Tobay Beach, New York
Tobay Beach, short for Town of Oyster Bay Beach, is a beloved public recreation area located on Ocean Parkway along Jones Beach Island, part of the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York.
Situated between West Gilgo Beach to the east and Cedar Beach in Babylon to the west, Tobay Beach offers a perfect balance of oceanfront relaxation, bay-side boating, and family-friendly amenities.
With its calm waters, soft sand, and easy accessibility from the Wantagh Parkway or Meadowbrook Parkway, Tobay has become one of Long Island’s favorite summer destinations for residents seeking a classic day at the beach without the crowds of nearby Jones Beach State Park.
Location & Access
Tobay Beach lies at the southernmost edge of the Town of Oyster Bay, positioned on the barrier island that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Great South Bay.
- Address: 1 Ocean Parkway, Massapequa, NY 11758
- Access: Via Ocean Parkway, east of Jones Beach and west of West Gilgo Beach
- Parking: Large municipal lots for both ocean and bay sides
Access is primarily open to Town of Oyster Bay residents, though non-resident access is sometimes available for a fee during limited times or off-season periods. Parking permits are required for seasonal entry.
History
The development of Tobay Beach dates back to the mid-20th century, when the Town of Oyster Bay sought to create its own municipal beach following the success of nearby Jones Beach State Park (opened in 1929).
By the 1950s, Tobay had opened to the public as part of the town’s expanding recreation system. Its name – an acronym for TOBAY (Town oOf BAbylon / Oyster BAY) originally reflected a cooperative shoreline effort between the two townships but later came under full management by the Town of Oyster Bay.
Over the decades, Tobay Beach has been expanded and modernized with improved parking, food pavilions, restrooms, playgrounds, and a bay-side marina offering slips for hundreds of boats.
Features & Amenities
Tobay Beach’s facilities are divided between two main areas – the ocean side and the bay side, each catering to different activities:
Ocean Side
- Wide sandy beachfront with lifeguard-supervised swimming
- Restroom and shower pavilions
- Food concessions and bars (including seasonal restaurants and snack stands)
- Volleyball courts and open sand areas
- Handicap-accessible walkways and observation decks
Bay Side
- Calm waters ideal for families with children
- Tobay Marina: a full-service facility with slips for private boats
- Picnic areas and shaded seating
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals (seasonal)
- “Spray Park” and playgrounds designed for kids
Recreation
Tobay Beach is designed for relaxed family recreation but also attracts outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, and beachgoers who want a quieter experience than larger state parks.
Popular activities include:
- Swimming & surfing on the Atlantic Ocean side
- Boating & jet skiing from the marina and bay slips
- Sunbathing & beach volleyball
- Fishing along the jetties and designated bay areas
- Biking & walking on the Ocean Parkway Coastal Trail, which connects to Jones Beach and Captree State Park
During the summer months, Tobay hosts concerts, fitness events, and community gatherings, making it a social hub for Oyster Bay residents.
Dining & Events
Tobay Beach offers several seasonal dining options, such as beachside bars, seafood grills, and outdoor cafés with bay or ocean views.
In recent years, establishments like The Tobay Beach Restaurant & Bar have become popular for sunset dining, offering live music and casual fare steps from the sand.
The venue also serves as a backdrop for Town of Oyster Bay summer concerts, movie nights, and charity events, adding a festive touch to its tranquil setting.
Environmental & Conservation Efforts
Located within the Jones Beach Barrier Island ecosystem, Tobay Beach is part of a vital coastal environment that includes dunes, salt marshes, and migratory bird habitats.
The Town of Oyster Bay has implemented dune protection programs, storm-resistant infrastructure upgrades, and bay-side restoration initiatives to safeguard against erosion and sea-level rise.
Visitors are encouraged to respect marked dune areas and follow recycling and “carry in–carry out” policies to preserve the natural beauty of the beach.
Key Facts & Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ocean Parkway, Massapequa, Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, NY |
| Managed By | Town of Oyster Bay Department of Parks |
| Coordinates | 40.6355° N, 73.3967° W |
| Access | Ocean Parkway (east of Jones Beach, west of West Gilgo) |
| Parking | Resident permit required; limited non-resident access |
| Facilities | Lifeguards, restrooms, marina, playground, spray park, food pavilions |
| Activities | Swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, volleyball, biking |
| Water Bodies | Atlantic Ocean (south), Great South Bay (north) |
| Nearby Beaches | Jones Beach, West Gilgo, Oak Beach, Cedar Beach |
| Notable Feature | Full-service marina and family spray park |
| Best Time to Visit | Memorial Day through Labor Day (summer season) |
For generations of Long Islanders, Tobay Beach has symbolized the ideal summer retreat — clean sand, calm surf, and family togetherness just minutes from home.
Its balance of bay-side leisure and oceanfront adventure reflects the dual nature of Long Island’s South Shore: wild yet welcoming, natural yet carefully maintained.
Today, Tobay Beach continues to stand as a cornerstone of Town of Oyster Bay recreation and a cherished landmark for residents who value its simplicity, community, and timeless coastal ch arm.
