Cedar Beach in Babylon, New York
Cedar Beach, located along Ocean Parkway in the Town of Babylon, is one of Long Island’s best-known South Shore beach destinations. Set on the barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay, it combines ocean swimming, bayfront boating, seasonal dining, and a lively summer atmosphere in one place.
Location & Access
Cedar Beach sits on Jones Beach Island, part of the long barrier beach system that also includes destinations such as Tobay Beach to the west and Captree State Park to the east. The beach is reached from Ocean Parkway, with signed access to ocean and bayfront facilities, seasonal parking, and beach amenities.
The beach and marina complex are operated by the Town of Babylon. Access rules, resident requirements, parking fees, and marina details can vary by season, so it’s smart to check ahead before visiting. Cedar Beach is easiest to reach by car, though cyclists can also approach via the Ocean Parkway path; public transit options in this area are limited.
History
Cedar Beach has been a longtime summer gathering place for Babylon-area residents and visitors exploring the South Shore. As access along Ocean Parkway expanded in the mid-20th century under the broader coastal parkway and beach development era associated with Robert Moses, this stretch of barrier island became increasingly important as a public recreation destination.
Over time, the Town of Babylon developed Cedar Beach into a fuller beach-and-marina complex with swimming areas, food service, event space, boating access, and family recreation features. Today, it remains one of the town’s signature waterfront destinations, balancing classic beachgoing with a distinctly local South Shore character.
Features & Amenities
Cedar Beach offers facilities on both the ocean side and the bay side, giving visitors two distinct waterfront experiences in one location.
Ocean Side
- Wide Atlantic Ocean beach for swimming, sunbathing, and surfside walks
- Lifeguard-supervised areas during the main summer season
- Dune crossings, beach access points, and open recreation space
- Volleyball courts and other seasonal beach activities
- Parking areas and visitor facilities nearby
Bay Side
- Protected marina and docking areas for recreational boaters
- Calmer bay waters for sightseeing, shoreline relaxation, and seasonal water access
- Fishing opportunities from designated bayfront areas when permitted
- Seasonal dining and entertainment venues, including Salt Shack at Cedar Beach
Additional Amenities
- Restroom and rinse-off facilities
- Picnic areas and gathering space
- Family-friendly recreation areas near the beach complex
- Seasonal concerts, live music, and community events hosted or permitted by the Town of Babylon
Recreation & Activities
Cedar Beach’s dual-waterfront layout makes it a versatile destination for beachgoers, boaters, and sunset chasers alike:
- Swimming & Sunbathing: Enjoy the Atlantic surf and broad sandy shoreline. Swimming areas and lifeguard coverage are typically seasonal.
- Fishing: Bayfront access areas can attract local anglers; rules and allowed locations may change.
- Boating: The marina provides access to the Great South Bay for seasonal slip holders and recreational boaters.
- Dining & Nightlife: Summer evenings often bring a lively social scene, with food, drinks, and live entertainment centered around the bayfront complex.
- Events & Concerts: Cedar Beach is known for seasonal music, special events, and community programming, especially during peak summer months.
Nature & Environment
Cedar Beach is part of the Jones Beach barrier island ecosystem, a dynamic coastal landscape of dunes, shoreline habitat, and nearby marsh environments. This setting supports migratory birds, marine life, and native beach vegetation while also helping buffer mainland communities from coastal storms.
The Town of Babylon and other coastal agencies continue to manage erosion, dune protection, and public access in this area. Visitors can help by staying on marked paths, respecting dune fencing, and packing out trash whenever possible.
Conditions on barrier beaches can change with weather, tides, and storm impacts, so beach layouts, access points, and available services may look different from season to season.
Cedar Beach, Babylon
Key Facts & Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ocean Parkway, Jones Beach Island, Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, NY |
| Access | Reached via Ocean Parkway; signed entrances and traffic patterns may change seasonally |
| Operated By | Town of Babylon parks and recreation authorities |
| Coordinates | Approximately 40.6275° N, 73.3402° W |
| Parking | Seasonal parking rules, fees, and resident or non-resident requirements may apply |
| Facilities | Ocean beach, lifeguard areas in season, restrooms, marina, food service, volleyball, picnic and event areas |
| Activities | Swimming, boating, fishing, volleyball, dining, live music, and sunset viewing |
| Water Bodies | Atlantic Ocean to the south; Great South Bay to the north |
| Nearby Beaches | Tobay Beach, Gilgo Beach, Oak Beach, and Captree |
| Best Time to Visit | Late spring through early fall, with the fullest services typically available in summer |
| Events | Seasonal concerts, live entertainment, and special community events; schedules vary |
Cedar Beach captures much of what makes Long Island’s South Shore so appealing: ocean surf, bayfront sunsets, boating culture, and a strong local summer tradition. Whether you’re heading there for a beach day, an evening by the marina, or a scenic drive along Ocean Parkway, it remains one of Babylon’s standout coastal destinations. A longtime Babylon landmark, Cedar Beach continues to draw generations of Long Islanders for its scenery, recreation, and easy mix of ocean and bay experiences. Because services, events, and access policies can change, checking current town guidance before your visit is always a good idea.
