Best Surfing Beaches in New York

Lido Beach District Park is a picturesque beach located in Long Beach, New York, offering a serene escape with its soft, white sand and vibrant atmosphere. The beach stretches approximately three miles, providing ample space for activities like swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and surfing. Visitors can enjoy the beach's amenities, including lifeguards on duty, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and a playground. Dogs are allowed during the off-season, making it a pet-friendly destination. The beach is known for its cleanliness and friendly patrons, making it a great spot for family gatherings and relaxation.

One of the unique aspects of Lido Beach is its proximity to Long Beach's boardwalk, which offers additional attractions and dining options. The area is also known for its community events and beautiful sunsets, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Despite its small size, the beach can become crowded during peak summer days, especially on weekends.

Overall, Lido Beach District Park is a charming destination that combines natural beauty with community spirit, offering something for everyone looking to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.

Fire Island National Seashore is a pristine barrier island located off the coast of Long Island, New York. It is known for its undeveloped beaches, dunes, maritime forests, and salt marshes, offering a serene escape from urban life. The island is divided into several units, including the Fire Island Lighthouse, Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, Sailors Haven, and Watch Hill. Visitors can enjoy swimming, hiking, and camping amidst a rich variety of coastal wildlife. The island's unique charm is enhanced by its car-free environment, making it a haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Fire Island is also famous for its vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove, which attract artists, musicians, and writers. The island's beaches are renowned for their fine sand and cleanliness, making them comparable to those in Florida. However, the water temperature remains cool, even in summer, rarely exceeding 75°F (24°C). The island's history and natural beauty make it a compelling destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Throughout the year, Fire Island hosts various events and activities, from summer parties to wildlife watching. Its proximity to New York City makes it an ideal getaway for those seeking a peaceful retreat from urban life.

Jones Beach State Park is a 6.5-mile stretch of pristine oceanfront located on Long Island, New York. It was designed by Robert Moses as part of a network of interconnected parks and parkways, offering a resort-like experience for the public. The park features two large bathhouses, a boardwalk, and an iconic water tower inspired by St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and various recreational activities, as well as concerts at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. The park's unique blend of Art Deco architecture and Beaux-Arts landscape design makes it a standout destination for both relaxation and entertainment.

The park's history dates back to its opening in 1929, and it has since become a beloved spot for New Yorkers seeking a beach getaway. Its proximity to New York City, accessible via car or public transportation, makes it an ideal day trip or weekend escape. The park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Bethpage Air Show and July 4th Fireworks Spectacular.

Jones Beach State Park is not only a recreational hub but also a cultural and historical landmark, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Its design reflects a sophisticated approach to beach park architecture, emphasizing order and a nautical theme.

Tobay Beach is a picturesque recreational beach located on Jones Beach Island, off the South Shore of Long Island, New York. It is managed by the Town of Oyster Bay, hence its name, and offers restricted access primarily to residents. The beach has a rich history, dating back to its opening between 1926 and 1949, and was once a backdrop for Marilyn Monroe's photoshoot in 1949. Over the years, Tobay Beach has evolved with improvements such as expanded parking, enhanced dining options, and recreational activities like surfing and a spray park. It remains a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike, offering a serene and fun-filled experience.

Tobay Beach features a 150-slip marina, multiple pavilions, and a variety of amenities including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. The beach is well-suited for family outings with its playground, fitness area, and water-related activities. Its proximity to attractions like the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and the Cradle of Aviation Museum adds to its appeal.

The beach's scenic beauty, combined with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse activities, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and entertainment. Whether you're interested in water sports, dining, or simply enjoying the sun and sea, Tobay Beach offers something for everyone.

Montauk Beach, located at the eastern tip of Long Island, New York, is a stunning coastal destination known for its pristine beaches and vibrant oceanfront resort scene. The beach offers a variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and explore nearby attractions like the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse. The area is also renowned for its diverse culinary scene and dynamic nightlife, offering something for every kind of traveler.
Montauk's beaches stretch along the Atlantic Ocean, providing endless opportunities for family fun and outdoor adventures. The town's iconic landmarks, such as Montauk Harbor and Gosman's Dock, are must-visit spots for fresh seafood and local shopping.
Whether you're interested in deep-sea fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the laid-back beach vibe, Montauk offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm.

