This iconic summer destination is the spot to be for concerts, games, adventures, and more
Jones Beach is more than just a destination for summer swimming and sunning — apart from the six and a half miles of white sand beaches, the state park is home to a sprawling boardwalk, top ticket concerts, restaurants, sports, and activities like mini golf, cornhole, pickleball, and more. In short, this Long Island getaway is a one-stop shop for summertime revelry.
Music
Out-of-towners frequent Northwell Health Theatre for its epic concerts, ideally situated along the beach and boasting big-name musical acts. The venue’s summer series kicks off with an airshow by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels May 24-26, and at the end of June, the outdoor amphitheater will begin hosting performances by Willie Nelson, Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons and Dave Matthews Band (to name a few), continuing throughout September. There’s nothing like watching a concert situated right on the water with the breeze from the bay to cool you off.
Adventure
Not to be outdone by the infamous Jones Beach concert series, nearby Wildplay Adventure Park offers adrenaline-boosting activities for those who arrive in the area with a surplus of energy. Both adults and children can soar above the coast on the Jones Beach Zipline, which stretches a whopping 700 feet along the beach. For a more hands-on experience, you can opt to partake in one of three adventure courses (classic, extreme, or kids), where you will traipse across tightropes, scramble up cargo nets, slide down ziplines, and even glide in the air on rope swings. Lastly, the park also entices guests with its What’s to Fear Jump, a plunge from a 40-foot platform straight down to the ground.
Activities
Right in the heart of the State Park lies West Games, a slightly more tame arena for visitors to enjoy. Here you’ll find an 18-hole mini golf course, plus 46,000 square feet of sports courts— pickleball, basketball, tennis, softball, volleyball, and beach volleyball all included —not to mention designated areas for games like bocce ball, cornhole, table tennis, shuffleboard, and even a splash pad. Basically, if you can dream it, Jones Beach will likely have it. There’s truly something for every member of the family and then some.
For those who want a more nature-focused outing, there are designated fishing areas (along with a bait and tackle shop), swimming areas on both the ocean- and bayside, and even areas to partake in surfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Aquaphiles can even get out on the water via kayak and sailboards for a lengthier excursion. However, if chlorinated waters are more your speed, there’s also a pool for swimmers to enjoy sans sand. Additionally, many people enjoy taking advantage of the area’s bike path, which is open year-round, or going for a stroll along the boardwalk.
Eats
Speaking of the boardwalk, there are plenty of tasty options situated along the miles-long trail when hunger strikes, from the numerous concession stands to the Boardwalk Cafe – and most notably, Gatsby on the Ocean. The latter is one of the nicer, dine-in options visitors can settle down at for a meal, with amazing views overlooking the ocean. Expect plenty of seafood offerings and live music to bring you back in time, along with its 1920s decor. More casual fare can be found at the Cafe, and grab-and-go options are par for the course at the concessions. Classic beachside options like soft-serve ice cream, chicken tenders, and fish and chips are all hot commodities.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach, an action-packed getaway full of adventure, or simply want a place to explore pre-concert, Jones Beach has more to offer than meets the eye. After all, there’s a reason why it attracts over eight million visitors every year.
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