Best Beaches on Long Island

Whether you're looking for a bustling beach day with food and entertainment or a quiet escape surrounded by natural beauty, Long Island's beaches deliver. With options on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Long Island Sound, locals and visitors alike are never far from the perfect beach day.
Whether you’re looking for a bustling beach day with food and entertainment or a quiet escape surrounded by natural beauty, Long Island’s beaches deliver. With options on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Long Island Sound, locals and visitors alike are never far from the perfect beach day. File photo: cnicolestudio, licensed.

Long Island is famous for its miles of pristine shoreline, drawing millions of visitors each year to its world-class beaches. Just a short trip from New York City, the island offers a coastline that stretches from the lively boardwalks of Jones Beach and Long Beach to the peaceful dunes of the Hamptons and the unspoiled beauty of Montauk. Each beach has its own personality – some are perfect for families with lifeguards and picnic areas, others attract surfers chasing the waves, and still others provide quiet retreats for those who simply want to relax by the water’s edge.

From sunrise walks along Fire Island to sunset views over the Long Island Sound, these beaches offer something for every type of beachgoer. Whether you’re planning a quick summer escape, a weekend getaway, or a full vacation, Long Island’s beaches deliver the perfect mix of recreation, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Jones Beach State Park (Wantagh, Nassau County)

Jones Beach
Taken from the center of the Ocean Parkway, which stretches straight toward the tower. The tall brick structure, built in the 1930s in Art Deco style, rises prominently against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the horizon glowing with a soft, golden sunset. The roads are nearly empty, emphasizing the tower’s striking presence as a landmark and gateway to Jones Beach State Park. On either side of the roadway, low brush and coastal vegetation line the landscape, while directional road signs guide visitors heading toward the park and surrounding beaches. File photo: James Parascandola, licensed.

One of the most famous beaches in the United States, Jones Beach offers over six miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Highlights: Iconic boardwalk, swimming, concerts at Northwell Health Theater
  • Amenities: Food vendors, bathrooms, playgrounds, mini golf
  • Good for: Families, events, beachgoers looking for a lively scene

Robert Moses State Park (Babylon, Suffolk County)

Robert Moses State Park
A white wooden lifeguard boat labeled “ROBERT MOSES” and “FIELD 5” rests on the sandy shore, its hull showing signs of use with sand and water marks. To the right, a lifeguard stand sits elevated on a sand dune, displaying a bright red rescue board and a sign that reads “KEEP OFF – LIFEGUARDS ONLY.” At the top of the stand, an American flag flutters in the ocean breeze against a cloudy sky. File photo: James Kirkikis, ShutterStock.com, licensed.

Located on the western end of Fire Island, Robert Moses offers clean, uncrowded beaches and beautiful views.

  • Highlights: Surf fishing, Fire Island Lighthouse nearby
  • Amenities: Ample parking, snack bars, restrooms
  • Good for: Relaxing beach days, fishing, nature lovers

Long Beach (City of Long Beach, Nassau County)

File photo: STUDIO MELANGE, licensed.
The sandy shoreline stretches into the distance, dotted with umbrellas, sunbathers, and beachgoers enjoying the ocean. Volleyball nets are set up along the sand, adding to the recreational feel of the scene. To the right, the iconic Long Beach Boardwalk runs parallel to the beach, lined with benches where people relax, chat, and take in the view. A bright blue umbrella provides shade for one group, while another person checks their phone with beach bags at their side. File photo: STUDIO MELANGE, licensed.

This walkable beach city combines a vibrant downtown with a pristine beach and a popular boardwalk.

  • Highlights: Surfing, beach volleyball, nightlife
  • Amenities: Shops, restaurants, train station within walking distance
  • Good for: Young adults, day-trippers from NYC

Coopers Beach (Southampton, Suffolk County)

Coopers Beach (Southampton)
A wooden sand fence runs diagonally across the frame, designed to help preserve the dunes and protect against erosion. Behind it, golden sand dunes rise gently, dotted with tufts of beach grass and small patches of coastal vegetation. Beyond the dunes, a row of elegant Hamptons-style beach houses with gray shingle siding and large windows overlooks the shoreline, reflecting the upscale charm of the area. File photo: James Kirkikis, licensed.

Ranked among the top beaches in the U.S., Coopers Beach features wide stretches of white sand and views of stately Hamptons homes.

