Are you looking for things to do in Jones Beach? Here’s my ultimate list of fun things to do in Jones Beach and Jones Beach Island.
If you’re looking for things to do in Jones Beach – you won’t be disappointed!
One of the most popular destinations on Long Island for tourists, Jones Beach is one of the most stunning places to visit in the area.
If you’re looking for a list of things to do in Jones Beach, hopefully this list will help! With its glistening white beaches and numerous attractions, it’s no surprise that this hotspot has stood the test of time.
However, if you’re unfamiliar with Jones Beach, you may want some guides on things to do in Jones Beach, as there’s so much to choose from!
Whether you’re travelling with the family or taking a solo trip, you’re sure to delight in Jones Beach’s hidden treasures.
True to its name, most of the area’s activities are beach based. However, the nearby state parks, entertainment spots and excellent dining options are well worth your time as well! There are simply so many things to do in Jones Beach!
So, let’s jump right in and explore one of Long Island’s most fabulous beachfront spots and things to do in Jones Beach…
Things to do in Jones Beach…
Jones Beach State Park
First on my list of things to do in Jones Beach, it’s the state park. With millions of visitors every year, Jones Beach State Park often battles with Niagara Falls for the top spot in the New York State parks system.
With both seeing swathes of visitors annually, a visit to Jones Beach State Park should absolutely be on your list of things to do in Jones Beach.
With swimming, surfing, and picnicking popular activities to indulge in here, you’re sure to have an amazing day out.
Considered the largest and most-visited public swimming facility in the world, if you’re a water baby, you’re sure to have a wonderful time! It’s no wonder it’s one of the top things to do in Jones Beach.
If you fancy entertainment of a different sort, be sure to pop by the 14,500 seat amphitheater located in the park. Hosting big-name acts during the summer months, it’s a fantastic way to catch some culture amidst all the natural beauty!
Things to do in Jones Beach: Tobay Beach
Tobay Beach is next on my list for things to do in Jones Beach Island. Located just one mile from Jones Beach State Park and is full of wonderful activities for the whole family.
Besides its stunning views, Tobay Beach also offers visitors a miniature golf course, playgrounds, a John F. Kennedy Memorial Sanctuary, and several great restaurants to try.
Deemed one of the best things to do at Jones Beach Island due to the sheer number of available activities, visiting this beach is a no-brainer! This is a great choice for things to do in Jones Beach.
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West Gilgo and Gilgo Beach
If you love kiteboarding, then Gilgo Beach is going to be one of your favourite things to do in Jones Beach.
With kiteboarding seen as one of the best things to do in Jones Beach, you simply need to grab a board and hit the water.
If you’re into surfing, you’re also in luck, for Bunger Surf even run a small shop and surf school on this beach.
Whether you’re new to water sports or are a seasoned pro, be sure to hit Gilgo Beach for a rip-roaring good time. Prepare for gorgeous scenery for this things to do in Jones Beach Island.
Things to do in Jones Beach: Cedar Beach
Though you may think we’re all beached out, you’d be sorely mistaken! No list of things to do in Jones Beach would be complete without Cedar Beach.
Cedar Beach is a particularly popular area around Jones Beach due to its marina and campground.
Surrounded by nature and a pedestrian tunnel that makes getting around the area incredibly easy, it’s no surprise that Cedar Beach is usually packed with visitors.
Aside from the usual beachfront activities, this beach is especially good for the sports lovers out there.
If you’re a volleyball fanatic, be sure to hit one of the 70 (yes, 70!) courts available for public use! Make sure you add this to your list of things to do in Jones Beach.
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Captree State Park
One of the best things to do in Jones Beach is to experience some awesome waterfront viewsm and Captree State Park is one of the best places to do so.
Perfect for fishing, scuba diving, kayaking and more, it’s an alternative to the beaches above to get your activity fix.
A particularly stunning spot at Jones Beach to gaze out over the waters, it offers picture-perfect views that won’t soon be forgotten.
Make sure you keep an eye out for the Fire Island Lighthouse here, as the view from the State Park offer unparalleled spots to grab that perfect shot.
This is a really lovely and scenic choice for things to do in Jones Beach.
Embrace nature’s beauty
Next on my list of things to do in Jones Beach, it’s get outdoors! As Jones Beach Island is essentially one big state park, one of the best things to do at Jones Beach is paying a visit to the Jones Beach Nature Center.
A great spot for families to get up close and personal with nature’s wonders, it’s perfect for that long-awaited day out.
Kids can touch marine animals in the center’s touch pool and can even view a real shipwreck! Offering programs for all ages, adults and kids alike will love it here.
If you’re looking for things to do in Jones Beach for families – this is a great choice.
Alternatively, if you like birdwatching, be sure to pack your binoculars when visiting Jones Beach.
More than 30 species of shorebirds can be spotted here, and you might even catch a hawk or a falcon if you visit during the migratory season! This is a great choice for things to do in Jones Beach.
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The Bethpage Air Show
Next on my list of things to do in Jones Beach, it’s the Bathpage air show. Though this popular thing to do in Jones Beach only happens on Memorial Day, it’s truly spectacular.
So if you’re looking for things to do at Jones Beach Island around this time of year, make sure you time your visit for this air show! The Bethpage Air Show is the first big event of the summer at Jones Beach Island, and it just so happens to be completely free!
With stunt flyers to air force planes putting on quite the show for visitors, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate Memorial Day for adults and kids alike.
Just be aware that if you’ve got small tykes it can get extremely loud! Another great choice for things to do in Jones Beach.
It’s also worth checking out the other ‘seasonal events’ in Jones Beach because there do tend to be great local events on in the area. This is a really fun option for things to do in Jones Beach, especially for air-enthusiasts!
Grab a bite to eat
One of the most popular things to do in Jones Beach is just grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many amazing restaurants!
If you’re after a sophisticated meal, check out The Landing at the West Bathhouse. With sensational steaks and seafood galore, it’s a great place to dine for those special occasions.
Don’t forget to add all the delicious restaurants to your list of things to do in Jones Beach when you visit!
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Try your hand at fishing
Next on my list of things to do in Jones Beach, it’s fishing! If you’re an expert at fishing already, you’ll likely already know that this spot is a great one for fishing.
However, if you’re not an expert and you’re trying your hand at fishing for the first time, Jones Beach is a great place to do so!
You can easily hire equipment from shops along the boardwalk, and there will be plenty of locals there to show you how it works!
If you want a helping hand (and a teacher) then I recommend checking out Captain Lou Fleet who do chartered fishing tours. This is a great choice for things to do in Jones Beach, especially if you fancy a fresh challenge!
Things to do in Jones Beach: Rent a boat
Last on my list of things to do in Jones Beach, it’s rent a boat! The gorgeous coastline around Jones Beach means it’s an ideal place to rent a boat.
You could rent a boat and go fishing (as mentioned above) or you can rent a boat just to get on the water and enjoy some time on the waves!
There’s something so relaxing about spending time on the water! If you’re looking for things to do in Jones Beach in the summer – this is a great choice.
Just Escape
If you’re into escape rooms, then Jones Beach actually has an escape room you can head over to and try out.
It’d be a great choice of things to do in Jones Beach one a rainy day or when the weather isn’t quite right for outdoor pursuits!
I hope that this list of things to do in Jones Beach has been helpful!
Whether you’re in love with water sports or simply want to indulge that inner nature-lover, you’re sure to find plenty to do here! There are so many things to do in Jones Beach – hopefully you’ll find lots of ideas on this list!
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