Robert Moses' 1920s-era masterpiece of public beach design stretches 10 miles along the barrier island south shore of Long Island. Jones Beach offers 2,400 acres of ocean beach, bay swimming, boardwalks, pools, and the historic water tower. It's the quintessential New York summer beach experience.
Jones Beach State Park stretches nearly 10 miles along a barrier island on the south shore of Nassau County, Long Island, making it one of the largest public beaches in the northeastern United States. The broad, flat sand beaches face the Atlantic Ocean with fine golden-tan sand and a gentle offshore shelf that creates calm, shallow water suitable for wading and swimming. Water clarity is best in June and early July, with an aquamarine-to-green tint typical of the New York Bight.
The park is divided into numbered fields — West End 2 through Field 6 — each with a distinct character. Fields 4 and 6 attract the biggest summer crowds, while the western end fields draw locals, anglers, and visitors seeking more space. The historic Jones Beach Boardwalk runs between the central fields, flanked by the beloved Art Deco water tower that has served as a navigation landmark since 1929. Jones Beach Theater — an open-air concert venue — hosts major acts throughout the summer season.
Amenities are extensive: lifeguard stands are staffed from late June through Labor Day across eight designated swimming areas. Multiple bathhouses provide showers, changing rooms, lockers, and food concessions ranging from Nathan's Famous hot dogs to sit-down dining at the West Bathhouse. Two ocean pool complexes offer calmer alternatives to the surf, and a large picnic area and athletic fields complete the inland section.
Access from New York City is straightforward. By car, the Southern State Parkway and Meadowbrook State Parkway lead directly to the park's parking fields, which charge $10 per vehicle on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays. By rail, the Long Island Rail Road connects to Freeport, where the Jones Beach shuttle bus runs on summer weekends. The park is not reachable on weekdays without a car from Manhattan.
The beach draws a mixed crowd: families from Nassau and Queens counties dominate on summer weekends, teenage surfers cluster near Field 6's dedicated surf zone, and older New Yorkers stroll the boardwalk year-round. Fishing is popular along the jetties at the western end, and roller skating remains a boardwalk staple. Winter visits offer long, nearly deserted stretches beloved by birdwatchers tracking shorebird migration along the Atlantic Flyway.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- showers
- changing rooms
- restaurants
- picnic areas
- boardwalk
- parking
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers, fishers, photographers
Highlights
- Ten miles of Atlantic-facing sandy beach divided into distinct fields, each with lifeguards and designated swimming zones
- The historic Art Deco boardwalk and iconic water tower — a Nassau County landmark since 1929
- Jones Beach Theater open-air concert venue hosting major summer acts on Long Island's south shore
- Dedicated surfing zone at Field 6 with consistent Atlantic swells for experienced surfers
- Ocean swimming pools offering calm-water alternatives to the open surf during jellyfish season
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9:30 AM on summer weekends — parking lots fill to capacity by mid-morning on hot days
- Field 4 is the most crowded; Field 2 at the West End sees significantly fewer visitors and more local families
- The LIRR plus Jones Beach shuttle bus service runs only on summer weekends — weekday visitors need a car
- The boardwalk snack bars are cheaper than the sit-down restaurant in the West Bathhouse; Nathan's at Field 4 is the crowd favourite
- Sea nettles appear most frequently in late July and August — the ocean pools offer sting-free swimming during those weeks
When to visit
Late June through mid-July offers the best combination of warm water, manageable crowds, and clearest visibility. Early morning arrivals on weekdays experience the quietest conditions; peak weekend crowds arrive between 11 AM and 3 PM.
Accessibility
Jones Beach is among the most accessible state parks in New York. All main bathhouses are wheelchair accessible and the boardwalk is flat and paved throughout its length. Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge at the bathhouse rental facilities during summer season. Accessible parking spaces are located adjacent to each bathhouse.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Jones Beach from New York City and how do visitors get there?
Jones Beach is approximately 50 km from Midtown Manhattan. By car via the Southern State or Meadowbrook Parkway the drive takes 50–60 minutes without traffic. On summer weekends, the Long Island Rail Road runs from Penn Station to Freeport, where a shuttle bus covers the final stretch to the park.
Is there a fee to enter Jones Beach State Park?
There is no admission fee, but parking costs $10 per vehicle on weekdays and $15 on weekends during summer. Annual Empire Passport holders park free. All fields charge the same rate under New York State Parks policy.
When do lifeguards patrol the water at Jones Beach?
Lifeguards are on duty from late June through Labor Day, generally 10 AM to 6 PM across the main swimming fields. Swimming is not permitted in the designated surfing zone at Field 6, and swimmers are advised to stay within flagged areas.
What food options are available inside the park?
Jones Beach has multiple food concession stands, a Nathan's Famous outlet, and the Boardwalk Restaurant at the West Bathhouse, which serves full meals. Picnic areas throughout the park welcome outside food.
Can visitors camp or stay overnight at Jones Beach?
Overnight camping is not permitted at Jones Beach State Park. The park closes each evening and overnight parking is prohibited. Visitors looking for nearby accommodation typically stay in Wantagh, Freeport, or other Nassau County towns close to the parkways.