Take a scenic bike ride from Jones Beach to Captree along the Ocean Parkway path
Biking along Ocean Parkway offers an adventurous way to take in Long Island's iconic South Shore beaches. With uninterrupted ocean views on one side and the bay on the other, you can journey more than 14 miles from Jones Beach to Captree state parks alongside seabirds and dunes. Time it right and you'll ride by close enough to catch sounds of famous headliners, live DJs and tribute bands from Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, the Jones Beach bandshell and beach bars along the route.
The mixed-use Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway draws mostly avid cyclists, though casual riders and joggers won't feel overwhelmed. It's mostly flat and paved, easy for beginners, though strong headwinds in one direction can add resistance. Pack sunscreen, bug spray and a water bottle.
With multiple entry points, you can shape the ride to fit your day, a quick out-and-back or the full stretch end to end.
Along the way, each mile mark on the pavement points to a spot to unwind: tacos and a bay view at Tobay Beach's Boat Yard, lobster rolls with your feet in the sand at Surf Shack, live music and frozen cocktails at Cedar Beach's Salt Shack, or fishing at Captree. Most beaches and parks offer free parking after 4 or 6 p.m., so early evening riders can skip the fees.
Here's what's worth a stop along the trail.
About the trail
The Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway is a mixed-use bike and running path along the north side of Ocean Parkway (bay side), from Zach's Bay at Jones Beach State Park east to Captree State Park. The paved path is separated from parkway traffic and flat, with little to no elevation gain. Mile markers are painted directly on the pavement. The trail is not a loop, so plan on turning around and riding back to your starting point.
Riders looking to extend the trip can pick it up farther north via the Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway, which connects to Cedar Creek County Park in Seaford , adding roughly six more miles each way.
The sun sets at Tobay Beach in Massapequa, which has direct access to the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway. Credit: Randee Daddona
Know before you go
Mosquitoes and greenhead horse flies are aggressive along the marsh sections, especially in the summer, and they swarm fast the moment a bike stops moving. Pack repellent, dress appropriately and save longer breaks for the beach stops below, where buildings, wind and open water keep the bugs away.
Destination: Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway
Travel time: About 30 minutes by car from Melville to Jones Beach State Park
Best for: Day trip
Travel by: Car and bike
Why go now: Salt Shack, The Boat Yard and Surf Shack are all open for the season through September with live music lined up most weekends
Cost: Free to ride; beach parking fees vary by location and time of day, with several stops free after 4 or 5 p.m.
More adventures: newsday.com/letsgo
Worth a stop: Tobay Beach
Tobay Beach sits at the 3.8-mile mark and offers two distinct waterfront dining options steps apart. You can start your journey here by parking for free after 5 p.m. or mentioning the Surf Shack or The Boat Yard at the booth to obtain a two-hour parking pass.
The Boat Yard (1 Ocean Pkwy., theboatyardny.com, 516-324-8474) is a vibrant, seasonal live music venue with a stage and bar overlooking the bay along with five separate concessions food court-style, including a taco bar, raw bar, pizza bar, salad bar and American bistro. Open at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon on weekends through September.
Surf Shack (1 Ocean Pkwy., surfshackny.com, 516-468-6874) is the sit-down casual bayside restaurant next door for full-service lunch and dinner. Order seafood, burgers, lobster rolls and other eats alongside cocktails 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
The burrata personal pie from Bonanno's, one of the concessions at The Boat Yard at Tobay Beach in Massapequa. Credit: Randee Daddona
Worth a stop: Salt Shack
Salt Shack sits at Cedar Beach, mile 8.8, with parking free every day after 4 p.m. Before then, the Town of Babylon charges a $25 parking fee on weekdays and $50 on weekends.
Access to the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway from Salt Shack and Cedar Beach in Babylon is located through the Cedar Beach Gallery tunnel under the parkway. Credit: Randee Daddona
You can access Salt Shack from the path by turning into the Cedar Beach Marina & Campground and heading east toward the Cedar Beach Gallery tunnel, which runs under Ocean Parkway and connects straight to the restaurant entrance.
Salt Shack (100 Ocean Pkwy., saltshackny.com, 631-422-7222) is a seasonal beachfront bar and grill built on the sand, with live music and rotating theme nights through the week. Order from three casual counters, including a taco truck, a snack shack and an acai bowl stand, alongside frozen cocktails at the main bar. Open 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through September.
