Jones Beach State ParkAbout Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach State Park is a large state park and public beach on Jones Beach Island off Long Island’s south shore in New York. The park opened in 1929 as a major public recreation area and was developed under Robert Moses’ authority.
The park offers about 6.5 miles of Atlantic shoreline with wide sandy beaches and a long boardwalk. Facilities include bathhouses, picnic areas, playing fields, and an outdoor performance venue that hosts large summer concerts.
Constructed in the late 1920s as part of a large public-works effort, the park was developed under Robert Moses and formally opened in 1929 to provide extensive public beach access to New Yorkers. Over time it has been expanded and adapted with modern amenities while retaining its core oceanfront recreation role.
Jones Beach sits on a barrier island off Long Island’s south shore, accessible by parkways from central Long Island and from New York City. It is roughly 25 miles (about 40 kilometers) east of Manhattan and is adjacent to communities such as Wantagh and Freeport.
- Shoreline: The park’s ocean beaches extend roughly 6.5 miles along the south shore of Long Island, offering extensive shoreline and surf access.
- Visitor note: Lifeguards and seasonal services operate during the summer months and parking fees are enforced in peak season, making summer weekends the busiest times.
What to See#
- Main ocean beach: An ocean-facing public beach that forms part of the park’s approximately 6.5 miles of Atlantic shoreline and features broad sandy stretches for swimming and sunbathing.
- Jones Beach Theater: An outdoor amphitheater with a large seating capacity used for concerts and events; the venue hosts seasonal performances through the summer months.
Best Time to Visit Jones Beach State Park
Peak summer (June-August) is best for swimming and events, but late spring and early autumn offer milder crowds and still-pleasant weather.
Weather & Climate near Jones Beach State Park
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1052 mm/year), wettest in August, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -4° - 4° | -5° | 83 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -3° - 5° | -4° | 79 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 1° - 9° | 1° | 104 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 6° - 14° | 8° | 91 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 11° - 20° | 15° | 90 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 16° - 25° | 20° | 67 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 20° - 28° | 24° | 84 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 19° - 27° | 23° | 110 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 15° - 23° | 19° | 79 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 9° - 18° | 13° | 80 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 93 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -1° - 7° | -2° | 92 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Jones Beach State Park
By car: Jones Beach is on Ocean Parkway on Long Island; follow Southern State Parkway to the Wantagh Parkway south to Ocean Parkway. Public transit: Long Island Rail Road to Wantagh or Freeport followed by local buses; during summer, Nassau County operates shuttle services from certain LIRR stations. Check NY State Parks notices for shuttle and concert parking information.
Tips for Visiting Jones Beach State Park
- Arrive early in summer to find beach parking close to the boardwalk-lots fill quickly on hot weekends.
- Walk the boardwalk in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler air; lifeguard towers are staffed during peak season.
- Check the Jones Beach Theater schedule in advance if visiting-concerts change beach access patterns and parking availability.