Brent Goose
ParkNew York, US
Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach State Park is an iconic New York coastal destination offering diverse recreation and natural beauty.
About
Jones Beach State Park is an iconic New York coastal destination offering diverse recreation and natural beauty. This historic barrier island park, designed in the grand Beaux-Arts style, boasts 6.5 miles of pristine white-sand beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the most popular and heavily visited beaches on the East Coast. Its sweeping views, meticulously planned landscape, and Art Deco architecture provide a unique blend of natural wonder and historical significance.
Beyond the expansive oceanfront, visitors can explore a two-mile boardwalk, historic bathhouses, and the distinctive Jones Beach Water Tower, modeled after a Venetian campanile. The park offers a wide array of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to surfing, fishing, and various court sports. The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center provides engaging exhibits on local ecosystems and energy, while the West End's undeveloped areas are a haven for migratory birds and native plants, including endangered species like the Piping Plover.
Jones Beach State Park is a perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation, active pursuits, or a deeper connection with nature. Its combination of recreational opportunities, stunning natural landscapes, and significant architectural heritage ensures a memorable experience, offering something for every visitor, from lively summer concerts at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater to peaceful birdwatching in the quieter seasons. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.
and architecture buffs
What to do here
Relaxation & Water Activities: Sunbathe on the expansive beaches, swim in the ocean or the calmer waters of Zach's Bay, surf, paddleboard, or windsurf.
* **Recreation: ** Walk, run, or bike along the boardwalk and multi-use paths. Enjoy various sports courts for miniature golf, shuffleboard, basketball, pickleball, and volleyball.
* **Nature & Wildlife: ** Visit the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center for educational exhibits. Explore the undeveloped West End for birdwatching, especially for migratory and nesting shorebirds, raptors, and seals in winter. Look for unique coastal plants in the dunes and salt marshes.
* **Entertainment: ** Attend concerts at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. Experience the Bethpage Air Show on Memorial Day weekend.
* **Adventure: ** Try the zipline or aerial adventure courses at Wildplay Adventure Park.
Seasonal info
Summer: The ocean water warms up to about 70°F by midsummer, with lifeguards on duty. Major events like the Bethpage Air Show (Memorial Day weekend) and fireworks displays occur. Concert season is in full swing.
Fall: Peak migration for hawks, kestrels, falcons, and hundreds of monarch butterflies.
Winter: Harbor seals can be seen in surrounding waters, and Snowy Owls occasionally frequent the beach. Birders look for winter finches.
Spring: A wide variety of migrating songbirds and shorebirds pass through. Horseshoe crabs, diamondback terrapins, and Piping Plovers utilize the beach for nesting.
Accessibility
Jones Beach State Park offers excellent accessibility. Manual beach wheelchairs are available at various locations, including the West Bathhouse, Central Mall, Zach's Bay, and Fields #2 and #6. Accessible parking is available at all fields, with Field #6 and #2 particularly recommended for easy beach access with ramps. Mobi-mats and floating beach wheelchairs are available at Zach's Bay. The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center also features award-winning accessible exhibits.
Don't miss
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The 6.5 miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront, the two-mile Boardwalk, the historic Jones Beach Water Tower, the East and West Bathhouses with their Art Deco architecture, Zach's Bay for calm-water swimming, the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, and the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater for concerts.
Wildlife you might spot
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Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Arrive Early
** Especially on summer weekends or during major events like the air show, parking lots fill up quickly.
Consider an Empire Pass
If you plan multiple visits to New York State Parks, an Empire Pass offers year-round, unlimited entry and can save on parking fees.
Explore Beyond the Ocean
While the Atlantic Ocean beach is the main draw, visit Zach's Bay for calmer waters, particularly good for families with young children or those who prefer still-water swimming.
Bring Binoculars for Birdwatching
The West End and areas around the Energy & Nature Center are prime birding spots, offering views of various shorebirds, raptors, and migratory species.
Check Event Schedules
Before visiting, check the park's website for concert schedules at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater or other seasonal events.
Protect the Dunes
Stay on marked paths and boardwalks to avoid disturbing fragile dune ecosystems and nesting birds.
Frequently asked questions
- No, pets are generally not allowed at Jones Beach State Park year-round, including on the beaches and boardwalk, to protect wildlife and maintain cleanliness.
- Jones Beach is a significant habitat for diverse wildlife. Depending on the season, visitors can spot migratory birds like Piping Plovers, American Oystercatchers, Osprey, and even Snowy Owls in winter. Marine life such as horseshoe crabs, diamondback terrapins, and harbor seals are also present. The park is also known for monarch butterfly migrations in the fall.
- Yes, Jones Beach State Park is highly accessible. It provides manual beach wheelchairs, accessible parking at all fields with ramps, and mobi-mats and floating beach wheelchairs at Zach's Bay. The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center also features accessible exhibits.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
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