What to do and see in Long Island, Long Island: The Best Outdoor Activities

March 31, 2022 Etsuko Causey

Discover the best top things to do in Long Island, United States including Fire Island National Seashore, Jones Beach State Park, Cooper's Beach, Ditch Plains, Gilgo Beach, Lido Beach, Tobay Beach, Ponquogue Beach, Atlantic Avenue Beach, Foster Memorial Beach.
Restaurants in Long Island

1. Fire Island National Seashore

120 Laurel St, Patchogue, NY 11772-3596 +1 631-687-4750 http://www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 192 reviews

Fire Island National Seashore

Reviewed By LollysLook - New York City, United States

Fire island beaches are the spectacular jewel of the south shore of Long Island New York. The beautiful sandy beaches line the barrier island. Each town on fire island has its own unique draw-some are quiet, some have bars and restaurants that are lively. Find one that you love !

2. Jones Beach State Park

1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793 +1 516-785-1600 https://parks.ny.gov/parks/jonesbeach/
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 463 reviews

Jones Beach State Park

This park offers visitors seven miles of beach, two swimming pools, a boardwalk and games.

Reviewed By LIICETEA - Long Island, United States

Jones Beach State Park, a NY STATE PARK so Parking Fees apply during the season, 10.00 dollars daily. There are plenty of activities at the park for every one. A great boardwalk, a beautiful beach, playgrounds for the kids, Shuffle board and miniature golf. Beside the Beach, the 2 pools should be open during season, I rode my bike on the bicycle path from Cedar Creek park to Jones Beach which is about 5 miles. i didnt continue but i think it goes further along the bay towards Gilgo Beach. Now the Best hidden secret in this park, Parking lot 10(check out picture) with the fishing pier have the best sunsets. GO there and you will see what I mean.

3. Cooper's Beach

268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968-4600
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 347 reviews

Cooper's Beach

Scenic beach stretches 500 feet along the Atlantic shoreline offering a view of historic mansions in the distance.

Reviewed By Rtktennis - Southampton, United States

As nice as it gets. Great food at reasonable prices for the Hampton's Worth the parking fee if you can’t bike there. ..

4. Ditch Plains

Montauk Peninsula, Montauk, NY
Excellent
59%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

Ditch Plains

Located on the Montauk Peninsula, this popular beach is noted for excellent surfing and body boarding.

Reviewed By fuwa1818 - Cincinnati, United States

Beautiful in the mornings! Not very crowded and mainly friendly locals out on the water. Catch a lesson with Coreyswave if you'd like to learn. Surf is consistently good for beginners in the summer. IMPORTANT: If you're visiting, none of the lots are open to cars without an East Hampton beach parking permit. I parked in the free lot at Shadmoor State Park and took the 20 min walk to Ditch. Phenomenal way to start the day with a clear mind!

5. Gilgo Beach

Babylon, NY 11702
Excellent
66%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Gilgo Beach

Reviewed By laurabF3899KO - Levittown, United States

I am a life long Long Islander and have been to about every beach on this island. Gilgo Beach is the absolute best, hands down. Drive in or dock your boat. Clean water and white sand, lifeguards at close intervals that are very helpful and will personally advise you of rip tides and strong undertows throughout the day, which is a plus for those of us with young kids. PERFECT BOOGIE BOARDING AND SURFING BEACH! There is a cabana for beach necessities and to rent umbrellas, boogie boards, surf boards, and chairs as well as purchase souvenirs. The shells on Gilgo Beach are different from any of the surrounding beaches... tiny white & pink perfectly shaped and and work beautifully for crafting! There are plenty of trash receptacles to keep the sand free of refuse. Warm water showers for rinsing off the salt and sand before you get in the car or boat. There is a snack shop with made to order burgers, dogs, chicken, fries, snacks & ice cream as well as a full bar for the adults. Non resident parking is a little expensive at $30 per day, but free before 8 am and after 4 pm. Honestly, it’s worth every penny, as this hidden jewel is not to be missed.

6. Lido Beach

Lido Beach, NY
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

Lido Beach

Reviewed By Trip43255516391

Very nice beach....Well landscaped. Ran the entire boardwalk.Excellent view of jet lines taking off to various destinations. Beaches are clean...Public restrooms are available. Parking is limited. Overall we enjoyed the boardwalk.

7. Tobay Beach

Massapequa, NY +1 516-679-3900 http://oysterbaytown.com/departments/parks/beaches
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Tobay Beach

Reviewed By patriciasB3427WX

Tobay Beach is specifically for residents of "Town of Oyster Bay" groups of towns (Massapequa, Hicksville, Syosset, Farmingdale, Bethpage, Oyster Bay). After Sandy & some Nor'easters, it looked like Tobay was gone forever, washed out to sea, literally. Well the town has upped its game & rebuilt the beach with new restaurants, a bar, a water park for the kids. On one side of the parking lot is the beautiful beach. The opposite side is the calm bay which is perfect for families with young kids. Also a very zen 9/11 memorial garden on the bay side. You can get a seasonal pass or pay by the day. If you are not a resident of any of the towns within TOBAY, you will pay an arm & a leg to go. Seasonal passes for residents are pretty reasonable, but daily fees can add up quickly, so if you're planning to go several times, get the pass. One wonderful perk for this "private" beach is that, for seniors, you can get a lifetime pass. Pay a one-time $30 fee, get an ID card, and all you have to do each season is show your card & car registration. You get a sticker in the window & free beach all year. Looking forward to the new restaurants & water park for children.

8. Ponquogue Beach

Dune Rd. over Ponquogue Bridge, Hampton Bays, Southampton, NY 11946 +1 631-283-6011 https://www.southamptontownny.gov/977/Ponquogue-Beach-Pavilion-Redevelopment
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

Ponquogue Beach

Reviewed By 376arthurh

This is one of my favorite beaches on Long Island. Has life guards, a concert series and a small concession stand as well as bathrooms during the summer season. Requires a permit or a day pass. Check out the Town Of Southampton website for details.

9. Atlantic Avenue Beach

South end of Atlantic Avenue off Bluff Road, Montauk, NY
Excellent
53%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Atlantic Avenue Beach

Reviewed By StephenCr0ss - Dublin, Ireland

Toilets at the beach. Excellent parking. Wonderful clean beach. Lovely to walk on especially if you are lucky enough to have a dog.

10. Foster Memorial Beach

1000 Long Beach Rd, Sag Harbor, NY (631) 728-8585 http://www.southamptontownny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/638/Beach-Parking-Information-and-Facilities--Parks-Map-PDF?bidId=
Excellent
50%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Foster Memorial Beach

Reviewed By olivias33 - Southampton, United States

This is a great beach to go to with the family. They have lifeguards and bathrooms and the ice cream truck comes during the day. You can pull right up and take your stuff out and walk on the beach. They have day passes available.

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