New York's Beach State Park Offers Outdoor Adventure And Lively Summer Entertainment

Summers in New York have a vibe all to their own. The city feels louder, brighter, and more alive as rooftop bars fill up, parks become lively picnic areas, and outdoor music events stretch the days longer. It's ideal for strolling through Central Park, hunting for iconic architecture like the spectacular Flatiron Building, and enjoying sunsets at the Brooklyn Bridge — one of the most amazing bridges in the world. However, the summer can also come with heavy humidity and crowded park spaces that leave people searching for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps. Fortunately, nearby Jones Beach State Park is an ideal getaway with fun-filled outdoor adventures.

Found on the south shore of Long Island in Wantagh, the park sits about 40 miles east from Manhattan and less than 30 miles from Brooklyn. It's a realistic way to escape the Big Apple for a much-needed day of ocean air and open space. Summer is the most popular time to visit, as this season combines outdoor recreation with a full entertainment calendar. Visitors can swim, surf, walk the boardwalk, or enjoy a little beach volleyball. There are also areas for shuffleboard, table tennis, paddle ball, and more nearby. Check out the list of upcoming events from firework shows to local cover bands and big-name artists at one of the state's largest outdoor venues. Arriving at the park early can help you snag the best parking spots, especially on weekends!

As its name suggests, the beach is the main draw at Jones Beach State Park. It offers plenty of ways to spend an entire summer day outside. Jones Beach features 6.5 miles of ocean beach, along with a half-mile of bay beach for calmer waters. There are also two swimming pools where you can cool off in the water when summer temps rise. For visitors in search of more action in the water, the park's west end is a designated surfing spot where surfers can take advantage of the Atlantic waves. Other water-based activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing. 

The 2-mile public boardwalk is the perfect place for a gentle stroll, a jog, a nice bike ride, or some people-watching. Visit the "Castles in the Sand" collection at the East Bathhouse to see old photos, blueprints, and memorabilia from the development of Long Island State Park. For more action, head to the West Games Area for an 18-hole mini golf course, a large sports court, table tennis, pickleball, volleyball, cornhole, bocce ball, and more. Equipment can be rented from the concessions stand for easy access to endless gaming.

If you're seeking to raise your heart rate, the WildPlay Element Parks is among the area's standout attractions. Its most famous feature is a 700-foot zip-line that sends riders soaring down the beach with incredible views of the coastline below. The adventure courses are also popular, and guests can climb up large cargo nets, make their way across unsteady bridges, swing between platforms, and descend on the zip-line. There are family-friendly beginner courses for kids and more difficult courses for those looking for more of a challenge.

Summer entertainment reaches its peak at the Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, the park's signature outdoor amphitheater venue known as "where the sound meets the sea." The venue sits directly in front of Zach's Bay, and visitors can get gorgeous views of the bay behind the stage. It hosts major touring artists throughout the summer season, making it one of New York's premier summer concert destinations. A free concert series also happens along the boardwalk, known as the Boardwalk Bandshell series. Local musicians and tribute bands post up along the boardwalk, offering family friendly performances on summer evenings, and the West Bath House hosts live music every Tuesday. There is always a show at Jones Beach.

Other seasonal events include the paint and meditate event or astronomy nights at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center and major holiday celebrations. One of the larger celebrations in the area is the Fourth of July fireworks show, which features more than 5,000 firework shells that are dispatched from a barge 2,000 feet offshore. In conjunction with this event, 2026 brings the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Army Golden Knights to town for an air show on July 5 and 6. Both events are free. The area is even home to the Ironman event at Zach's Bay. Jones Beach offers a full package for those seeking to escape the Big Apple for summer entertainment and outdoor activities, but if it isn't your cup of tea, take a break from the city at this popular New York beach.