There’s nothing quite like summer in Nassau County. With miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean shoreline, charming waterfront communities, iconic Long Island beaches with boardwalks, and family-friendly destinations, Nassau County is home to some of the best beaches on Long Island. Whether you’re planning a day trip from New York City, a weekend getaway, or an extended vacation, you’ll find a beach that perfectly matches your travel style.
From the legendary sands of Jones Beach State Park to the famous Long Beach, NY boardwalk and the peaceful shoreline of Point Lookout, each destination offers its own unique personality. Some beaches are ideal for families with young children, while others are known as some of the best surf spots on Long Island, attracting wave riders from across the region.
Beyond the beach itself, Nassau County offers waterfront restaurants, live entertainment, scenic parks, charming downtowns, historic attractions, and exciting seasonal events—all just minutes from the shoreline. Whether you’re looking for the best family beaches in Nassau County, world-class surfing, or simply a relaxing day by the water, this guide will help you discover the very best coastal destinations the region has to offer.
Why Nassau County’s Beaches Belong on Every Summer Bucket List
Located less than an hour from New York City, Nassau County offers one of the most diverse beach experiences in the Northeast. Visitors can spend the morning swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, walk one of the county’s most iconic boardwalks, surf world-class waves, enjoy lunch overlooking the water, and finish the day with a spectacular sunset—all without traveling far.
What makes Nassau County unique isn’t simply the number of beaches—it’s the variety. Whether you’re searching for energetic beach towns, quiet stretches of sand, family-friendly parks, or scenic waterfront escapes, there’s a destination waiting to be explored.
Jones Beach State Park: Long Island’s Legendary Beach Destination
No visit to Nassau County is complete without experiencing Jones Beach State Park, one of New York’s most iconic coastal destinations.
Since opening in 1929, Jones Beach has welcomed generations of visitors and remains one of the most recognizable beaches in the country. Stretching more than six miles along the Atlantic Ocean, it offers endless opportunities to swim, sunbathe, play beach games, or simply relax while listening to the waves.
The park’s famous two-mile boardwalk invites visitors to enjoy ocean views while stopping for refreshments, ice cream, or family photos. Cyclists can explore scenic bike paths, anglers can fish from designated areas, and families can enjoy miniature golf, pickleball courts, playgrounds, and seasonal educational programs.
Summer is especially exciting at Jones Beach. The park hosts concerts at the iconic Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, spectacular air shows, fireworks, fitness events, and seasonal festivals that attract visitors from across the Northeast.
Nature lovers will also appreciate the protected dunes and coastal habitats that make Jones Beach an important home for shorebirds and native wildlife.
Whether you’re spending a full day on the sand or simply stopping to enjoy the scenery, Jones Beach offers one of Long Island’s quintessential summer experiences.
Plan Your Visit: Jones Beach State Park
Best For
- First-time visitors
- Families
- Concertgoers
- Swimming
- Classic beach days
Amenities
- Two-mile boardwalk
- Lifeguarded swimming
- Food concessions
- Miniature golf
- Bicycle paths
- Fishing
- Seasonal events
Parking
Large public parking fields are available. During summer weekends and holidays, arriving early is highly recommended.
Accessibility
Accessible parking, and restrooms help make Jones Beach enjoyable for all visitors.
Long Beach: Home to the Iconic Long Beach, NY Boardwalk
Just west of Jones Beach sits one of Long Island’s most beloved beach communities.
Known as The City by the Sea, Long Beach combines beautiful beaches with one of New York’s most famous oceanfront promenades—the Long Beach, NY boardwalk—making it one of Nassau County’s premier coastal destinations.
The city’s expansive sandy shoreline provides plenty of room for swimming, beach volleyball, sunbathing, and surfing.
Long Beach is also considered one of the best surf spots on Long Island. Consistent Atlantic swells make it a favorite among experienced surfers, while beginners can take lessons from local surf schools offering equipment rentals and instruction throughout the summer. If you’re searching for Long Beach, NY surf spots, you’ll find designated surfing beaches that welcome wave riders throughout the season.
Stretching approximately 2.2 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, the Long Beach boardwalk is one of the most popular Long Island beaches with boardwalks. Whether you’re walking, jogging, biking, or simply taking in breathtaking ocean views, it’s an unforgettable part of any visit.
After leaving the beach, continue exploring nearby Park Avenue, where locally owned restaurants, breweries, cafés, boutiques, and rooftop bars create a lively coastal atmosphere. Throughout the summer, visitors can also enjoy outdoor concerts, art festivals, farmers markets, and family-friendly community events.
Long Beach effortlessly combines seaside relaxation with fun downtown energy, making it one of Nassau County’s most complete beach destinations.
