Navigation menu

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Jones Beach State Park

Skip Navigation LinksHome / State Parks / Jones Beach State Park
Address
2400 Ocean Parkway
Wantagh, NY 11793
  Long Island Region
Latitude 40.596010848399999
Longitude -73.516427318500007
  Directions

Know Before You Go...

More Info

Pet Policy

No Pets Allowed All Year Round


World famous Jones Beach State Park, home of 6.5 miles of beautiful white-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean, is made up of more than 2,400-acres of maritime environment on the south shore of Long Island. Among the 8 million visitors to the park each year, families enjoy their own piece of the beach for a day, with many returning dozens of times through the summer. Designed on the theme of an ocean liner, Jones Beach offers many activities to those who visit the park. They swim in the ocean, stroll the boardwalk, fish, get a bite to eat at one of the many concession stands, visit the Boardwalk Cafe, Dine-in a the Gatsby on the Ocean Restaurant, Enjoy the WildPlay Adventure Park, play miniature golf, shuffleboard, basketball, corn hole, paddle tennis, table tennis and pickleball, attend concerts at Northwell Health Theatre. Other activities that take place in the park include learning about the marine environment at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, pool swimming, sunbathing, bicycling, surfing, and visiting the playgrounds and splashpad.

NOTICE: Please be aware that abandoning or feeding cats within this park is strictly prohibited. Violators face serious penalties.

Notice: No Pets Allowed All Year Round

Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center Programs

The park's oceanfront setting and natural environment have little development or advertising, creating a refreshing break from the hectic pace of life of Long Island and the metropolitan area. Less than 20 miles from New York City, Jones Beach is a playground for millions of people who live nearby.

The park is host to a number of popular programs, most notably the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach every Memorial Day weekend, July 4th Fireworks Spectacular, concerts at the theater, band shell entertainment, softball and volleyball league tournaments, and nature center programs. The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center explores the relationships between human beings, energy systems, and environmental stewardship. Located on the West End of Long Island's iconic Jones Beach State Park, the Center offers permanent and rotating exhibits, public programs, and educational resources to help visitors understand and appreciate the coastal environment.

Jones Beach State Park and Jones Island which stretches east of the park were the creation of master builder Robert Moses in the 1920s. By dredging sand from what is now the State Boat Channel, Moses raised the elevation of the barrier islands by fourteen feet, connecting several small islands into one long stretch topped by Ocean Parkway. Moses created a great "people's park" from what he described as mosquito infested swamps and small islands.

Today, parking fields 3, 4 and 5 are connected to the beachfront by tunnels under Ocean Parkway, providing easy access to the thousands of people who arrive daily. Parking fields 1, 2 and 6 are Oceanfront parking areas with accessible parking. Mobility mats over the sand down to the high tide line are located at Field 6, Zach's Bay, Central Mall, West bathhouse, and Field 2. At field 10, fishing piers and a fully equipped bait and tackle shop enable fishing and crabbing until sunset. The regional Night Fishing Permit is required after sunset. The Central Mall Area of the park closes at midnight during the summer months with the beachfront closing at sunset. Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty. Surfing, stand-up paddle-boarding, and wind surfing are allowed at several locations along the beachfront. Kayaks and sailboards can be put in at field 10 along the north shore of Jones Beach. The boat basin in the west end area of the park allows boaters day use of the park throughout the boating season.


Those who wish to ride their bikes may do so year-round on our boardwalk.  Glide along the beach on Long Island's premier bike path, which begins at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford. From there it's a 5.4 mile ride to Jones Beach's East Bathhouse on the Boardwalk.  There you can either lock up your bike for a stroll, or keep cycling to the food concessions. Or stay on the extension on the north side of Ocean Parkway to pedal another 3.6 miles to Tobay Beach where there are more restaurant and a playground. You can also continue along the path 9.4 miles to Captree State Park. Restrooms are available on the bikeway at mileage 5.4 to 9.  If you choose to stay the path of the 2 mile long boardwalk, the new multi-use path extends from the boardwalk at Field 1 to the West End area of the park for an additional 2.3 miles. 


Visitors who are fond of swimming in the Ocean can do so at several locations staffed by the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps. Zach's Bay provides a more calm-water swimming experience for small children; also watched over by able lifeguards.

