If you’re craving sun, sand, and salty ocean air, it’s time to hit the road for the ultimate Long Island South Shore beach trip.
This stretch of coast is packed with some of the best beaches in New York—think rolling dunes, massive waves, and delicious boardwalk snacks.
You’ll find everything from quiet, hidden gems where you can relax to lively hotspots with music, food, and perfect people-watching.
And the best part? We’re mapping out the perfect route, so all you have to do is grab your sunscreen and prepare for an epic beach-hopping adventure.
1. Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach State Park is a massive, 6.5-mile-long stretch of soft, white sand on the South Shore of Long Island, about an hour from NYC.
It’s famous for its huge waves, wide boardwalk, and the iconic Jones Beach Theater, where big-name artists perform summer concerts.
You can swim, bike, play mini-golf, or grab a basket of fried clams at the boardwalk concessions while watching seagulls try to steal people’s fries.
If you’re visiting in winter, check out the Magic of Lights holiday display, where the entire park turns into a glowing tunnel of Christmas cheer.
2. Robert Moses State Park
A little farther east, Robert Moses State Park offers some of the best oceanfront views on Long Island.
This beach stretches for five miles and has soft sand, rolling dunes, and even a towering lighthouse you can climb for an incredible panoramic view.
Unlike Jones Beach, there’s no long boardwalk or concert stage—just plenty of space to spread out, ride some waves, or grill up lunch at one of the picnic areas.
If you’re up for a little adventure, walk the scenic boardwalk to Fire Island, where wild deer wander the trails, and the vibe is pure beachy paradise.
3. Ocean Beach (Fire Island)
Ocean Beach is the unofficial capital of Fire Island, where cars are banned, and bikes and bare feet rule the streets.
This tiny village has a gorgeous stretch of sand, and a lively main strip packed with ice cream shops, beach bars, and seafood spots serving fresh lobster rolls.
During the day, you can paddleboard through the bay, spot dolphins from the shore, or just lounge under an umbrella with a good book and zero stress.
At night, grab a rum punch at CJ’s (home of the famous Rocket Fuel), and watch the sunset turn the sky into a painting.
4. Smith Point County Park
Keep heading east, and you’ll hit Smith Point County Park, a beach-lover’s dream at the gateway to Fire Island’s wild and untouched side.
This spot is all about adventure—think off-roading on the sand, surfing on big waves, or hiking through the dunes to spot endangered piping plovers.
The beach is larger than the ones closer to the city, making it perfect for a peaceful day of swimming, fishing, or just soaking up the sun.
If you stick around after dark, the stargazing is unreal, with the Milky Way stretching across the sky and the sound of crashing waves as your only background noise.
5. Cupsogue Beach County Park
A little farther east in Westhampton, Cupsogue Beach County Park brings serious tropical island energy without leaving Long Island.
The water here is some of the clearest on the South Shore, incredible for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just floating while tiny fish dart around your toes.
It’s a hotspot for beach camping, with oceanfront sites where you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to a sunrise that’s worth every mosquito bite.
In the summer, the beach shack serves up fresh seafood and live music, turning the sand into the best kind of dance floor.
6. Ponquogue Beach
Keep cruising east, and you’ll find Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays, a local favorite with soft sand and way fewer crowds than the Hamptons’ more famous beaches.
The waves here are ideal for body surfing, and the long shoreline gives you plenty of space to set up a beach tent or flop down with a towel and a snack.
There’s a big wooden pavilion with clean bathrooms, showers, and a snack bar serving up crispy fries and cold drinks.
And if you’re up for a sunset bonus, drive over the Ponquogue Bridge afterward for unreal views of the bay turning gold, pink, and orange all at once.
7. Ditch Plains Beach
Finally, out in Montauk, Ditch Plains Beach is where people come together for some of the best waves on Long Island.
This spot is famous for its long, rolling surf breaks, so don’t be surprised to see wetsuit-clad locals carving through the water at sunrise.
Even if you’re not into surfing, the dramatic cliffs and salty breeze make it the perfect place to kick back with a sandwich from the Ditch Witch food truck.
Stick around for golden hour, when the whole beach glows and Montauk’s wild, untamed beauty puts on a show you won’t forget.
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