Here are boardwalks to explore on Long Island this season
A little more than two miles in length, the Long Beach boardwalk is a free and easy way to stroll along the beach without getting sand in your shoes. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
In the mood for a sunrise jog, a sunset stroll or a moonlight date by the sea? Here are boardwalks built for family fun, exercise or romance, amid summer breezes and the sounds of nature. Social distancing guidelines may involve potential restrictions on capacity and certain types of recreational activities, such as bike riding.
Nassau
A man rides his bike at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh. Credit: Barry Sloan
JONES BEACH STATE PARK, WANTAGH
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, Central Mall (Field 4), West Bathhouse, Field 2 or Field 1. 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 26 to Labor Day.
People riding their bikes west bound on the Long Beach boardwalk on a sunny day. Credit: Newsday/ J Conrad Williams Jr
LONG BEACH BOARDWALK
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 on a designated lane). In summer, food trucks and vendors line the promenade and you can walk into the Allegria Hotel for breakfast or a late-night cocktail. Playgrounds and comfort stations are available along the way.
A woman runs on the boardwalk of Sea Cliff Beach. Credit: Steve Pfost
SEA CLIFF BOARDWALK, THE BOULEVARD, SEA CLIFF
Imposing Victorian houses overlook this 1,000-foot-long promenade on Hempstead Harbor. Park next to the retaining wall and enjoy a picture-postcard view of moored sailboats. A concession stand sells breakfast and lunch from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fish, sunbathe on a bench or climb the steep steps for a workout at the south end of the walkway. Open till 9:30 p.m.
Suffolk
The Snapper & Crab Fishing Derby in late summer is a popular event at Captree State Park. Credit: Todd Maisel
CAPTREE STATE PARK, BAY SHORE
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.
People walk on the boadwalk at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park. Credit: Ed Betz
SUNKEN MEADOW STATE PARK BOARDWALK, KINGS PARK
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, showers are located at 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, BEHIND MAIN STREET, RIVERHEAD
People stroll the RiverWalk along Riverhead's Peconic Riverfront Park on a sunny day while seagulls flock along the docks. Credit: Ian J. Stark
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. There are no boardwalk concessions, but on Main Street you can buy ice cream or slices of pizza for lunch in a cozy picnic area. In warm weather, PeraBell food bar opens its outdoor seating area overlooking the boardwalk.
