From the pristine white sand beaches of the Atlantic Ocean to the rocky shores of the Long Island Sound, you can find a beach on our list that’s perfect for your needs. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for calm waters for little ones to splash around in or an exhilarating water activity to partake in, I have you covered. I lived in NYC for 10 years and when I wanted a perfect beach day without leaving New York, this is where I'd go. And trust me, once you’ve dipped your toes in the Atlantic here, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Best Beaches on Long Island:
1. Cedar Beach, Long Island
Rating: ★★★★★
Situated in the Long Island Sound in Mount Sinai, Cedar Beach is a fun, family-friendly place for you to enjoy the sun and sand. The beach has two areas: Cedar Main Beach and Cedar West Beach.
Additional features and amenities of the beach include a playground, walking trails, basketball courts, designated picnic areas, and several concessions stands.
Boaters and anglers will love the marina, boat launch ramps, and fishing pier which they could make use of.
Additional aspects such as restrooms and outdoor showers also make it easy to swim, sunbathe, and have a great day at the beach.
Though you’ll probably want to enjoy the outdoors and stay away from your smartphones or laptops, Cedar Beach does offer their patrons free wi-fi access as well.
Cost:
Free beach accessBest time to visit:
Summer months for the best beach experienceLocal tips:
Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks. There are several concession stands.Distance:
Easily accessible by car from Mount Sinai and nearby towns. Parking is available on-site.How to Get to Cedar Beach:
Reachable by car via Ocean Parkway. Follow signs to the beach parking areas.Romantic Beaches on Long Island:
2. Cupsogue Beach County Park
Cupsogue Beach is a part of a 296-acre barrier beach park which attracts visitors from all over for a relaxing day at the beach.
You’ll be able to swim in the refreshing Atlantic Ocean or sunbathe on the pristine white sand beach.
It’s perfectly kid-friendly and there’s a lifeguard supervising the area during designated rimes.
A feature of the beach which makes it stand out from others is the access it gives anglers to some of the finest saltwater bass fishing in the area.
Additional amenities to ensure you have a pleasant stay are restrooms, outdoor showers, changing rooms, a first aid center, a snack bar, and picnic benches at the Cupsogue Pavilion.
There are also a few remote campsites which allow for overnight, beachside camping during certain months.
Cost:
Free access to the beach; fees may apply for camping or concession services.Best time to visit:
Spring and fall are lovely for quieter visits.Local tips:
There is a snack bar available.Distance:
Easily accessible by car from Westhampton and surrounding areas. Ample parking available on-site.How to Get to Cupsogue Beach:
By car via Dune Road. Follow signs to Cupsogue Beach County Park parking areas.Address: Cupsogue Beach County Park, 906 Dune Road, Westhampton, NY 11978, Phone: 631-852-8111
3. Hither Hills State Park
Hither Hills State Park is home to several scenic picnic areas, playing fields, playgrounds, and campsites, but one of its best and most popular features is its sandy ocean beach.
You’ll be able enjoy swimming and sunbathing as well as several other water activities such as surfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddle boarding.
The proximity to the ocean gives anglers year-round access to go fishing anytime they like; there are special permits issued for night fishing as well.
The surrounding park is filled with gorgeous woodlands and allows for hiking, biking, picnicking, and birdwatching; there are designated areas for cross-country skiing, camping, and hunting as well.
Cost:
Entrance to the park is free. Fees apply for camping or certain activities.Best time to visit:
Summer for beach activitiesLocal tips:
Pack water, snacks, and sunscreen for your visit, especially if you plan to hike or enjoy the beach for a long time.Distance:
The park is located at the end of Old Montauk Highway, easily accessible by car from Montauk.How to Get to Hither Hills State Park:
Accessible by car from Montauk; follow Old Montauk Highway to reach the park's entrance.4. Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach State Park has become a renowned site across the nation and welcomes over six million visitors to the park each year.
The park houses a 6.5-mile stretch of white-sand beach directly on the Atlantic Ocean, giving residents and visitors a wonderful place to enjoy the warm, sunny weather during the summer months.
There is so much you can see and do at the beach and the surrounding area. There is swimming in the ocean, sunbathing, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and more. I enjoyed strolling along the boardwalk and learning about the surrounding marine environment at the Jones Beach Nature Center.
Cost:
Free entry to the park; fees may apply for parking.Distance:
Accessible by car from Wantagh and surrounding areas, with ample parking at various beach entrances.How to Get to Jones Beach State Park:
Reachable by car via Ocean Parkway, with multiple parking lots and beach entrances.Address: Jones Beach State Park, 2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793, Phone: 516-785-1600
Family Beaches on Long Island:
5. Long Beach Boardwalk
The Long Beach Boardwalk encompasses all the features, facilities, and charm of a seaside gem that you would expect. From the minute you get there, you’ll feel the laid-back ocean vibe, see the smiles of the friendly beachgoers, and know that it’s the perfect place to make a summer memory with friends and family.
