Jones Beach State Park
Six miles of ocean beach, with snack bar, pool, locker rooms, picnic areas & a summer concert venue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Jones Beach State Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Six miles of ocean beach, with snack bar, pool, locker rooms, picnic areas & a summer concert venue.
"The park offers diverse activities from beach relaxation to thrilling adventures and dazzling light shows."
🚗 Arrive Early for Air Show
For the Air Show, aim for before 9 AM to secure parking and avoid long waits.
🚴♀️ Scenic Bike Path
Enjoy the 5.5-mile Jones Beach Bike Path from Cedar Creek Park to the boardwalk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jones Beach Boardwalk
Oceanfront
Stroll or bike along this iconic boardwalk with ocean views and access to amenities.
WildPlay Jones Beach
West End
Soar on ziplines and conquer aerial adventure courses with breathtaking ocean vistas.
Magic of Lights
Various locations within the park
Experience a dazzling drive-thru holiday light display during the winter months.
Jones Beach Air Show
Oceanfront
Witness spectacular aerial acrobatics and military aircraft displays annually.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Air Show
Beyond the Beach: Adventure & Lights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Air Show
For the Air Show, aim for before 9 AM to secure parking and avoid long waits.
🚴♀️ Scenic Bike Path
Enjoy the 5.5-mile Jones Beach Bike Path from Cedar Creek Park to the boardwalk.
💡 Magic of Lights Discount
Use code LBIMOM15 for 15% off Magic of Lights tickets!
🌊 Be Aware of Ocean Conditions
Recent reports of shark activity mean swimming conditions can change.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Air Show
For the Air Show, aim for before 9 AM to secure parking and avoid long waits.
🚴♀️ Scenic Bike Path
Enjoy the 5.5-mile Jones Beach Bike Path from Cedar Creek Park to the boardwalk.
💡 Magic of Lights Discount
Use code LBIMOM15 for 15% off Magic of Lights tickets!
🌊 Be Aware of Ocean Conditions
Recent reports of shark activity mean swimming conditions can change.
💧 Water Tower History
The 1930s water tower is a functioning landmark supplying the park. +1
🪖 Air Show Military Displays
Check out military equipment and talk to personnel, especially at Field 2.
🎶 Concert Logistics
Ubering to Freeport station after concerts can be tricky; consider leaving early.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Jones Beach for its expansive beaches, scenic boardwalk, and diverse activities like the WildPlay Adventure Course and seasonal events. The park's clean facilities and ample parking are often highlighted, though some find the ocean conditions better for wave jumping than swimming. Crowds can be significant during peak times and events, and relying on on-site rentals can sometimes be frustrating.
"I’m not fan of swimming at Jones Beach State Park beaches (more like jumping in the waves rather than swimming), but I do like the park for its walking and hiking opportunities. Trail leading from West End 2 parking lot to the ocean side and then around west side perimeter to the bay side and back to parking lot is a nice one. Another nice walk is in the Short Island beach area (park at boat basin parking lot). Zach’s Bay presents yet another opportunity to hike next to the bay starting at the theater parking lot. Best time to walk is in spring or fall when the weather is mild but not hot."
Mike Z
"Overall a nice beach.. depending on which lot you park, there is a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the water, so be ready for that.
The sand is mostly soft and the water is clean andnit wasn't as cold as I thought it would be being that is mid June.
They charge 10$ to get inside but sometimes if you go later in the day they might not change anymore.."
Ruth Poersch
"We visited the beach early for the baseball field, but found many cars had parked inside. We realized that for Memorial Day Weekend their annual air show took priority and much of the parking spots were already filled. There were a few airplanes roaming around - most were a bit far away.
There was a helicopter and jeep with military people available explaining their equipment. Parking spot 2 was best to keep quiet from the constant announcements, but still have access to the airplanes"
Kin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jones Beach State Park is accessible by car via the Meadowbrook Parkway or Wantagh Parkway. Public transportation options include the Long Island Rail Road to Freeport or Babylon stations, followed by a taxi or ride-share service. During peak season, there are also bus services available from these stations.
