Nicknamed the “City by the Sea”, Long Beach overlooks the Atlantic Ocean along Long Island's South Shore. It’s a popular getaway destination for New Yorkers, featuring wide stretches of sand, a breezy boardwalk and family-friendly recreational attractions.
Things to do in Long Beach
For a dose of local history, visit the Long Beach Historical & Preservation Society, which occupies an early 20th-century summer villa in the heart of the town. Admire the original boardwalk benches and stunning stained-glass windows on display or coincide your visit with one of the art and craft fairs that regularly take place here.
The Long Beach Historical & Preservation Society is a short stroll from the Magnolia Playground where kids can let loose on the pirate-themed equipment. Continue walking south to the Long Beach Boardwalk, which stretches for 3.5 kilometres along the beachfront. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you can take a dip in the refreshing waters or learn to surf with the local surf school.
One of the most popular beaches in the area lies within Jones Beach State Park, which boasts more than 10 kilometres of ocean-fronting sand and a variety of recreational facilities. Educate yourself about the marine environment at the Jones Beach Nature Center or stretch your legs along one of the waterfront trails. Keep your eyes peeled for oystercatchers, terns and northern harrier hawks.
Getting around Long Beach
Long Beach is around 1.5 hours drive from New York City and can be accessed along the Long Island Rail Road to the Long Beach railway station. John F. Kennedy International Airport is about an hour away. Buses and seasonal trolleys travel throughout the town and share-bicycles are readily available for getting around. The centre of Long Beach is best navigated on foot.