Jones Beach Prepares for a Huge Summer Season
When Jones Beach State Park opened in 1929 it was an immediate success.
The many years since then have seen the park become a regularly visited destination for Long Island residents. Located in Wantagh, Jones Beach Island has millions of visitors each year soaking up the sun on its beaches and enjoying other park attractions.
In 2020, the park had over 8 million visitors even with COVID-19 regulations limiting the number of people on a given field, with more projected to visit in Summer 2021. Regulations are expected to continue, but have yet to stop the influx of tourists and local visitors to the beaches.
Jones Beach takes up 2,400-acres of Long Island’s South Shore. Within its 17-mile stretch of marine land are various amenities, from restaurants to volleyball courts, to the fairly new Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center.
Under the watchful eye of the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps, swimming is possible throughout much of the park. The shoreline is known for occasionally rough waves in the wrong weather conditions, but currents are monitored closely by the park's officials.
On the two-mile boardwalk, it's common to pass by cyclists and other visitors each day. Whether taking a pleasant stroll beside the beach with a clear view of the Atlantic or going for a bite to eat at the Boardwalk Cafe, there’s plenty that the boardwalk and surrounding state park offers its visitors.
Jones Beach will continue to see plenty of traffic as the weather warms up. The New York government’s official page on Jones Beach can be found here with detailed information about the park.
