Best Beaches on Long Island

Long Island beach shoreline with sand, surf, and summer visitors
Whether you’re looking for a bustling beach day with food and entertainment or a quiet escape, 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 shoreline, drawing generations of visitors to some of the Northeast’s best-known beaches. Just a short trip from New York City, the island offers everything from the lively boardwalks of Jones Beach and Long Beach to the peaceful dunes of the Hamptons and the rugged coastal beauty of Montauk. Each beach has its own personality – some are ideal for families with lifeguards and picnic areas, others attract surfers chasing waves, and others are best for quiet walks, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water.

From sunrise walks along Fire Island to sunset views over the Long Island Sound, Long Island offers a beach for nearly every kind of day trip or getaway. Access rules, parking fees, and swimming hours can vary widely by beach, so it’s smart to check ahead before visiting – especially at town and village beaches where resident restrictions may apply.

Jones Beach State Park (Wantagh, Nassau County)

Jones Beach Water Tower and parkway approach at sunset
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 best-known beaches in the United States, Jones Beach State Park offers miles of Atlantic shoreline, a classic boardwalk, and a long-standing place in Long Island summer culture.

  • Highlights: Iconic boardwalk, ocean swimming, concerts at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
  • Amenities: Food concessions, restrooms, playgrounds, and seasonal beach services
  • Good for: Families, events, and visitors looking for a classic South Shore beach day

Robert Moses State Park (Babylon, Suffolk County)

Lifeguard boat and stand at 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 at the western end of Fire Island, Robert Moses State Park is known for wide ocean beaches, a more relaxed feel than some busier parks, and easy access to the nearby Fire Island Lighthouse area.

  • Highlights: Surf fishing, broad sandy beach, and Fire Island Lighthouse nearby
  • Amenities: Parking fields, restrooms, and seasonal concession options
  • Good for: Relaxing beach days, fishing, walking, and nature-minded visitors

Long Beach (City of Long Beach, Nassau County)

Long Beach shoreline and boardwalk with beachgoers
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 lively downtown with a broad sandy beach and the popular boardwalk. It is also one of the easiest Long Island beach destinations to reach by rail from New York City.

  • Highlights: Surfing, beach volleyball, boardwalk strolling, and a vibrant dining scene
  • Amenities: Shops, restaurants, seasonal beach services, and an LIRR station within walking distance
  • Good for: Day-trippers from NYC, couples, groups of friends, and visitors who want beach access without relying entirely on a car

Coopers Beach (Southampton, Suffolk County)

Dunes and seaside homes near Coopers Beach in 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.

Often cited among the top beaches in the country, Coopers Beach is known for its wide sandy shoreline, rolling dunes, and classic Hamptons setting.

  • Highlights: Scenic dunes, soft sand, and a polished Southampton atmosphere
  • Amenities: Seasonal chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, and concession service
  • Good for: A scenic Hamptons beach day, couples, and out-of-town visitors

Cupsogue Beach County Park (Westhampton Beach, Suffolk County)

Ocean waves and shoreline at Cupsogue Beach County Park
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 at the eastern end of Dune Road is known for its open ocean views, quieter feel, and wintertime seal sightings in the surrounding area.

  • Highlights: Scenic shoreline, sunset views, and seasonal wildlife interest
  • Amenities: Lifeguarded swimming in season, showers, restrooms, and seasonal food service
  • Good for: Quieter beach days, photography, fishing, and nature-focused outings

Sunken Meadow State Park (Kings Park, Suffolk County)

Boardwalk and Sound-side beach at 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 State Park offers gentler water than many Atlantic beaches, plus sweeping views, a boardwalk, and plenty of room for picnics and recreation.

  • Highlights: Boardwalk, hiking trails, Sound-side scenery, and a golf course
  • Amenities: Picnic areas, grills, restrooms, and playgrounds
  • Good for: Families, walkers, picnics, and visitors who prefer calmer shoreline conditions

Hither Hills State Park (Montauk, Suffolk County)

Beach and dunes at Hither Hills State Park near Montauk
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 State Park is popular for both its ocean beach and its sought-after campground, making it a favorite for visitors who want more than a quick day trip.

  • Highlights: Ocean swimming, natural dunes, camping, and a classic Montauk-area setting
  • Amenities: Campsites, restrooms, picnic areas, and nearby fishing access
  • Good for: Campers, outdoor-minded travelers, and visitors planning a longer East End stay

Planning Your Visit

  • Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day, when lifeguards and concession service are generally most reliable
  • Access & Fees: Many beaches require day-use fees or seasonal permits, and some town or village beaches prioritize local residents
  • Early Arrival: Parking lots can fill quickly, especially at ocean beaches on warm weekends and holidays
  • Safety First: Swim near lifeguards, watch posted flags and signs, and check surf and weather conditions before heading out

Something for Everyone

Whether you’re after a lively boardwalk, a family-friendly Sound beach, a surf break, or a quieter stretch of sand framed by dunes, Long Island offers an impressive variety of beach experiences. With options across Nassau and Suffolk counties, it’s easy to find a shoreline that matches your style – just check current access details and seasonal conditions before you go.

Long Island Beach Flags and Rip Current Safety A quick-reference graphic explaining common 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, the Hamptons, the North Fork, and more. Beach Flags Always follow lifeguard instructions and posted signs at your specific beach access point. Green – Low hazard: Relatively calm conditions. Stay alert and swim near lifeguards. Yellow – Medium hazard: Moderate surf or currents. Use increased caution. Red – High hazard: Rough surf or strong currents. Conditions may be dangerous. Double Red – Water closed to the public. No swimming. Purple – Marine pests present. Use caution. No Swimming – Locally posted sign or symbol. Obey closures. Note: Beach warning systems can vary by town, county, park, or beach authority. Check local conditions and follow lifeguard or park staff guidance. Rip Current Safety If Caught in a Rip Current 1 Stay calm. Do not 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 cannot escape, wave and call for help. For emergencies call 911. © LongIslandGuide.com – Free to share with credit and link back.