Long Island Beaches Recreation Nassau Suffolk Hamptons Long Island New York

Nassau County Beaches

New York State Beaches are open to the general public with a usually required parking fee. Most of the town beaches require proof of residency, while others charge a daily parking fee for non-residents.

Long Island is bordered by hundreds of miles of clean, white sand beaches along both the ocean and the bay, surrounded by secluded dunes, cliffside bluffs and lighthouses. In fact, some of the best public beaches in the world are located on Long Island featuring miles of boardwalks, beach trails, restaurants, picnic areas and the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets to be found anywhere.

There are over one hundred and fifty world-class beaches operated be the state, county, town and local municipalities. These include the famous beaches in the Hamptons, on Fire Island, along the rocky north shore cliffs and the famous Robert Moses State Park and Jones Beach. Jones Beach is a 2,400 acre park which offers a six mile stretch of ocean beach, two mile boardwalk, bay beach, pool, golf, and the concerts at the famous outdoor marine theater.

A few Long Island beaches are open only to residents, but most, including all of the major state parks, are open to everyone. All beaches have either a parking or entrance fee from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Nassau County Beaches

Jones Beach State Park & Beach
Ocean Parkway
P.O. Box 1000
Wantagh, NY 11793
Phone: 516-785-1600
Park comprises 2,413 acres, 6-1/2 miles of ocean beach frontage, with a 1/2 mile of frontage developed for still water bathing. Jones Beach State Park, most renowned of all Long Island State Parks derives its name from Major Thomas Jones who came to Long Island in 1692, built, near Massapequa, the first brick house on Long Island and eventually acquired a total of 6,000 acres. Apparently he thought he also owned a part of what is now Jones Beach because around the year of 1700 he established a whaling station on the outer beach near the site of the present park. Jones died in 1713.

Jones Beach State Park opened to the public on August 4, 1929. On that day Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, foreigner Governor Alfred E. Smith, and at that time Commission President Robert Moses, were principal speakers. Its success and popularity were immediately apparent. In l930,the first full year of operation, a million and a half persons visited the park. In July, 1931, the West Bathhouse with swimming and diving pools opened. The Wantagh Causeway soon became overcrowded and serious traffic delay occurred every Sunday. On November 3, 1931, the Town of Hempstead voted to convey to the State all of Short Beach, the area between the Park and Jones Inlet, together with a right of way for an additional causeway from the mainland, near Freeport, to the Park. In 1933 Commissioners served on the board of the Jones Beach State Park Authority that built, maintained and operated the causeways to Jones Beach, some park facilities that includes the Jones Beach Theater and the Southern State Parkway in Nassau County.

Swimming has always been the top attraction. Few places offer facilities for such fine surf bathing, stillwater bay bathing and swimming pools with diving and wading pools. Thousands are also attracted by the other facilities for healthful recreation. There are basketball courts, deck tennis and shuffleboard courts, 18-hole pitch and putt golf course, a miniature golf course, softball diamonds, picnic areas, miles of surf fishing areas, fishing docks and a boat basin, outdoor dancing and a two-mile long boardwalk. In addition, special sports programs, Children's Jubilee Festival, concerts and other outdoor entertainment are presented. The park comprises2,413 acres with 6.5 miles of ocean beach frontage and a half mile of bay frontage developed for stillwater bathing. There are two bathhouses, refreshment stands, a restaurant, playgrounds, barbecue and picnic areas, first-aid stations, ice-cream parlors, beach shops and gift shops.

The original Jones Beach Marine Stadium was a temporary wooden structure constructed in the early 1930's as a work relief project that had to be razed in 1945 because it became unsafe. During its life span of about ten years, the wooden stadium earned a reputation for the finest in aquatic sports events and musical entertainment.

The new theater, constructed at the same point on Zachs Bay asits predecessor, retained the basic brick design of a stage separated from the spectators by water. Improvements included steel, concrete and brick structure seating 8,200 persons, a104-foot wide stage with a 76-foot revolving center and an underwater tunnel leading from the shore to the stage, with underground elevators for the transportation of supplies and stage scenery.

The Theater:
The theater was reconstructed in 1991 and 1992 under contract with promoter Ron Delsener, it is an outstanding facility that can seat 11,200 persons. It has become one of the top rated concert stadiums hosting world famous performers, along with upgraded seating, restrooms & service stations.

The Tower:
The Jones Beach tower, now a familiar Jones Beach State Park landmark, was modeled on the campanile of St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice. It is 200 feet high, made of brick and stone, and houses a 315,000 gallon water tank for storage of water from four deep wells, each over 1,000 feet deep.

West End Area:
The West End Area of the park features many undeveloped areas that are home to a variety of migratory birds and natural plants. It also provides wonderful surf fishing opportunities as well as surfing by the jetty. The boat basin contains 76 slips that are available free of charge for day visitors coming by boat.

Facilities/Services:
Park comprises 2,413 acres
6-1/2 miles of ocean beach frontage, with a 1/2 mile of frontage developed for still water bathing

Pitch putt golf course
Miniature golf course
Paddle tennis
Shuffle board courts
Basketball
Softball fields - permit only
Boardwalk Restaurant - full service restaurant
West Bathhouse Ice Cream Parlor
Refreshment stands
Central Mall Beach Shop
Park Operations
Park is open year-round, however, activities vary according to the season. For more information about the park operating schedule and special activities please call 516-785-1600. For group outing (picnic) or youth (example day camp) outing applications, please call 516-669-1000 x 223.

Directions:
Thirty-three (33) miles, from Manhattan via Meadowbrook Parkway South and Wantagh Parkway South.

Lido Beach

Long Beach