Wild Play Adventure Course: This new adventure course offers zip lines, aerial adventures, and a 40 ft jump. For hours and pricing visit https://wildplay.com/jones-beach/ or call: 1-800-668-7771

Swimmers with mobility impairments can take advantage of the Beach Wheel Chairs enabling entry across the sand and into the water (at Zach's Bay only). The wheelchair is available for use at no charge on a first come, first serve basis. Please check with the lifeguards or Umbrella Shack Attendants at the beach for availability.   

Birders and those seeking a quieter experience can watch for sea birds, such as Oystercatchers, Terns, Skimmers, Northern Harrier Hawks, Plovers, Brants, Gulls, and many more. Children can collect shells along the seashore and often encounter large horseshoe crabs. A pleasant pastime is a long, leisurely walk on the beach to the east or west of the central part of the park, where few other people will be encountered.

For information on the Jones Beach State Park's Revitalization Plan: See the draft conceptual proposal. 

 

Current Water Quality - Beach Results

 

NO Pets Allowed

Pet Policy: No pets allowed

Hours of Operation

  • Ocean Swimming: 

    Parking Field 1: 6/22-9/2
    6/22-8/11: 10am-8pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    8/12-9/2: 10am-7pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays

    Parking Field 2: 5/25-9/2
    5/25-6/21: 10am-6pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    6/22-8/11: 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    8/12-9/2: 9am-7pm Daily
    9/3-9/15: 9am-6pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays

  • Parking Field 6: 5/24-9/15/24
    5/24-5/31/24: 9am-5pm Daily
    6/1-6/21/24: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    6/22-8/11/24: 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    8/12-9/2/24: 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 8am-7pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    9/3-9/15/24: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
  • West Bathhouse Beach: 5/25-9/15/24
    5/25-5/27 (Memorial Day Weekend): 9am-5pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    5/31-6/21: 10am-6pm Daily
    6/22-8/11: 10am-7pm Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    8/12-9/2: 10am-7pm Daily
    9/7-9/8, 9/14 & 9/15: 10am-6pm Sat & Sun
  • Central Mall: 5/24-9/15
    5/24-5/31: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    5/31-6/21: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    6/22-8/11: 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    8/12-9/2: 9am-7pm Daily
    9/3-9/15: 10am-6pm Daily
  • East Bathhouse Beach: 5/25-9/2/24
    5/25-6/21: 10am-6pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    6/22-9/2: 10am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays

    Zach's Bay: 5/25-9/2/24
    5/25-5/27: 9am-6pm Sat & Sun (Air Show)
    6/22-8/11: 10am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    8/12-9/2: 10am-7pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays

  • Paddle Ball, Shuffleboard, Bocce Ball, Corn Hole, Table Tennis, Pickle Ball, & Volleyball:

    • 4/1-5/24: 10am-4pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    • 5/27-6/21: 10am-4pm Daily
    • 6/22-9/1: 10am-11pm Daily
    • 9/2-11/3: 10am-4pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays

  • Central Mall & Zach's Bay Playground: Year round, sunrise-sunset.

  • West Bathhouse Pool:

    • 6/22-9/2:
    • 10am-6pm, Mon-Fri
    • 9am-8pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays

  • Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center:

    • At West End II- East Parking Lot
    • Open Daily 9am-4:30pm (Thursdays open late until 8pm)
    • Website: JonesBeachENC.org
    • Phone Number: 516-809-8222

  • Miniature Golf: 
    • 4/1-5/24: 10am-4pm*, Sat, Sun, & Holidays
    • 5/27-6/21: 10am-4pm*, daily
    • 6/22-9/1: 10am-11pm*, daily
    • 9/2-11/3: 10am- 4pm* Sat, Sun, & Holidays
      • *Last tee off time
  • Biking on Boardwalk: Year Round. Free.
  • West End Marina: 4/1-12/31, sunrise - sunset, daily.
    West End Marina Boat Docking: 6/22-9/2/24: Sat, Sun & Hol.; Transient Berthing: Sunrise - sunset.
  • Fishing at Field #6, Field #10 and West End 2: 4/1-12/31.
    Permit needed for night fishing and fishing access to Green Island and the Work Docks. 
    January Fishing at Green Island ONLY
  • Parking:
    Parking Field 1
    6/22-9/2/24: Sunrise-Sunset, Sat, Sun, & Holidays

