Best Beaches in Long Island for Nassau County Residents

Long Island has no shortage of beaches. While this is great for summer beach-goers in many ways, it can make the decision of which beach to invade very difficult. For those who live in Nassau County, such as myself, I have compiled my favorite beaches that are close by.

Naturally, the first beach to be mentioned is Jones Beach. Since I grew up going to this beach, it will always have a special place in my heart. Jones Beach consists of several "fields." For those who just want a simple beach, field 6 is likely to be the best for you since it is a fairly short walk from the car. For those looking for a more developed boardwalk area, field 4 would probably be more to your liking.

In addition to the beautiful beaches, Jones Beach has several other attractions. The best known is probably the Nikkon Theatre. For more information on concert venues in and around the island check out New York City Free Summer Concert Guide by one of our own AC authors. This is an outdoor concert venue that boasts a line-up to rival any other concert hall. In addition, any beachgoer can rent the necessary equipment to play tennis, shuffle board, or play miniature golf. If you like to fish, there are areas of the beach that you can take your bait and rod down to in order to fish in the beach sun.

There are pools located at the bathhouses for anyone who prefers to avoid the waves, and there is also an ice-cream shop on the second floor of the East Bathhouse. In the west end field you have the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center. There, children can take part in feeding and observing marine life, observing the plants of the beach, a walk through the butterfly garden, digging up dinosaur bones, and several other fun, beach-related activities. If you want to stay closer to the main beach, there is a playground for the kids to hang out in, as well.

One more thing: if you plan on frequenting this beach, or any other state park for that matter, look into the Empire Pass. For one fee, you get a sticker to put on your car window that allows you free access to any state park all summer long.

For more information, see another excellent AC article called Jones Beach in New York.

For young adults, Long Beach may be the beach of choice. If ever there was a hot spot on Long Island for people in their 20s and 30s, Long Beach would be it. This beach is quite a bit smaller than Jones Beach, but nice all the same. Also like Jones Beach, it has a boardwalk. However, there are far less activities along it.
The reason I say this is a hot spot for young adults is because right by the beach is a plethora of bars and clubs geared toward young singles who are of drinking age. There are places like Tikki Bar. The theme of the bar is sort of similar to that of the Polyponesian Hotel in Walt Disney World. Also, there are bar's like The Back Yard, and outdoor bar or Brooklyn's, which is closer to a more casual sports bar. If you want more information, take a look at this AC authors experience in Guide to Escaping the Busy and Crazy City Life of NYC.

For big surfers, you should try Tobay Beach. However, season passes are only available to residents of Oyster Bay. Everyone else pays per visit, and it is a little expensive. Still, the beach is right at the parking lot and it is usually less crowded than Jones and Long Beach. Tobay also has better waves. If you are looking to have a picnic there are bar-b-ques and picnic tables all along the beach.

ryone else pays per visit, and it is a little expensive. Still, the beach is right at the parking lot and it is usually less crowded than Jones and Long Beach. Tobay also has better waves. If you are looking to have a picnic there are bar-b-ques and picnic tables all along the beach.

While it may be clear which beach I favor, all of these beaches are excellent choices and close by for Nassau residents. So, grab your towel and your swimsuit and take a ride to summer fun. Just make sure you don't forget the sun tan lotion.