Jones Beach State Park

Jones Beach stretches 6.5 miles along the Atlantic, with lifeguarded ocean swimming at several parking fields, the Central Mall and both bathhouses, plus the sheltered bay water of Zach's Bay for small children. Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty, and hours vary by field through the season. Without a car, take the LIRR to Freeport and the summer n88X bus.

Directions

Photo: Hans J E · CC BY-SA 2.0

Get your personalized SwimScore

Latest reading · SwimScore 74/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 20°C, wind 25 km/h, waves 1.7 m, UV 2. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: NYS Parks describes Zach's Bay as a calmer, lifeguarded option for small children when the ocean is rough.
Getting in: New York State park on Jones Beach Island, reached by the Meadowbrook and Wantagh State Parkways or Ocean Parkway.
Parking & transport: Vehicle use fee of $10 per car from May 23 to September 13, 2026 and $8 in spring and fall. Many visitors take the LIRR to Freeport and the NICE n88X bus to the beach in summer.
Lifeguards: The Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps guards designated ocean areas (Fields 1, 2 and 6, West and East Bathhouse beaches, Central Mall) and Zach's Bay; swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty.
Season: Lifeguarded swimming starts in late May and runs into early or mid-September depending on the field; Zach's Bay closes in late August (2026 schedule).
Facilities: Boardwalk · West and East Bathhouses · Showers · Food concessions · Visitor center

Sources: parks.ny.gov, en.wikipedia.org