Jones Beach State Park: Best Beaches in the Mid-Atlantic
Beach Personality: Big
Jones Beach State Park is big! From its 6.5 miles of ocean beach to its 2,413 acres of land to its incredible array of amenities: if you want it, Jones Beach probably has it. Field 6 is the most popular part of the park since it has parking close to the beach, a concession stand and gift shop, and one end of the two-mile boardwalk starts here. If you want to be where the action is, Field 6 is where you want to be. If you want a quieter beach experience, pick a different Field, preferably as far from Field 6 as possible.
When I visited Jones Beach it was an unseasonably warm (mid-80s) October weekend. Even off-season, it being a warm weekend day, it was crowded but not unmanageably so. I parked in Field 6, the only open beachfront lot that day, and proceeded to enjoy the beautiful day at a beautiful beach. Then I drove around the park, which I found huge and a little confusing, until I ended up at the fishing piers. I had to stop there to check them out and take some pictures. The good news is that once you’ve paid to park at Jones Beach State Park you can change lots as often as you want that day without paying again as long as you keep your receipt to show the parking lot attendant.
Beach Activities:
- Lounging
- Swimming
- Boogie boarding
- Kayaking
- Surfing
- Fishing from the shore and piers
- Volleyball
- Biking
- Swimming pools
- Boardwalk
- Playground
- Marina
- Nature center
- Golf
- Pitch Putt golf
- Miniature golf
- Shuffleboard
- Paddleball
- Entertainment
For more Jones Beach information on hours, prices, entertainment schedule, etc.
Beach Amenities:
- Public bathrooms – Yes.
- Showers – Yes.
- Parking – Yes, for a fee.
- Food – Yes.
- Lifeguard – Yes, seasonally.
- Dogs allowed on the beach – No.
Beach Rentals:
Chairs, umbrellas and fishing poles are available for rent at Jones Beach.
In addition, the following businesses are within driving distance:
Empire Kayaks rents kayaks and paddleboards (SUP) and offers kayak tours and lessons.
Ted’s Fishing Station rents boats and fishing poles.
Directions:
Jones Beach State Park is located at 1 Ocean Parkway Wantagh, NY 11793. To reach Jones Beach from the west, drive to Route 27 E. Continue on Route 27 E to the Jones Beach exit at Meadowbrook State Parkway S. Meadowbrook State Parkway takes you into Jones Beach State Park at which point you’ll have numerous choices on what way to go depending on what you’re there for.
You can also reach Jones Beach State Park using public transportation.
To many joyful beach experiences!
— Lisa Dworkin
Photos courtesy of Lisa Dworkin. All rights reserved.
