Long Island beaches are synonymous with summer. There is no doubt about that! The long stretches of sandy, clean shorelines offer a mix of ocean-facing and bay-side beaches that provide relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation. Whether you spend the day at the beach spoiling yourself, with friends, with family, or as a couple, it is always a day very well spent where you decide what you want to do. Maybe you just want to relax and read a book or maybe walk the shoreline and take a swim or build sandcastles with the kids. Whatever you do, it is your day to have fun and unwind. Then get ready for those summer beach nights filled with popular music that will have you dancing the night away as you spin around taking in the breathtaking views of the sun setting over the stunning ocean or bay. This kind of day is the reason why locals live here and why visitors flock here.

Tobay Beach by day and The Boat Yard by night 

Tobay Beach is the Town of Oyster Bay’s hottest summer destination. With a choice of enjoying the soothing sound of the waves on the Atlantic Ocean beachside or relaxing in the calm waters of the Great South Bay, Tobay Beach also has a splash park, a playground, two restaurants, concession stands, boat slips, and bathrooms.

After your fun in the sun, it’s time to head over to The Boat Yard for live outdoor music all week long and a bite, or two, to eat. The menu has selections of tacos, salads, gourmet pizzas, burgers, and grilled sandwiches. Offering weekly specials like Lobster Bake Tuesdays, with the romantic sound of steel drum music in the background, is just one way to end a Tuesday.

Jones Beach by day and Jones Beach Bandshell by night 

It is quite possible to spend a week at iconic Jones Beach and never fall short of things to do. Located in Wantagh, the world-famous Atlantic Ocean beach is so much more than a sprawling white-sand shore for swimming and relaxing. Taking a stroll on the massive boardwalk leads to many concession stands, eateries, and cafes. Have fun playing miniature golf, shuffleboard, corn hole, and pickleball. There are well-maintained playgrounds and a splashpad for the children to enjoy. For those who are adventurous and fearless, have a go at the Wild Play Adventure Course where you will be able to zipline, walk across tightropes, and freefall jump from 40 feet. The Jones Beach Theater is the host of the most talented musicians and entrance to these concerts requires the purchase of tickets in advance.

Every night throughout the summer, sit back and enjoy free concerts at the Jones Beach Bandshell located near the Central Mall at field 4. Featuring the best of Long Island’s talented musicians, these shows begin at 8:00 PM. Sing and sway the night away as your heart beats to the tunes under the star-filled sky.

Cedar Beach Babylon by day and Salt Shack by night 

Cedar Beach is in the Town of Babylon and is considered one of the best Atlantic Ocean beaches on Long Island. Aside from its stunning shoreline, Cedar Beach features a playground, a picnic area with grills, basketball, handball, and volleyball courts, and a campground. The 9/11 Hometown Memorial can be found here. It is a 1.41 acre “living memorial” that serves to remember those who lost their lives on that unforgettable day. The monument provides a tranquil site for reflection.

Under the palm trees and on the ocean, the world-famous Salt Shack Seaside Grill at Cedar Beach hosts live outdoor music seven days a week, a happy hour from 4:00 to 6:00, a tantalizing menu to order your favorite lunch or dinner from, and a gorgeous panoramic view. Wash your worries away during the day at the beach then celebrate life as you smile from ear-to-ear eating, drinking and dancing the night away.

Tiki Joe’s: Six Beaches by day and five beaches with live music by night  

Tiki Joe’s motto “See You At The Beach” should read “See You At The Beaches”. With concessions at four beach locations all offering live music seven evenings a week all summer long, it becomes a big decision as to which beach to go to on any particular day. Tiki Joe’s Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai, Tiki Joe’s Cupsogue Beach, Tiki Joe’s Meschutt Beach, and Tiki Joe’s Smith Point Beach, all boast rave reviews and are all well-attended every night of the week. An extensive food and drink menu is available at all locations. Weekly specials vary. Pick a beach. Spend the day. Dance the night away. Repeat.

Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai is located on the quiet Long Island Sound. It offers a playground area, trails for hiking, and a basketball court. Sunsets are truly amazing here.

Beautiful Cupsogue Ocean Beach is located on Dune Road in Westhampton Beach. Campers and recreational vehicles are allowed on the road that runs along the outer beach.

Meschutt Beach is a small, Stillwater beach situated on the Great Peconic Bay. Windsurfing and sailing are permitted.

Smith Point Beach is a large, welcoming beach on the Atlantic Ocean and is found in Shirley. Along with its expansive beach area, it also has an outer beach for four-wheelers, an RV and tent campground, a playground, and hiking trails. It is home of the TWA Flight 800 International Memorial and Gardens to honor those who lost their lives on that plane.