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Long Island’s Best Beaches: Beyond the Hamptons
Ah, the Hamptons—a name synonymous with luxury, exclusivity, and let’s be honest, crowds. But as most Long Islanders know, there’s more to our shores than the Hamptons’ pristine yet packed beaches. In fact, some of the best beach days happen far from the overhyped, overpriced scene.
While the Hamptons get all the glamor, there’s a whole coastline of hidden gems offering the perfect mix of sun, sand, and serenity—without the celebrity sightseers. The best secrets Long Island keeps are those places where, sans hassle, you can actually find a spot for your beach chair.
1. Jones Beach – The Classic Favorite
Sure, Jones Beach isn’t some kind of secret, but it’s a classic for a reason: sprawling 6.5 miles of sandy shoreline comprise the anti-Hamptons—you don’t need to flash your black card here. Over 6 million people visit every year, which makes it the second most-visited state park in the U.S.
Despite the record number of visitors, Jones Beach has enough elbow room for them. If you don’t like parking hassles, then avoid Field 6, and if you wish to avoid hustle and bustle, head to the West End. Moreover, its high water quality rating, which has remained almost the same for years, promises that you are swimming in pretty clean waters.
2. Robert Moses State Park – Local Paradise
Without the headache, Robert Moses State Park offers everything a Hamptons beach has to offer. Just west of Fire Island, this Long Islanders’ favorite boasts top-ranked water quality, and by the looks of it, here’s why. Fishing is huge here, with devotees taking in both catch and view.
Compared to the Hamptons, parking is easy, and you can have more time to lounge rather than waste it sitting in traffic.
3. Long Beach – The Trendy Choice
Long Beach is kind of like the cool cousin who never raises the radar much. Its beach is a fair distance away from the urban mayhem, and the 2.2-mile boardwalk is an ideal part for an evening stroll or morning run. Rebuilt using sustainable materials after Hurricane Sandy, it’s a real blend of modern convenience and classic charm.
The beach itself is clean and wide, perfect for either families or solo sunbathers. Being only mere steps away from downtown, the transition from beach day to night out is quite seamless. Of course, parking can be a real pain, but if you’re a Long Islander, you know the drill.
4. Cupsogue Beach County Park – The Hidden Gem
Tucked away at the western-most point of Westhampton Island, Cupsogue is one of the best-kept secrets in the Hamptons. At this beach, you will definitely hear more waves crashing than Hamptons chitchat. There are lifeguards around, so it is a most safe and tranquil place for families to spend a day at the beach. Thanks to its somewhat off-the-beaten-path location, Cupsogue is a lot less crowded and thus perfect for relaxation. Its mix of marsh and sandy beach also makes it a haven with wildlife enthusiasts. And if you are into clamming, this is it—just don’t forget your permit.
5. Smith Point County Park – The Hidden Treasure
On the eastern side of Fire Island, at Smith Point County Park, one finds an off-the-grid feel without the isolation. Accessible by bridge, this features wide, sandy shores and natural dunes, each making it a timeless beach escape.
Compare this with the low rates of beach erosion at Smith Point; there will be plenty of sand for many generations to come. This is just the perfect place to find your own little slice of paradise, far from the crowds in the Hamptons.
Conclusion: Why Settle for the Hamptons?
The Hamptons are great—if that is your thing. But if you are like me and like authenticity and local charm, Long Island’s shores have something for everyone without the pretentiousness. From family-friendly fun at Jones Beach to a quiet getaway at Smith Point, Long Island’s beaches have it all. So, the next time someone mentions the Hamptons, you can smile knowingly because you’ve got the inside scoop on the best beaches Long Island has to offer, without having to break the bank to do it.
Dean Miller
Long Island’s AI-Certified Real Estate Agent
