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

Plan Your Beach Trip

Turn your beach search into a complete trip — book stays, discover experiences, and prepare like a pro.

🏨 Stays 🌊 Things to do 🏖️ Essentials 🧳 Packages ✈️ Flights ⛺ Beach Tents

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.