A proper beach city on a barrier island directly accessible by commuter rail from Penn Station, Long Beach's 3.5 miles of sandy beach feature consistent surf breaks, an active surfer and skater community, and a lively main strip of restaurants and bars. Called 'The City by the Sea.'
Long Beach occupies the eastern third of a barrier island directly connected by commuter rail to Penn Station in Manhattan, making it the most transit-accessible ocean beach among New York's Long Island options. Known locally as 'The City by the Sea,' Long Beach is a full municipality of approximately 33,000 residents centered on 3.5 miles of Atlantic-facing sandy beach divided between the city-managed beach to the west and a quieter eastern section near the National Guard installation.
The sand is fine and light, with a moderate beach slope producing clean, rideable shore breaks that have anchored a dedicated surf community for decades. Water clarity is typical of the New York Bight — greenish-blue in calm summer conditions — with temperatures reaching 70°F or above by late July. The beach faces due south, offering generous afternoon sun with prevailing westerly sea breezes that keep temperatures more comfortable than inland areas during heat waves. The shore itself is relatively straight without coves, stretching flat between dune grass banks and the water.
A broad concrete boardwalk lines the entire beach length, serving as the social spine of the community. In-line skaters, cyclists during permitted morning hours, joggers, and strolling families share the promenade throughout the day. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rental from concession operators stationed along the boardwalk. The main commercial strip of Park Avenue, running one block inland from the boardwalk, hosts a dense concentration of restaurants, bars, surf shops, and cafés serving the summer population.
Lifeguards patrol designated swimming zones during summer, and a dedicated surfing area is maintained at the eastern end of the public beach where swimmers are excluded. The Long Beach surf break, particularly around the ocean side near Magnolia Boulevard, attracts intermediate to experienced surfers riding swells generated by nor'easters and tropical weather systems.
By Long Island Rail Road, the Long Beach branch connects directly from Penn Station in approximately 45 minutes, with the station a 10-minute walk from the beach. Car access via the Loop Parkway is also straightforward, with municipal parking lots available at a daily fee.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- restrooms
- showers
- restaurants
- bars
- boardwalk
- bike rentals
Good to know
- Best for
- surfers, families, couples, swimmers, sunbathers
Highlights
- 3.5 miles of Atlantic beach with a dedicated surf zone and consistent breaks attracting Long Island's active surf community
- The Long Beach Boardwalk — a hub for skating, cycling, yoga, and year-round community life just steps from the ocean
- Direct Long Island Rail Road service from Penn Station in under 45 minutes, making it the most transit-friendly ocean beach from NYC
- Park Avenue's strip of seafood restaurants, surf shops, and bars located one block from the sand
- A genuine beach city with year-round residential character, distinct from day-tripper resort towns elsewhere on the Island
Tips for visiting
- The LIRR Long Beach branch is the easiest approach — the station is a 10-minute walk from the beach entrances on any day of the week
- Arrive before 11 AM on summer weekends to find beach space; afternoons in July and August can be very crowded along the central boardwalk
- The easternmost part of the public beach near the Atlantic Beach border tends to be less congested than the central boardwalk section
- A beach badge fee applies for non-resident daytime beach entry during peak summer — purchase at the beach access points or online
- The designated surf zone begins at a marked eastern stretch — check the flags and signage at entry points before setting up near the water
When to visit
Late June through August offers peak conditions for swimming and beach life. Spring and fall attract surfers when swells are more consistent and the beach far less crowded. The boardwalk is enjoyable year-round for walkers and cyclists visiting from the New York metropolitan area.
Accessibility
The Long Beach Boardwalk is fully paved and flat, making it accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility aids along its entire length. Beach access ramps extend from the boardwalk to the sand at regular intervals. A small number of beach wheelchairs may be available through the Long Beach Parks Department upon request.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to use Long Beach?
Yes, a seasonal beach badge is required for non-residents to access the beach during summer, typically Memorial Day through Labor Day. Daily passes are available at beach entry points. Annual passes offer savings for repeat visitors. Prices are set by the City of Long Beach.
How do visitors get to Long Beach by public transit from Manhattan?
The Long Island Rail Road runs the Long Beach branch directly from Penn Station, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes. Trains run frequently on summer weekends. From Long Beach station, the beach is a 10-minute walk south along Park Avenue.
What is the surf like at Long Beach, and is it suitable for beginners?
Long Beach has consistent beach break conditions, and surf schools along Park Avenue cater to beginners. The designated surf zone handles moderate Atlantic swells. Beginners should take a lesson from one of the established local surf schools before paddling out independently.
What dining options are available near Long Beach?
Long Beach has a large concentration of restaurants and bars on Park Avenue, one block from the boardwalk, ranging from casual burger spots to seafood restaurants. The Allegria Hotel rooftop bar is a popular summer destination. Several boardwalk concession stands also operate during peak season.
Can visitors cycle on the Long Beach Boardwalk?
Cycling is permitted on the boardwalk during restricted hours — typically early morning and late evening outside of peak pedestrian times. Bike rentals are available from several shops near the boardwalk. Specific hours change seasonally; checking with the City of Long Beach parks department is advisable.