The demographics of Nassau County changed in the years following WWII. The first true suburbs were laid out across former potato fields and the like as families from the Bronx and Brooklyn filed out down paths carved into the earth by Robert Moses. The both famed and infamous developer made many changes to the landscape, but there is one creation of his that was and is undoubtedly a masterpiece. Many grow up on the Island and head west to visit NYC, but it is at Jones Beach State Park where the city comes to us.

Whether it be a lazy stroll down the world famous boardwalk, some rounds at the pitch-and-putt golf course, or maybe checking out a A-list concert over at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre, you can find adventure or peace, depending on what you seek. There are many fields available, and you'll not only bump into your Nassau neighbors, but expect residents of all five boroughs to be represented. In fact, for the young and young-at-heart, spend a sunny summer day at Field 4, the main space located in the center of the park. It will definitely be crowded, and it will certainly offer a place to network and/or people watch, as it is known by teens and college students as the 'meat market'. No, the rules here aren't flouted, and there isn't any bad behavior by any means! It's just the main beach, and everybody comes together here for fun in the sun.

However, if you'd like a little more personal time on the sand, the other fields are often less crowded, and the space between them offers a virtual private experience for you to lay down your blanket undisturbed. And unlike the Suffolk County big beach parks, there are very wide expanses and plenty of activities between the parking lot and the ocean. You can walk, jog or ride the boardwalk, pick up a basketball game, or even schedule a league softball game.

With Ocean Parkway, the Wantagh Parkway and the Meadowbrook Parkway taking you there; travelling by foot, by bike-riding or rollerblading down the gracious pedestrian path that starts in Wantagh, or by catching a bus from the LIRR, Jones Beach is a convenient place to take five from...everything.


Jones Beach State Park
Box 1000
Wantagh, NY 11793
Phone: (516) 785-1600
www.jonesbeach.com