Beaches in Long Island, NY – Best Ocean Beaches, Hamptons Shores & Family Spots

Long Island is home to some of the most famous beaches in New York, stretching from the
Atlantic Ocean shores of the Hamptons to the calm waters of the Long Island Sound.
Whether you’re looking for surf, soft sand, family-friendly swimming, or scenic coastal escapes,
Long Island offers a beach for every style.

This guide covers the best beaches in Long Island, organized by location and experience,
plus when to visit and how to plan your trip.

Top Beaches in Long Island (Quick List)

• Jones Beach State Park
• Robert Moses State Park
• Long Beach Boardwalk
• Coopers Beach (Southampton)
• Main Beach (East Hampton)
• Montauk Point Beaches
• Orient Beach State Park

Best South Shore (Atlantic Ocean) Beaches

Jones Beach State Park

One of New York’s most iconic beaches, Jones Beach offers wide sandy shoreline,
lifeguards, boardwalk access, and seasonal events. It’s easily accessible from NYC
and ideal for a classic beach day.

Robert Moses State Park

Located on Fire Island, Robert Moses features clean sand, strong surf, and a more relaxed
atmosphere than Jones Beach. It’s popular with surfers and nature lovers.

Long Beach

Long Beach is known for its boardwalk, restaurants, and lively summer energy.
It’s one of the most accessible ocean beaches via the Long Island Rail Road.

Best Beaches in the Hamptons

Coopers Beach (Southampton)

Often ranked among the best beaches in America, Coopers Beach features soft sand,
scenic dunes, and stunning ocean views. Parking is limited but worth it.

Main Beach (East Hampton)

A picturesque Hamptons beach with clean sand, seasonal lifeguards,
and upscale surroundings.

Montauk Beaches

Montauk offers dramatic coastal scenery and some of the best surf on Long Island.
Ditch Plains Beach is especially popular with surfers.

Best North Shore (Long Island Sound) Beaches

Orient Beach State Park

Located on the North Fork, Orient Beach offers calm waters,
ideal for kayaking and swimming, with fewer waves than the Atlantic side.

Sunken Meadow State Park

A scenic beach with hiking trails and bluff views, perfect for
families and nature lovers.

Best Long Island Beaches by Experience

🌊 Best for Surfing

• Montauk (Ditch Plains)
• Robert Moses State Park

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for Families

• Jones Beach
• Long Beach
• Orient Beach

🌅 Best for Scenery

• Coopers Beach
• Montauk Point

Best Time to Visit Long Island Beaches

The beach season runs from late May through September.
July and August offer the warmest water temperatures,
while June and early September provide fewer crowds.

Plan Your Visit

• Arrive early for parking during summer weekends
• Check residency requirements for certain town beaches
• Bring sunscreen and wind protection
• Follow posted lifeguard and swimming advisories

FAQs About Beaches in Long Island

Does Long Island have good beaches?

Yes. Long Island has some of the best beaches in New York,
including Atlantic Ocean surf beaches and calmer Sound-side beaches.

What is the most popular beach on Long Island?

Jones Beach State Park is the most visited and well-known beach on Long Island.

Are Long Island beaches free?

Many state parks require parking fees. Some town beaches require resident permits.

All Major Beaches in Long Island, NY

Long Island stretches over 100 miles and features Atlantic Ocean beaches along the South Shore,
barrier island destinations like Fire Island, scenic Hamptons coastlines, Montauk surf beaches,
and calmer Long Island Sound beaches on the North Shore and North Fork.

South Shore – Nassau County (Atlantic Ocean)

• Jones Beach State Park
• Long Beach
• Lido Beach
• Point Lookout Beach
• Tobay Beach
• Nickerson Beach Park
• Atlantic Beach

Fire Island Beaches

• Robert Moses State Park
• Smith Point County Park
• Ocean Beach
• Kismet Beach
• Saltaire Beach
• Cherry Grove Beach
• Watch Hill Beach

The Hamptons (South Fork)

• Coopers Beach (Southampton)
• Flying Point Beach
• Main Beach (East Hampton)
• Georgica Beach
• Atlantic Avenue Beach (Amagansett)
• Sagg Main Beach
• Ponquogue Beach

Montauk Beaches

• Ditch Plains Beach
• Kirk Park Beach
• Hither Hills State Park
• Gin Beach

North Shore – Long Island Sound

• Orient Beach State Park
• Sunken Meadow State Park
• Wildwood State Park
• West Meadow Beach
• Crab Meadow Beach
• Callahan’s Beach
• Stehli Beach

North Fork Beaches

• Truman’s Beach
• Southold Town Beach
• Cedar Beach (Southold)

Explore Individual New York Beaches Guides Below