Boardwalks on Long Island to explore
Kerry Heimer and Davis Robins walk on the boardwalk at Sea Cliff beach with their dogs Ham and Luna. Credit: John Roca
Primed for scenic walks, Long Island's boardwalks can serve as the launchpad for summer fun. Let them be the pathway to a cornhole game, the setting of a bike ride or the destination for a jog.
NASSAU
JONES BEACH STATE PARK, WANTAGH
Heily Ramos, 10, of New Hyde Park, with her dad Mario and mom Elena on the boardwalk at Jones Beach in Wantagh. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Jones Beach is Long Island's iconic boardwalk. Its 2-mile stretch has buzz morning, noon and night. Come summer, it's a bona fide destination even if you don't have plans to hit the sand. Play miniature golf, pickleball, boccie ball, paddle tennis, table tennis, cornhole, shuffleboard or basketball. Buy a snack at the concessions located at Field 6, East Bathhouse, Zach's Bay, Central Mall (Field 4), West Bathhouse, Field 2 or Field 1. West of Central Mall, the Bandshell provides free summer concerts by various acts from July through August. Just east of Central Mall, there's a splash pad area for kids and WildPlay Adventure Park with zip lines and aerial games. The main areas of the park stay open from dawn to midnight from June 22 to Sept. 1.
LONG BEACH BOARDWALK
A woman riding her bike on the sunny side of the boardwalk in Long Beach. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
The Long Beach boardwalk is a traditional spot to sit and watch the world go by — benches line its bustling 2.2 miles for those who want to enjoy the ocean vistas. You can walk, run or bike (the latter in a designated lane). In the summer, vendors line the promenade during arts and crafts fairs and you can walk into the Allegria Hotel for breakfast or a late-night cocktail. Playgrounds, concessions and comfort stations are available along the way.
SEA CLIFF BOARDWALK, THE BOULEVARD, SEA CLIFF
A woman runs on the boardwalk of Sea Cliff Beach. Credit: Steve Pfost
Imposing Victorian houses overlook this 1,000-foot-long promenade on Hempstead Harbor. Park next to the retaining wall, head-in parking only, and enjoy a picture-postcard view of moored sailboats. Sunbathe on a bench or climb the steep steps for a workout at the south end of the walkway.
SUFFOLK
CAPTREE STATE PARK, BAY SHORE
Taye Kim, 7, of Manhattan, fishing at Captree State Park in Islip during the Snapper and Crab Derby. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Maritime Long Island is on display along the boardwalk at the Ocean Parkway’s eastern end. On a breezy stroll, you’ll pass Long Island’s largest public fishing fleet (open boats board on the hour for fluke and striped bass), a restaurant and snack bar, picnic areas and a bait and tackle shop. Turn left at the bait shop to continue your walk on one of the park’s fishing piers, where anglers use traps to haul in blue claw crabs. At the end of the walkway, Fire Island Lighthouse can be seen across shimmering Great South Bay. Bicyclists, runners, skaters and walkers can also enjoy beautiful bay views from the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, which is accessible from Captree's west parking lot.
SUNKEN MEADOW STATE PARK BOARDWALK, KINGS PARK
A couple walks the boardwalk hand in hand at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park. Credit: Rick Kopstein
The 3⁄4-mile boardwalk on Long Island Sound bustles at sunrise as walkers and joggers log their steps and refill their water bottles at the hydration station located near the main concession. Instagrammers will appreciate the beautiful beach panorama bookended by high bluffs. If you decide to take a swim, lifeguards are on the stand from May 25 to Sept. 15 with showers located just by the boardwalk. The main concession stand at the boardwalk entrance opens daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park closes at sunset.
AMMANN PARK/PECONIC RIVERFRONT PARK, RIVERHEAD
The RiverWalk at Peconic Riverfront Park. Credit: Rick Kopstein
The 1,600-foot Peconic River boardwalk — or, if you will, river walk — is just off Main Street, between Peconic Avenue and the Long Island Aquarium. Your stroll takes you past two gazebos, moored boats and bird life in the river shallows. Phase one of the new village square is complete and includes a large grass area, perfect for a picnic. There are no boardwalk concessions, but Main Street has plenty of eateries to choose from to complement the cozy picnic area.
