Which beaches have boardwalks?

The Long Beach Boardwalk stretches along one of Long Island's most popular oceanfront destinations, offering scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches, and a vibrant beachfront community. From Long Beach to Jones Beach and other coastal parks, Long Island's boardwalks provide ideal settings for walking, jogging, bicycling, sightseeing, and enjoying the shoreline year-round. File photo: Paul Thomas Curry, licensed. — The Long Beach Boardwalk stretches along one of Long Island’s most popular oceanfront destinations, offering scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches, and a vibrant beachfront community. From Long Beach to Jones Beach and other coastal parks, Long Island’s boardwalks provide ideal settings for walking, jogging, bicycling, sightseeing, and enjoying the shoreline year-round. File photo: Paul Thomas Curry, licensed.

Several beaches on Long Island feature boardwalks or elevated beach walkways that provide scenic ocean views, easy beach access, and places to walk, jog, bike, or relax. The best-known include Jones Beach State Park, Long Beach, and portions of Fire Island National Seashore. Several other beaches also have shorter boardwalks, dune crossings, or waterfront promenades.

In Short

If you’re looking for a traditional oceanfront boardwalk, Jones Beach State Park and Long Beach are Long Island’s premier destinations. Other beaches feature shorter boardwalks and elevated walkways that provide beach access while protecting dunes and sensitive coastal habitats.

Long Island Beaches With Boardwalks

Beach	Location	Boardwalk Highlights
Jones Beach State Park	Wantagh, Nassau County	Iconic oceanfront boardwalk with beach access, concessions, restaurants, recreation, and event venues.
Long Beach	Long Beach, Nassau County	Popular oceanfront boardwalk for walking, running, biking, dining, and community events.
Fire Island National Seashore	Fire Island, Suffolk County	Numerous boardwalks and elevated dune walkways connecting beaches, ferry landings, and communities.
Robert Moses State Park	Fire Island, Suffolk County	Boardwalks connect parking fields, beaches, and the nearby Fire Island Lighthouse.
Nickerson Beach Park	Lido Beach, Nassau County	Beach access walkways and paved waterfront areas near the swimming beach.
TOBAY Beach	Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County	Beach access boardwalks and elevated dune crossings.
Cupsogue Beach County Park	Westhampton, Suffolk County	Elevated walkways provide access across the dunes to the beach.
Smith Point County Park	Shirley, Suffolk County	Beach access boardwalks crossing protected dune areas.
Coopers Beach	Southampton, Suffolk County	Elevated walkways provide access from parking areas to the beach.
Main Beach	East Hampton, Suffolk County	Beach access walkways leading over the dunes to the shoreline.

What Is the Difference Between a Boardwalk and a Beach Walkway?

Not every beach with a boardwalk has a long oceanfront promenade. Some beaches feature traditional boardwalks that run parallel to the shoreline, while others have shorter elevated walkways that cross dunes and protect fragile coastal vegetation. Both improve beach access, but they provide different visitor experiences.

The largest boardwalks are found at Jones Beach State Park and Long Beach. Most other beaches have boardwalks primarily designed to provide safe access from parking lots to the sand while preserving dune systems.

Activities You Can Enjoy

Walking and jogging
Bicycling where permitted
Ocean sightseeing and photography
Beach access without walking across dunes
Watching sunrises and sunsets
Fishing at locations where permitted
Dining, concessions, and seasonal events at larger boardwalks

Quick Facts

Question	Answer
Which beaches have the largest boardwalks?	Jones Beach State Park and Long Beach.
Are all boardwalks along the ocean?	No. Many beaches have shorter elevated walkways that cross dunes rather than long shoreline promenades.
Can you bike on every boardwalk?	No. Bicycle access varies by location and may be restricted during certain hours or seasons.
Are boardwalks open year-round?	Many are, although operating hours, parking, concessions, and beach facilities may be seasonal.
Are boardwalks wheelchair accessible?	Most major public boardwalks and beach access walkways are designed to improve accessibility, though individual facilities vary.
Which body of water are they along?	Most Long Island beach boardwalks overlook the Atlantic Ocean.

If you’re planning a beach visit, you may also want to compare the best beaches on Long Island, learn which beaches have lifeguards, see which beaches have free parking, or find out which beaches are best for families.

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