water.