Yes, Jones Beach offers extensive parking lots. During the summer and for special events like the Air Show, parking can fill up very early, so arriving before 9 AM is highly recommended.
Absolutely! The Jones Beach Bike Path offers a scenic 5.5-mile route from Cedar Creek Park to the boardwalk. You can extend your ride further along the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway.
From the Meadowbrook Parkway, take the exit for Jones Beach. From the Wantagh Parkway, follow signs for Jones Beach. Be prepared for potential traffic, especially on weekends and during events.
For Jones Beach Theater, ride-sharing services like Uber can be challenging to secure immediately after a show. Some visitors suggest heading to Freeport station or other nearby stations, or leaving slightly before the final song.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a vehicle entrance fee for Jones Beach State Park, which varies by season and day of the week. During the summer, it's typically around $10-$15 per car. Special events like the Magic of Lights have separate admission fees.
The Jones Beach Air Show itself is free to watch from the park. However, you will need to pay the standard vehicle entrance fee to enter the park.
Tickets for the Magic of Lights drive-thru experience are typically around $35 per car, with discounts often available. Use code LBIMOM15 for 15% off.
Jones Beach State Park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like pools and concessions have seasonal hours. The Magic of Lights operates during the holiday season.
For events like the Magic of Lights, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially if you plan to use discount codes. For the Air Show, no advance tickets are needed beyond the park entrance fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Jones Beach offers a wide range of activities including swimming, sunbathing, walking, biking, picnicking, and visiting the WildPlay Adventure Course. There's also a concert venue and seasonal events like the Air Show and Magic of Lights. +2
While Jones Beach has miles of oceanfront, some visitors find it better for wave jumping than traditional swimming. Recent reports of shark activity also warrant caution.
Yes, Jones Beach has snack bars and concessions available, particularly during the summer season. You can also bring your own food for picnics.
The park features locker rooms, restrooms, and showers. Bathrooms are generally well-maintained and have many stalls, even with heavy visitor traffic.
Wi-Fi availability can be spotty within the park. It's advisable to download any necessary maps or information beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk offers classic ocean views, while the WildPlay Adventure Course provides unique aerial perspectives. The historic water tower is also a distinctive photographic subject. +1
Yes, the Air Show is a prime opportunity for photography, capturing dynamic aerial maneuvers. Arriving early can help you find a good vantage point.
Generally, photography is allowed throughout the park. However, be mindful of any specific rules or regulations posted by park authorities, especially during events.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for beach and landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but is ideal for capturing the action of the Air Show.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks to ensure safety and protect wildlife. It's best to check the official Jones Beach State Park regulations regarding drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The WildPlay Jones Beach adventure course offers exciting challenges for older kids and teens, while younger children can enjoy the open spaces for running around. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as concessions can get busy, and consider arriving early to secure a good spot on the beach. 🚗 Day-Trippers
✨ Event Enthusiasts
+1 Concerts at the Jones Beach Theater attract music lovers throughout the summer. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Jones Beach Beyond the Sand
Beyond adventure, Jones Beach is a hub for seasonal events. The annual Jones Beach Air Show draws large crowds eager to witness incredible aerial performances by military and civilian pilots.
+1 These events add significant value and variety to a visit, making Jones Beach a year-round destination.For a more tranquil experience, the park offers several walking and hiking opportunities. Trails wind along the bay side and ocean perimeter, providing opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying nature.
Whether you're looking for thrills, festive cheer, or a peaceful escape, Jones Beach has something to offer.Navigating Jones Beach: Transportation and Logistics
The park itself is quite spread out, and walking or biking are excellent ways to navigate. The Jones Beach Bike Path is a well-maintained route that offers scenic views and connects various points within the park and to neighboring areas.
For visitors attending concerts at the Jones Beach Theater, understanding the post-show transportation logistics is key to a smooth departure. When planning your visit, consider the time of year and any scheduled events. Summer weekends are busy with beachgoers, while the Air Show and Magic of Lights attract specific crowds. The park's facilities, including restrooms, are generally well-maintained, but can become crowded during peak times.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit