Situated along the coast of Southeastern New York, Long Island, NY offers some of the best beaches for both locals and visitors to explore. Whether you’re looking for a beach that’s perfect for a fun family vacation or you want a relaxing, tranquil seaside escape in the Hamptons, there’s an ocean-atmosphere for everyone at one of the best beaches on Long Island.
Given Long Island’s proximity to Manhattan, Long Island’s beaches are not only a popular tourist spot but are visited frequently by locals looking for day-trip escapes from the city atmosphere.
Not sure which Long Island beach to visit on your next getaway? Explore this guide that covers the best Long Island beaches and what makes each location so unique. You won’t want to miss a visit to these top-rated beaches for the perfect beach vacation!
Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach State Park is one of New York’s most famous beaches, offering over six miles of white sand beaches to explore. This popular tourist beach attracts all types of visitors, including families, hosting nearly six million visitors each year.
Located in Southern Nassau County, Jones Beach State Park makes the list of best Long Island beaches thanks to its great selection of things to do beyond relaxing on the beach. Adventurous tourists can try ziplining the Jones Beach Zipline or enjoy a classic meal at the Boardwalk Cafe. Throughout the peak visit season, Jones Beach State Park hosts entertainment and shows at the Northwell Health Theatre.
Jones Beach State Park Details
- Parking fee of $8
- Lounge chair and volleyball rentals are available
- Great for any type of tourist
- Miniature golf, bocce ball, corn hole, table tennis and other activities
Sunken Meadow State Park
Located at the Northern tip of Long Island in Suffolk County, Sunken Meadow State Park is one of the best beaches on Long Island for sporting activities. Many pick-up sports are played in the open lawn and field areas at this park. Along the eastern portion of the park, various watersports such as paddle boarding and windsurfing available.
Sunken Meadow State Park is a great place to relax and bathe in the sun, while also participating in exciting beach activities. Many runners and trail walkers enjoy walking the boardwalk and surrounding Greenbelt trail as well.
Sunken Meadow State Park Details
- Family-friendly park
- Great for outdoor sports
- 3 miles of beaches to relax
- Golf courses
- Plenty of hiking trails and boardwalk
- $10 per vehicle to enter
Coopers Beach
If your idea of an ideal beach vacation includes a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, be sure to check out Coopers Beach. Coopers Beach is located in Southampton, offering over 15 miles of white sandy beaches to take in. Not only is this beach kept extremely clean, but it provides a tranquil setting ideal for people who want to swim, tan, or simply read a book on the beach.
Coopers Beach is the ideal Long Island beach for visitors who simply want to go to the beach without the need for any additional attractions.
Coopers Beach Details
- $40 a day parking fee
- Quiet, tranquil atmosphere
- 18 miles of beaches, very spacious
- Bathhouse, umbrella rentals and chair rentals are available
- Food/concessions available or pack your lunch
- Views of mansions along the dunes
Main Beach
Tourists and locals visit Main Beach, located in the Hamptons, for its many amenities. This beach is popular for those who want to surf, yet also provides the perfect atmosphere for those simply looking to get their feet wet. Throughout the peak summer months, you might even catch a glimpse of the local fireworks show at night.
Main Beach offers all the amenities you need for an enjoyable beach day, including a food stand, public restrooms and changing rooms and showers available for use. The area is also monitored by lifeguards, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a safe beach location when traveling with young children.
Main Beach Details
- Patrolled year-round by lifeguards
- Busy beach with many amenities
- Parking is $50 per day
- Kept very clean
- Stunning beach views, surrounding Hamptons views
Cupsogue Beach County Park
Cupsogue Beach County Park is another of Long Island's best beaches, perfect for an enjoyable day in the sun. Not only is this beach popular for regular beach activities, but it's also a popular beach for camping (permit required). While on the beach, guests can enjoy amenities such as a snack bar, restrooms and showers available. This pet-friendly beach is also great for visiting with dogs (must be leashed).
Cupsogue Beach Details
- $18 for daily parking fee
- Beautiful, white sand beaches
- Relaxing atmosphere
- 296-acre park
- Great for fishing too
Gin Beach
Ideal for those seeking a quiet beach experience, Gin Beach is a small, calm and quiet beach that is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Located in Montauk, Gin Beach is one of the best Long Island beaches for a simple beach day without too many frills. Pack a beach bag and a picnic and sit back and enjoy the sun at this simple beach!
Gin Beach does not cost any money to enter and offers a roped-off area, ideal for families looking for safer swimming conditions. After you've worked up an appetite, check out the popular Gin Beach Cafe for an American-inspired meal to complete your beach day.
Gin Beach Details
- Lifeguard protected
- Open year-round
- Surf wheelchairs available
- Quiet and serene
- Dog-friendly (when leashed)
Visiting Long Island’s Beautiful Beaches
If you're looking for a thrilling, fun-filled beach trip or a relaxing day in the sun, a visit to Long Island's beautiful beaches must make your travel bucket list. No matter what part of the island you visit, you're bound to find a well-kept beach that offers the perfect location for a nature-inspired getaway.
As you plan to check out these Long Island beaches on your next getaway, join the over one million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to these best beaches on Long Island today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.