Jones Beach State Park

Jones Beach is where I'd take my family. I spent many blissful summer weekends here with family and friends even whenI came home sunburned). It was such an adventure piling into the station wagon with a large cooler of fried chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs and KoolAid) and driving from Queens to Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh. Couldn't wait to get my toes in the white sand and then run straight into the waves which were exhiliarating! Jones Beach State Park is considered a world-class swimming destination offering surf bathing along its 6.5 miles of ocean beach, one-half mile of bay beach for stillwater bathing, and two swimming pools. The west end of the park provides wonderful surf fishing, a boat basin and undeveloped areas that are home to a variety of migratory birds and native plants. The park is also home to the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center, located on a barrier island beach within Jones Beach State Park. An exhibit area depicts a variety of marine habitats including the South Shore Estuary Reserve, the seashore and the dune environment. There are lots of fun things for kids to do such as touching a live live marine animal, looking through a children's microscope or playing in the kid's activity area. Outside the kids can dig up whale bones in the Discovery Bone Cove, walk through the butterfly garden or view a shipwreck. An environmental boardwalk takes you out into the dune environment to see plants and animals that live there. The little ones won't get bored here! Jones Beach has a two mile boardwalk and a "Castles in the Sand" photo collection at the East Bathhouse which depicts the development of the Long Island State Park and parkway systems. Additional attractions include deck games and miniature golf. more

When we want a place to sit in the sun or play in the cool ocean water on hot summer days, its hop in the car early in the morning and spend the day at Jones Beach. They still have umbrellas for rent, bring beach chairs and lunch and plenty of sun tan lotion. The beach has always been well kept, and the ocean is clean here and you can still find the occasional shell. Parking is ample, with huge lots that, yes, can get filled on weekends. Come early for a good parking spot and a good spot on the beach. Best way to stay cool in the hot city summers. more

Great place to take the kids. A beautiful white sandy beach along the Atlantic with great waves. Watchful lifeguards, radio free zones, a terrific boardwalk and plenty of parking. The walk from the parking lot is a little far but part of the experience! Get the kids to help lug your beach chairs, cooler, umbrella and other paraphenalia. Senior parking discount. more

Jones Beach, located in Wantagh in Nassau County, is a great state park. It's accessible from many state parkways, including the Ocean, Wantagh and Meadowbrook Parkways. The beach is large and beautiful, the theatre features marquee names and offers a great view, and it's overall a great experience. No wonder most of Long Island heads to Jones Beach in the summer! more

Jones beach is great, safe place for swimming, or even just a walk on its 2 mile boardwalk. Restaurants are plentiful, where you'll find some great Long Island seafood. Fishing is also available nearby, and at nearby Captree. A wide variety of plant and bird life call Jones Beach home, especially in it's more undeveloped areas. Get there early and stake your claim in the sand. Also, check out the mini-golf course right alongside the boardwalk (very crowded on Saturday nights). more