The 2.2-mile-long boardwalk offers picturesque views of the golden sand and azure water.
It is filled with boardwalk-style activities, concession stands, restaurants, souvenir shops, rental places, and more.
There’re often events held there during the weekends such as fairs, festivals, performances, and more.
You can rent a bike and cruise the boardwalk, enjoy drinks at the outdoor dining spaces, and go home with fun souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Distance:
The boardwalk spans 2.2 miles along the coastline. Walk e or bike from any point along Long Beach.How to Get to the Long Beach Boardwalk:
Reachable by car or public transportation.6. Main Beach, East Hampton
Main Beach in East Hampton is one of the exclusive, more private beaches in Long Island. Due to its lack of a boardwalk and other popular beachside amenities, it’s often less crowded than the other places on our list - but that makes it perfect for people who want a more secluded beach experience. The lovely beach has a pristine shoreline and does include features and amenities such as lifeguards, restrooms, showers, a beach pavilion, and a heavily-stocked snack bar. Though it is busiest in the summer, Main Beach should be experienced during the other seasons as well as its serenity and the views it offers are incomparable.
Distance:
Located in East HamptonHow to Get to Main Beach:
Main Beach is accessible by car from East Hampton and surrounding areas, with parking available nearby.Address: Main Beach, 104 Ocean Avenue, East Hampton, NY 11937
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
7. Nickerson Beach Park
When you head to Long Island’s South Shore, I highly recommend spending the day at Nickerson Beach Park. You’ll find it right along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s absolutely packed with ways to unwind and play.
I know the beach itself may only stretch about half a mile, but once you set foot in the surrounding 155-acre park, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a full-on coastal playground.
You can start by swimming or sunbathing along the sandy shore.
I always tell friends to check out the two awesome ‘Fun Zones’ if they’re visiting with kids. You’ll get access to a full swimming pool, a kiddie pool, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, a baseball diamond, and even a skate park.
And when it’s time to relax, you can take advantage of the cabanas, picnic spots, and barbecue areas that are scattered throughout the park. If you’re up for it, you can even spend the night at one of the on-site campgrounds.
Distance:
The park is located in Lido Beach, easily accessible by car from surrounding Long Island towns.How to Get to Nickerson Beach Park:
Accessible by car via Lido Boulevard. Ample parking is available at the beach and park.Address: Nickerson Beach Park, 880 Lido Boulevard, Lido Beach, NY 11561, Phone: 516-571-7700
8. Ocean Beach, Long Island
Renowned as one of the most tranquil beaches on Fire Island, Ocean Beach is often said to have an atmosphere similar to a paradise resort - without the paradise resort price tag.
The beach is extremely peaceful, and you’ll be able to take in the sounds of the ocean waves, chirping birds, and friendly people that are there.
This calm demeanor is mostly due to the fact that no cars are allowed on the 32-mile-long barrier island; to get there from Long Island, you’ll have to take a half an hour long ferry ride across the Great South Bay.
Water activities you can partake in include swimming, windsurfing, jet skiing, boating, and fishing.
After a day on the sandy beach, take a stroll on the boardwalk promenade. Stick around to photograph the sunset view, or buy some beachside souvenirs on Main Street.
Distance:
The beach is accessible by a half-hour ferry ride from Long Island's mainland, with the ferry terminal located in Bay Shore.How to Get to Ocean Beach:
Take a ferry from Bay Shore, Long Island, to the island. There are no cars on the island, so walking or biking are the best options for getting around.9. Robert Moses State Park
Boasting a shoreline of nearly five miles, Robert Moses State Park is an ocean beachfront facility which attracts nearly four million visitors every year.
Rightly so, as visitors love the spacious expanse of azure waters and golden sands. You are welcome to swim, surf, surf-fish, or boogie-board at any of the four fields.
Features include on-duty fishing piers, lifeguards, first aid offices, comfort stations, restrooms, private outdoor showers, complimentary WiFi access, designated picnic areas, beach shops, and concession stands.
Furthermore, the park also has an expansive beach volleyball court and an 18-hole Pitch & Putt golf course. Have a more unique beachside experience by obtaining a star gazing permit and staying at Robert Moses State Park well into the night.
Distance:
Robert Moses State Park is located on the South Shore of Long Island, easily accessible by car from Babylon and surrounding areas.How to Get to Robert Moses State Park:
The park is accessible via the Robert Moses State Parkway. Parking is available, and public transportation options are limited.Address: Robert Moses State Park, 600 Robert Moses State Parkway, Babylon, NY 11702, Phone: 631-669-0449
Best Time to Visit Beaches on Long Island
- June to August – Peak season with warm weather, perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
- July & August – Busiest time with lively boardwalks, beach events, and ideal ocean temps.
- May & September – Pleasant and less crowded, great for relaxed beach visits and coastal drives.
- October to April – Off-season with cooler temps, better for peaceful walks and ocean views.
- Late June – A perfect window for summer weather before peak crowds arrive.
Map:
Plan Your Trip