Plan Your Visit: Long Beach
Best For
- Surfing
- The Long Beach NY boardwalk
- Dining
- Shopping
- Nightlife
- Couples’ getaways
Amenities
- Boardwalk
- Surfing beaches
- Restaurants
- Bike rentals
- Public beach access
- Seasonal entertainment
Parking
Municipal parking lots and metered street parking are available throughout the city.
Beach Access
Daily and seasonal beach passes are available during the summer season.
TOBAY Beach: One of the Best Family Beaches in Nassau County
Families looking for a quieter beach experience often discover that TOBAY Beach is one of Nassau County’s best-kept secrets.
Located along the South Shore, TOBAY combines beautiful Atlantic Ocean access with nearby Great South Bay views, creating a welcoming environment that’s ideal for visitors of all ages.
Widely considered one of the best family beaches in Nassau County, TOBAY offers spacious sandy beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas, clean facilities, and a nearby marina. Parents appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, while children have plenty of room to play, explore, and enjoy the shoreline.
Boaters frequently use the adjacent marina, adding to the beach’s scenic waterfront character. After a day on the sand, visitors can enjoy nearby waterfront restaurants while taking in beautiful sunset views over the bay.
Unlike some of the county’s busier beaches, TOBAY offers a slower pace without sacrificing amenities, making it an excellent choice for families planning a full day outdoors.
Plan Your Visit: TOBAY Beach
Best For
- Families
- Picnics
- Boating
- Relaxing beach days
Amenities
- Marina
- Playground
- Picnic areas
- Concessions
- Nearby waterfront dining
- Restrooms
Know Before You Go
Some amenities and beach access vary by season and residency requirements. Check current policies before your visit.
Lido Beach: A Peaceful Ocean Escape
If your ideal beach day includes finding a comfortable chair, listening to the waves, and escaping the crowds, Lido Beach belongs on your itinerary.
Situated between Long Beach and Point Lookout, Lido Beach offers wide stretches of soft sand, lifeguarded swimming, volleyball courts, concessions, and clean facilities, all within a more relaxed atmosphere than many neighboring beaches.
Visitors appreciate its quieter pace while still enjoying easy access to nearby golf courses, waterfront parks, restaurants, and other attractions that make it easy to turn a beach day into a full day of exploration.
Nickerson Beach Park: Family Fun Beyond the Sand
If you’re searching for one of the best family beaches in Nassau County, Nickerson Beach Park should be at the top of your list.
Located in Lido Beach, this expansive Nassau County park offers far more than a beautiful stretch of Atlantic Ocean shoreline. It’s a destination designed for active families, groups, and visitors looking to spend an entire day outdoors.
In addition to its beach, Nickerson features Olympic-size swimming pools, children’s splash areas, playgrounds, volleyball courts, athletic fields, picnic areas, walking paths, fishing opportunities, and seasonal camping. Whether your family wants to swim, build sandcastles, enjoy a picnic, or challenge each other to a game of volleyball, there’s something for everyone.
The park’s spacious layout makes it easy to spread out, making it a favorite destination for birthday parties, reunions, and family gatherings throughout the summer.
For visitors traveling with children, Nickerson complements TOBAY Beach as one of the best family beaches in Nassau County, offering countless recreational opportunities both on and off the sand.
Plan Your Visit: Nickerson Beach Park
Best For
- Families
- Active visitors
- Group outings
- Full-day adventures
Amenities
- Ocean beach
- Olympic-size pools
- Splash pad
- Playgrounds
- Volleyball courts
- Walking paths
- Picnic areas
- Seasonal camping
- Fishing
Insider Tip
Bring a cooler and spend the day—there’s enough to keep everyone entertained from morning through sunset.
Point Lookout Beach: Small-Town Charm Meets Oceanfront Beauty
At the eastern end of Long Beach Barrier Island lies one of Nassau County’s most charming seaside communities.
Point Lookout Beach offers visitors a quieter alternative to some of the region’s larger beaches while still providing the beautiful Atlantic Ocean scenery Long Island is famous for.
Wide sandy beaches invite visitors to relax, while the surrounding village offers locally owned seafood restaurants, cafés, ice cream shops, boutiques, and waterfront taverns that give Point Lookout its unmistakable coastal character.
Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy as well. Charter boats depart from nearby marinas, and surf fishing remains popular throughout much of the year.
One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Point Lookout is simply slowing down. Spend the afternoon walking the shoreline, enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the water, or stay through sunset when the beach becomes one of Nassau County’s most picturesque destinations.
