Jones Beach State Park - Wantagh - TravBuddy

Jones Beach is a great place to go during the summer. You can spend an entire day at the beach, even if you have a limited budget. There are so many things to do at the beach, there's something for everyone!

For the avid golfer, there is a pitch and putt course on the north side of the inlet, and there is a miniature golf course that is suitable for all ages. The mini golf course is one of the cheapest on the island, under $5 for a game. If you walk further down the boardwalk, there are other activities for the athlete in all of us - basketball courts (bring your own ball), shuffleboard, paddleball, and volleyball courts that can be rented hourly. At the west end, there are baseball and softball fields, most of which are in use in the late afternoon and evening hours by summer leagues.

There is a playground for the kids, and there is a pool located by the Friendly's restaurant by Field 3. There is a fee for admission into the pool, usually it is only a couple of dollars.

At night, the bandshell by Field 4 has live entertainment. Every night is a different act or show - one night will be cover band performances, another night will be line dancing, a third night may be hosted by a local radio station, a fourth night is latin dancing, etc. The schedule changes monthly, so it is best to check the website or to go to the information desk at the park next to the gift shop to find the most accurate information.

If you plan on going to the beach, be advised that there is a parking fee, and that some of the fields get crowded quicker than others. The best times to go are early in the morning (arriving by 10) or after 4pm, or if you want to go during the daytime, Mondays through Wednesdays are the least crowded days.