What is the best beach on Long Island?

A sweeping stretch of Long Island's Atlantic coastline showcases the wide sandy beaches, rolling surf, and natural beauty that have made the island one of New York's premier seaside destinations. From family vacations and swimming to surfing, fishing, and long walks along the shore, Long Island's South Shore beaches attract millions of visitors each year seeking sun, sand, and ocean views. — A sweeping stretch of Long Island’s Atlantic coastline showcases the wide sandy beaches, rolling surf, and natural beauty that have made the island one of New York’s premier seaside destinations. From family vacations and swimming to surfing, fishing, and long walks along the shore, Long Island’s South Shore beaches attract millions of visitors each year seeking sun, sand, and ocean views. File photo: Adam Borowski, licensed.

There is no single “best” beach on Long Island because each offers a unique experience. Some are known for wide sandy shorelines and family-friendly amenities, while others are famous for surfing, fishing, scenic beauty, or peaceful natural surroundings. Among the island’s most popular beaches are Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island National Seashore, and the beaches surrounding Montauk.

In Short

The best beach on Long Island depends on what you’re looking for. Jones Beach State Park is often considered the island’s premier all-around beach, while Fire Island National Seashore, Robert Moses State Park, and Montauk each offer their own distinctive appeal.

What Is the Best Beach on Long Island?

Choosing the best beach on Long Island largely depends on the type of experience you’re seeking. The island features hundreds of miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, with beaches ranging from lively state parks and quiet nature preserves to surfing destinations and family-friendly waterfronts.

Jones Beach State Park is widely regarded as Long Island’s signature beach. Its expansive shoreline, iconic boardwalk, swimming areas, restaurants, concerts, athletic facilities, and easy accessibility make it one of the most visited beaches in New York State. For many visitors, it represents the complete Long Island beach experience.

Those looking for a more natural coastal environment often choose Fire Island National Seashore, where protected beaches, dunes, maritime forests, and car-free communities preserve much of the island’s original coastal landscape. Visitors seeking outstanding fishing, surfing, or dramatic ocean scenery frequently head east to Montauk, while Robert Moses State Park remains a longtime favorite for swimming, fishing, picnicking, and beach recreation.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a day of surfing, a peaceful nature walk, or simply looking to relax beside the ocean, Long Island offers a beach to match nearly every interest. Its diverse coastline is one of the reasons the island has become one of the premier beach destinations in the northeastern United States.

Quick Facts

Looking For…	Recommended Beach
Best Overall Experience	Jones Beach State Park
Natural Beauty	Fire Island National Seashore
Surfing & Ocean Views	Montauk
Fishing & Recreation	Robert Moses State Park
Location	Primarily along the South Shore of Long Island
Water Body	Atlantic Ocean

From the lively boardwalk at Jones Beach State Park to the unspoiled shoreline of Fire Island National Seashore, the surf at Montauk, and the recreational opportunities at Robert Moses State Park, Long Island offers an extraordinary variety of coastal experiences. Rather than having one definitive “best” beach, the island’s greatest strength is the diversity of its shoreline, ensuring there’s a perfect beach for every visitor.