Jones Beach State Park
Wantagh, NY
A classic Long Island beach with six and a half miles of shoreline, a landmark water tower, boardwalk, and a large outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts through the summer.
Six and a half miles of shoreline and a real concert scene, but it's a big, busy state park and doesn't feel like a secret to anyone.
How we score beachesField 6 and Field 4 tend to stay less crowded than the fields closest to the boardwalk and the water tower.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach or boardwalk at Jones Beach State Park at any time of year, aside from trained service animals.
Long Island's beach season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day in practice, with water climbing into the 70s by mid to late July. Hurricane season overlaps the tail end of summer, so a late August or September visit is worth checking the forecast for tropical activity.
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