The Best Beaches on Long Island
Long Island is New York’s doorstep getaway. This massive, 118-mile long stretch of land spans a breathtaking swath of coast, stretching northeast from New York Harbour to Montauk. The shoreline in between is studded with seaside communities, prime surf spots, and sandy beaches to suit every taste.
The sands kick off in Brooklyn at Coney Island and run in an almost uninterrupted strip to the eastern tip of Long Island, following a series of sandbar islets along the south shore.
When New York City goes to the beach, it’s usually somewhere on Long Island. This stunning stretch of coast has been the setting for dozens of Hollywood movies, from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to The Wolf of Wall Street and Annie Hall. However, with so much shoreline to choose from, which Long Island beaches are the best? Let’s explore the top sandy destinations.
Cupsogue Beach
Snipped off from Fire Island by a nor’easter storm in the 1930s, Cupsogue Beach County Park features powdery, white sand beaches that stretch towards the Atlantic from the town of Brookhaven. In warm months, expect to see plenty of beachgoers soaking up the sun, as well as surf anglers searching for a bite in one of the best spots in New England to catch striped bass.
Facilities are basic; there are toilets, showers, and changing rooms, along with a concession stand. Camping is permitted with a permit. You will find this alabaster oasis at the western terminus of Dune Road. Additionally, nature lovers may spot humpback whales, dolphins, and harbor seals in the area, serving as a reminder of the whaling industry that was once a major employer along this strip of coast.
The Pines
Fire Island has served as a welcoming beach getaway for the LGBTQIA+ community for nearly a century. Few places in America can boast such a long-standing legacy of inclusiveness as The Pines, often referred to as New York’s Chelsea, and it offers an enthusiastic queer scene.
A spectacular harbor, waterfront views, dance parties, and drag shows await visitors. This pedestrian-only town has no cars, just boardwalks where people ferry party supplies and groceries on hand-pulled wagons. To get here, take the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station to Sayville, then hop on the Sayville Ferry to The Pines; a one-way ticket costs $9.50 for adults.
Ocean Beach Park, Long Beach
The sprawling stretch of Long Island sand at Long Beach is one of the most beloved destinations for New Yorkers seeking escape. At Ocean Beach Park, you can stroll over four miles of soft sands while enjoying the sound of free summer concerts rising above the noise of the surf.
Surfers flock here for big waves, and anglers find their haven at the purpose-built fishing pier. If you enjoy rollerblading, strolling, or cycling, Ocean Beach Park offers extensive boardwalks perfect for a leisurely ride, all while enjoying the refreshing breeze. To access the beach, take the Long Island Railroad to Long Beach, then proceed to the shorefront promenade.
Ditch Plains Beach
Located two miles past Montauk, at the very edge of Long Island, cliff-side views and swells collide at Ditch Plains Beach. This shore is among the most popular surf spots on the eastern seaboard—its well-formed waves were the setting for the very first Montauk Point Surfing Championships back in the 1960s.
Reef breaks go left and right, and the largest waves are typically found in autumn. After a day of surfing, satisfy your appetite with delicious options like sesame noodles, a Greek salad, or a poke bowl from the iconic Ditch Witch food trailer situated behind the dunes.
Coopers Beach
If you seek a place to relax and unwind, Coopers Beach is the perfect destination. Visitors can enjoy the shade of sand dunes and the elegance of swanky Southampton mansions. Facilities include a beachside bathhouse, food concessions, and umbrella rentals. While Coopers Beach charges a $40 parking fee, non-residents can still enjoy a glimpse of the luxurious life in The Hamptons. For a more budget-friendly option, consider parking in Southampton city center and renting a bike for a scenic two-mile ride to the beach.
Wades Beach
Nature lovers and kayakers will appreciate the tranquil ambiance at Wades Beach. This serene retreat is situated on the southeast shore of Shelter Island—an island within an island, not far from East Hampton. Expect to see elegant yachts of residents passing by offshore.
Shelter Island’s picturesque sandy stretches are only accessible via ferry; take the North Ferry from Greenport (on the Long Island Railroad) or the South Ferry from North Haven. The island is safeguarded by The Nature Conservancy’s Mashomack Preserve. Abenteuer travelers can explore tidal creeks, oak woodlands, and freshwater marshes before heading to the shell-strewn sands of Wades Beach.
Hither Hills
For a genuine sense of retreat, camp beside the ocean at Hither Hills State Park. This Montauk-area park includes fire rings for campfires and tent/RV-friendly campsites—all within steps of a two-mile stretch of soft sand and grassy dunes.
Hither Hills is located adjacent to a distinctive Long Island geological feature, the migrating dunes of Montauk, which can reach heights of 80 feet and move forward 3.5 inches each year. Enjoy a close-up view of this unique feature on the Walking Dunes Trail, which is accessible from the campground.
Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk
Visitors at Coney Island, Brooklyn’s closest beachfront, will find it hard to escape the crowds; however, this unique collection of nostalgic Americana offers unbeatable photo opportunities. The surrounding amusement park creates a picturesque backdrop for beach photography, and Coney Island’s proximity to Midtown makes it a convenient afternoon escape for travelers visiting New York City.
Throughout the summer months, grab a Nathan’s Famous hot dog and relax beneath the sparkling splendor of free Friday night fireworks over the boardwalk.
Jones Beach State Park
Offering one of the most accessible beaches on Long Island, Jones Beach State Park provides parking for just $10, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. With over six miles of shoreline to explore, there’s ample space for building sandcastles and enjoying a peaceful swim.
Food lovers will be pleased; the Central Boardwalk hosts over 7,000 square feet of food and beverage options. Also, this venue features an outdoor amphitheater with 15,000 seats that attracts major shows and musicians.
Robert Moses State Park
Spanning the westernmost point on Fire Island, Robert Moses State Park boasts a gorgeous Atlantic beach with good surf, a family-friendly mini-golf course, fishing piers, and plenty of space for groups under gazebos. This is a can’t-miss beach that draws nearly four million visitors each year.
In addition to over five miles of pristine sand, the park features a nature trail leading to one of the area’s most photogenic landmarks—the Fire Island Lighthouse.