    Parking Field 2
    5/25-9/2/24: Sunrise-Sunset, Sat, Sun, & Holidays

    Parking Field 3: open as needed overflow parking.
  • Parking Field 5
    1/1-6/21/24: Sunrise-Sunset, Daily (special events only)
    6/24-9/2/24: Sunrise-Sunset, Daily (open until 9 pm on concert evening)
    9/3-12/31/24: Sunrise-Sunset, Daily Special Events
  • Parking Field 4
    1/1-6/21/24: Sunrise-Sunset, Daily
    6/22-9/1/24: Sunrise-Midnight, Daily
    9/2-12/31/24: Sunrise-Sunset, Daily

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • Vehicle Entrance Fee
  • $8 per car (4/6 - 5/24/24) & (9/3 - 11/3/24)*
    *Increases to $10 when beach is open (5/25 - 9/2/24)

    Buses: $35

    Fees Collected:

    4/6 - 5/24/24: Weekends Only, 8am-4pm 
    5/27 - 8/11: Mon-Fri, 8am - 4pm, Weekends & Holidays, 6am - 6pm 
    8/12 - 9/2: Mon-Fri, 8am - 4pm, Weekends & Holidays, 7am - 6pm 
    9/3 - 9/8: Daily, 8am - 4pm 
    9/9 - 9/15: Weekends & Holidays, 8am - 4pm 
    9/16 - 11/3: Weekends & Holidays, 8am - 3pm
  • Boat Docking
  • $10 per day
  • Rentals
  • Lounge Chair Rentals
    Available 5/27 - 9/15
    $15 Rental

    Umbrella Rentals 
    Available 5/27 - 9/15
    $15 fee 

    Volleyball Court Rental
    Available Memorial Day to Labor Day
    $15 per court
  • Permits
  • 4 Wheel Drive Night Sport Fishing Permit:(there are no drive on locations at Jones Beach)
    NYS Driver's License $80
    Out of State Driver's License $125

    Metal Detecting:
    By permit only $40

    Night Sport Fishing Permit:
    NYS Driver's License $35
    Out of State Driver's License $60
    7 Day Sport Fishing Permit $25

    Regional Diving Permit:
    NYS Driver's License $80
    Out of State Driver's License $125

    Star Gazing Permit:
    NYS Driver's License $35
    Out of State Driver's License $60
  • Activities

  • Bocce Ball, Corn Hole, Table Tennis (East Games):
    Bocce: $10 playing fee per person (per hour, per court)
    Corn Hole & Table Tennis: $5 playing fee per person (per hour, per court)

    Miniature Golf:
    Adults (13+): $7 per person
    Children (5-12): $3 per person
    Children under 5: Free

    Shuffleboard (East & West Games):
    $8 - Playing fee per person (per hour, per court)

    Paddle Tennis and Pickleball (West Games):
    $6 - playing fee per person (per hour, per court) 

    EAST AND WEST GAMES: Pay one Price: one day $40 for 4 people  (excludes volleyball)

  • West Bathhouse Pool
  • FREE

    West Bathhouse Pool Locker Rentals:
    $5 fee
  • Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center
  • Free Admission
    Public Program Fee: $4 per person
    Private Program Fee: Please send an email to jbenc@parks.ny.gov to inquire

Realtime Parking Assistant

Tuesday, December 24 2024

Jones Beach View Park Map

Current Parking Availablity

Parking Lot % Full Last Updated On

Current Traffic Report: Moderate to Heavy

Please watch for signs that will help direct you to the quickest route to the park.

Wed 01 Jan
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Jones Beach State Park
Meet us at Field 10 to learn all about the seals that visit Long Island. Walk along the beach and watch out for swimming seals. Educators will be ready with a scope to point out these magnificent marine mammals. Wear layers, gloves, hats, and scarves because wind conditions along the bay can make the walk extra chilly. Bring binoculars if you have them. There are no open bathrooms at this site, but the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center is a short drive down the road and will have open bathrooms. This walk is on sand and not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. We will have educators stationed at the accessible docks that are by the water. Meet-up Location: Jones Beach Field 10, Approximate distance of hike: .5 miles, No pets.

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Fishing (Accessible)
  • Food (Accessible)
  • Gift Shop (Accessible)
  • Marina
  • Nature Center
  • Playgrounds (Accessible)
  • Showers (Accessible)
  • Stand-up Paddle Boarding
  • Surfing/Windsurfing
  • Swimming Beach (Accessible)
  • Swimming Pool (Accessible)
  • Visitor Center (Accessible)

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Inside our Agency

Resources

News

Quick Links

Language Access