Plan Your Visit: Point Lookout Beach
Best For
- Quiet beach days
- Couples
- Sunset photography
- Fishing
- Waterfront dining
Nearby Highlights
- Seafood restaurants
- Fishing charters
- Local boutiques
- Scenic village streets
Looking Beyond the Ocean: Discover Calm Water Beaches on Long Island’s North Shore
While Nassau County is best known for its Atlantic Ocean beaches, the North Shore offers a completely different waterfront experience that’s equally rewarding.
Visitors searching for calm water beaches on Long Island will appreciate the peaceful shoreline parks overlooking Hempstead Harbor and Long Island Sound. Unlike the surf beaches of the South Shore, these protected waters are typically gentler, making them ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, birdwatching, fishing, and relaxing waterfront picnics.
The North Shore’s scenic coastline provides an opportunity to experience another side of Nassau County—one defined by quiet coves, waterfront parks, charming harbors, and breathtaking sunsets.
These calmer waterfront destinations are especially popular with families traveling with younger children, couples seeking a peaceful afternoon by the water, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature.
After spending time along the shoreline, continue your adventure by visiting nearby Gold Coast mansions, waterfront restaurants, museums, and charming downtown villages that showcase Nassau County’s rich history and coastal culture.
Which Nassau County Beach Is Right for You?
Every beach offers something different, so choosing the right destination depends on the experience you’re looking for.
| If you’re looking for… | Visit… |
| The classic Long Island beach experience | Jones Beach State Park |
| The famous Long Beach NY boardwalk | Long Beach |
| One of the best family beaches in Nassau County | TOBAY Beach |
| One of the best surf spots on Long Island | Long Beach |
| A peaceful ocean escape | Lido Beach |
| Recreation and activities for all ages | Nickerson Beach Park |
| Calm water beaches on Long Island | North Shore waterfront parks |
| Quiet coastal charm | Point Lookout |
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another summer getaway, Nassau County offers a beach that perfectly fits your style.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Beach Day
A little preparation can help you make the most of your visit.
Arrive Early
Popular beaches like Jones Beach and Long Beach can fill quickly during weekends and holidays. Arriving early gives you the best chance at convenient parking and a prime spot on the sand.
Check Beach Policies
Parking fees, beach admission, lifeguard hours, and residency requirements vary by location. Be sure to review current information before heading out.
Pack Smart
Bring sunscreen, hats, reusable water bottles, towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, and water shoes to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Swim Safely
Always swim in designated lifeguard-protected areas and pay attention to posted beach conditions and flags.
Stay for Sunset
Some of Nassau County’s most memorable views happen at the end of the day. Point Lookout, Long Beach, Jones Beach, and many North Shore waterfront parks offer spectacular sunset photo opportunities.
Explore Beyond the Beach
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Nassau County is that many beaches are located just minutes from waterfront restaurants, parks, museums, golf courses, shopping districts, and seasonal events. Turn your beach day into a weekend getaway by exploring everything the area has to offer.
Continue Exploring Nassau County
A beach day is only the beginning of your Long Island adventure.
After spending time along the shore, enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the water, stroll through a charming downtown village, tee off at one of Nassau County’s public golf courses, explore a historic Gold Coast estate, or attend one of the many festivals and concerts taking place throughout the summer.
Looking for more inspiration? Continue planning your trip with these Nassau County Tourism resources:
- Parks & Beaches – Discover additional beaches, preserves, hiking trails, and waterfront parks.
- Ultimate Summer Guide to Jones Beach – Seasonal events, attractions, and insider tips.
- Long Beach Guide – Explore the Long Beach NY boardwalk, restaurants, shopping, and Long Beach NY surf spots.
- Bayville Beach Guide – Learn more about one of the best family beaches in Nassau County.
- Events Calendar – Find concerts, festivals, and seasonal happenings during your visit.
- Restaurants – Discover waterfront dining, local seafood favorites, and hidden culinary gems.
- Get Inspired – Browse itineraries, attractions, museums, outdoor adventures, and more travel ideas across Nassau County.
Experience the Best Beaches on Long Island
Whether you’re spending the day on the iconic sands of Jones Beach, strolling the Long Beach NY boardwalk, catching waves at one of the best surf spots on Long Island, introducing your children to one of the best family beaches in Nassau County, or discovering the peaceful charm of the calm water beaches on Long Island’s North Shore, Nassau County offers an unforgettable coastal experience.
Its unique combination of world-famous beaches, welcoming waterfront communities, outdoor recreation, family-friendly attractions, and rich coastal history makes Nassau County one of the premier beach destinations in the Northeast.
No matter how you choose to spend your time by the water, you’ll quickly discover why visitors return to Nassau County year after year.
Ready to start planning your next seaside escape? Explore Nassau County Tourism for more beaches, attractions, restaurants, events, and trip inspiration and experience the very best of Long Island, one beach at a time.