  • Highlights: High-end charm, scenic dunes
  • Amenities: Umbrella/chair rentals, restrooms, snack bar
  • Good for: Luxury beach experience, couples, tourists

Cupsogue Beach County Park (Westhampton Beach, Suffolk County)

File photo: Jessica Kolarik, licensed.
Gentle waves roll onto the sandy shore, their white foam glistening in the sunlight. The ocean stretches endlessly toward the horizon, where the shimmering water meets a sky filled with wispy clouds and streaks of soft blue. The light reflections on the surface of the sea create a calming, almost silvery glow, highlighting the serene and unspoiled beauty of this beach. File photo: Jessica Kolarik, licensed.

This barrier beach on the eastern end of Dune Road is known for its serene atmosphere and seal sightings in the winter.

  • Highlights: Scenic sunsets, seasonal beach bar
  • Amenities: Lifeguards, showers, food stand
  • Good for: Peaceful getaways, nature photography

Sunken Meadow State Park (Kings Park, Suffolk County)

Sunken Meadow State Park
A silver coin-operated binocular viewer sits mounted along the boardwalk rail, inviting visitors to take a closer look at the ocean beyond. The sandy beach stretches out into the distance, dotted with lifeguard stands and signs, while the calm waters of Long Island Sound shimmer under the late-afternoon sunlight. The wooden boardwalk runs parallel to the shoreline, with benches placed along it for relaxation and ocean views. File photo: WoodysPhotos, licensed.

Situated on the Long Island Sound, Sunken Meadow offers gentle waves and panoramic views—perfect for families with young kids.

  • Highlights: Boardwalk, hiking trails, golf course
  • Amenities: Grills, picnic areas, playgrounds
  • Good for: Families, picnics, outdoor activities

Hither Hills State Park (Montauk, Suffolk County)

The wide-open shoreline and natural dunes highlight the unspoiled beauty of Hither Hills, known for its family-friendly beaches, scenic landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere. The image evokes a sense of carefree fun and the timeless joy of a day at the beach.
The wide-open shoreline and natural dunes highlight the unspoiled beauty of Hither Hills, known for its family-friendly beaches, scenic landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere. The image evokes a sense of carefree fun and the timeless joy of a day at the beach. File photo: StacyFav, licensed.

Located near the tip of Long Island’s South Fork, Hither Hills is popular for both its beach and scenic campground.

  • Highlights: Ocean swimming, dunes, camping
  • Amenities: Campsites, restrooms, fishing spots
  • Good for: Outdoor adventurers, overnight stays

Planning Your Visit

  • Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day
  • Beach Passes: Many beaches require day-use fees or seasonal permits
  • Early Arrival: Parking lots fill quickly, especially on weekends

Something for Everyone

Whether you’re looking for a bustling beach day with food and entertainment or a quiet escape surrounded by natural beauty, Long Island’s beaches deliver. With options on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Long Island Sound, locals and visitors alike are never far from the perfect beach day.

Long Island Beach Flags & Rip Current Safety A stacked quick-reference graphic explaining common U.S. beach warning flags and rip current safety steps for Long Island beaches. Long Island Beach Flags & Rip Current Safety Quick guide for Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Montauk, Hamptons, North Fork, & more. Beach Flags Common U.S. Warning Flags Always follow lifeguard instructions posted at your beach access. Green — Low hazard: Calm conditions. Stay alert & swim near lifeguards. Yellow — Medium hazard: Moderate surf/strong currents. Increased caution. Red — High hazard: High surf/strong currents. Experienced swimmers only. Double Red — Water closed to the public. No swimming. Purple — Marine pests present (e.g., jellyfish, stingrays). Shuffle feet; use caution. No Swimming — Locally posted sign or symbol. Obey closures. Note: Flag systems are widely standardized in the U.S., but local rules can vary by jurisdiction. Check the day’s conditions at your specific beach; obey lifeguards and posted signage. Rip Current Safety If Caught in a Rip Current 1 Stay calm. Don’t fight the current. 2 Float or tread water; keep your head above waves. 3 Swim parallel to shore to exit the current, then angle back in. 4 If you can’t escape, wave and call for help. How Rips Work Waves push water toward shore; narrow channels send water seaward → rip current. For emergencies call 911. For beach-specific rules, check your town/county park site or NYS Parks. © LongIslandGuide.com — Free to share with credit & link back.