Cupsogue Beach County Park is a stunning 296-acre barrier beach located at the eastern end of Fire Island and the western end of Westhampton Island, New York. It is situated in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, and is known for its pristine white sand beaches and diverse wildlife, including piping plovers and seals. The park offers a range of activities such as lifeguard-supervised swimming, sunbathing, fishing, scuba diving, and camping. The area is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Moriches Inlet, and Moriches Bay, providing breathtaking views and a unique natural setting.
The park's history dates back to the 1690s, with the name 'Cupsogue' meaning 'a closed inlet.' It became a separate island after a 1931 Nor'easter created the Moriches Inlet. Today, visitors can enjoy a tiki-themed snack bar, restrooms, showers, and changing rooms within the park's pavilion.
The nearby village of Westhampton Beach offers trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Robert Moses State Park is located on the western end of Fire Island, Long Island, New York. It is a 875-acre state park known for its five-mile stretch of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Established in 1908 as Fire Island State Park, it was renamed in honor of Robert Moses, a prominent urban planner. The park offers a serene escape with activities like surfing, fishing, and access to the Fire Island National Seashore. Visitors can enjoy the park's facilities, including four bathhouses, concession stands, volleyball courts, and picnic areas. The park is accessible via the Robert Moses Causeway from Long Island.

The park's natural beauty includes dunes and salt marshes, making it a haven for over 300 species of birds and a major stopover for migratory birds. The area is also famous for its monarch butterfly migrations in September and October. With its rich history and diverse wildlife, Robert Moses State Park is a popular destination for both nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing beach experience.

The park's proximity to Babylon and its accessibility by car make it an ideal day-trip destination from New York City. It offers a peaceful alternative to more crowded beaches like Jones Beach, with plenty of space to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.

Breezy Point Surf Club is located on the Rockaway Peninsula in New York, offering a serene beach experience with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The area is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, known for its natural beauty and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy the beach, pool, and various amenities like tennis and surfing. The Captain's Gig Bar provides a lively atmosphere with food, drinks, and entertainment options. The club offers seasonal accommodations and activities, making it a popular spot for families and beachgoers alike.

The beach itself is a product of longshore sand transport, contributing to its unique landscape. Breezy Point is also close to other attractions like Fort Tilden and Jacob Riis Park, offering a mix of natural and historical sites to explore.

The area is well-suited for those seeking a relaxed beach experience with access to urban amenities, making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists.

Camp Hero Beach, located within Camp Hero State Park in Montauk, New York, offers a serene and historic beach experience. The park spans 415 acres, featuring a mix of wooded areas, beachfront, and remnants of a former military base. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and surf fishing, with the beach providing some of the best surf fishing spots in the world. The area is rich in wildlife and offers stunning ocean vistas. Swimming is not permitted, but the park's diverse landscapes and historic sites make it a unique destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
The beach is part of a larger park that includes dramatic bluffs and pristine maritime forests, offering a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities. The former military base, now a National Historic Site, adds a layer of intrigue to the area, with its sealed-off structures and mysterious past.
Camp Hero State Park is open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and historical significance throughout the seasons.

Smith Point County Park is a stunning beach located in Shirley, New York. It is the largest Suffolk County Park, offering a beautiful stretch of white sand and rolling Atlantic surf. The park is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, fishing, and birdwatching. It also features a TWA Flight 800 Memorial and a playground for kids. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, a snack bar, and a gift shop within the park. The beach is known for its excellent lifeguard services, making it a safe spot for ocean activities.
The park's proximity to the Fire Island National Seashore adds to its appeal, offering additional hiking trails and scenic views. Smith Point County Park is a great choice for those seeking a mix of beach relaxation and outdoor adventure.
The park's accessibility features, such as wheelchair-accessible parking and restrooms, ensure that it is inclusive for all visitors.

Ditch Plains Beach is a picturesque destination located in Montauk, New York, renowned for its pristine sands and exhilarating waves. It is a favorite among both locals and tourists, offering an ideal spot for sunbathing, surfing, and picnicking. The beach is particularly famous for its excellent surfing conditions, attracting wave riders from all over. Visitors can enjoy the soothing sounds of crashing waves and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, especially during sunset. The beach provides ample space for children to play and build sandcastles, making it a great family destination. Additionally, Ditch Plains Beach offers facilities such as restrooms and showers to enhance the beach experience.

Located on the far southeast end of Long Island, Ditch Plains Beach is about two miles east of Montauk village, making it easily accessible by car, bike, or public transportation. The beach is lifeguarded during peak season, ensuring safety for swimmers and surfers alike. The surrounding area offers hiking trails and scenic views, adding to the natural beauty of the location.

The name 'Ditch Plains' originates from historical references to the area as a 'ditch' or outlet of Great Pond, now known as Lake Montauk. This unique name reflects the beach's connection to the local geography and history.