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!

Jones Beach State Park

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

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

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

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

790 Hulse Landing Rd, Wading River, NY 11792

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

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

164 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

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

975 Dune Rd, Westhampton, NY 11978

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

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

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.

Elf the Musical

They'll sing loud for all to hear. You can bring the Christmas cheer. Start decking the halls, people &ndash; it's Elf The Musical! After a decade away, the beloved holiday classic is back on Broadway for a strictly limited run. Whether you&rsquo;re searching for the perfect stocking stuffer or a festive outing for the whole family, this family-friendly show is packed with joy, laughter, and snow-covered magic. A musical comedy adaptation of the hit 2003 film, Elf The Musical follows Buddy the orphan who, after being raised by elves at the North Pole, embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and help the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Academy Award&reg; nominee Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings") is Santa Claus alongside Tony Award&reg; nominee Grey Henson as Buddy, Drama Desk Award nominee Ashley Brown as Emily, and rising star Kayla Davion as Jovie. Plus, keep an eye out for social media celebrity Kalen Allen &ndash; known for his appearances on "The Ellen Show" &ndash; as the hilarious store manager. Called &ldquo;a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show&rdquo; (Time Out), this holly-jolly hit is one you won't want to miss. Through January 4 only!

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels. At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments. Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come. Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest. Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals&mdash;all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!

10 Best Public Beaches on Long Island