Long Island Beaches Day Trip from NYC — Jones Beach, Fire Island & Robert Moses
Long Island is flanked on the south by one of the most significant barrier island and ocean beach systems in the Northeast. The National Seashore at Fire Island preserves 26 miles of shoreline in near-natural condition. For World Cup visitors with a free day in New York, Long Island beaches are the most consistently underrated option — reachable by public transit and far better than anything in New York City proper.
Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach is the classic Long Island summer destination — 6.5 miles of Atlantic beach in Nassau County, accessible via the Meadowbrook Causeway or by shuttle bus from Wantagh and Freeport LIRR stations. The park has multiple ocean bathing areas, a restored Art Deco bathhouse, boardwalk, and a large outdoor music venue. Parking fills early on summer weekends — arrive before 10 AM or take the train.
Fire Island National Seashore
Fire Island is a 32-mile barrier island with no public roads and no cars. The National Seashore portion is pure Atlantic-front beach with dune grass, wildlife, and the Sunken Forest. The most accessible ferry terminals are Bay Shore (for Ocean Beach village) and Sayville (for Cherry Grove and the Pines). LIRR to Bay Shore, then ferry — total transit from Midtown is about 90 minutes.
Robert Moses State Park
Robert Moses occupies the western end of Fire Island and is the only part of the barrier island accessible by car. The beaches are broad and relatively uncrowded. The Fire Island Lighthouse, built in 1858, marks the eastern end of the park and is open for climbing tours.
Long Beach
Long Beach is the closest oceanfront community to Manhattan with its own city beach — a 2-mile boardwalk with ocean swimming, concessions, and nightlife. The LIRR runs directly from Penn Station to Long Beach in about 50 minutes. The beach is free with LIRR ticket presentation.
🚗 Need a rental car for this trip?
Cars book fast in World Cup summer — compare rates and reserve early.
Where to Stay
| Hotel | Tier | Why Book It |
|---|---|---|
| Allegria Hotel Long Beach | Boutique | The only beachfront hotel on Long Beach, modern oceanfront design, pool, steps from the boardwalk |
| Hyatt Place Long Island/East End | Mid-Range | Central Long Island near Jones Beach corridor, pool, reliable chain option |
| Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead | Mid-Range | Between the Hamptons and North Fork, solid mid-range base for exploring eastern Long Island |
| Sound View Greenport | Boutique | North Shore waterfront boutique, beach access on Long Island Sound, best alternative to south shore |
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