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Long Beach is a small oceanfront city of about 35,000 people on a barrier island off the south shore of Long Island, in Nassau County, New York. Nicknamed the City by the Sea, it sits a few miles east of the New York City line and is reached in under an hour by train from Manhattan, which makes it one of the most popular beach escapes for city residents.
The city's signature is its wide Atlantic beach and the boardwalk of more than two miles that runs along it, rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. In summer, beachgoers, surfers and cyclists fill the shore, while the West End neighborhood is known for its bars, seafood spots and lively nightlife. Long Beach was developed in the early 1900s as a resort, and the local historical museum tells that story.
Off season the city is quieter but still lively, with surfers in wetsuits, winter walks on the boardwalk and the famous Polar Bear Super Bowl Splash each February. Jones Beach and the bays of the South Shore are a short drive east.
A boardwalk of more than two miles running along the Atlantic beach, rebuilt in 2013 after Hurricane Sandy destroyed the old one. Walkers, runners and cyclists share it year-round, with benches, concessions and wide ocean views. Come early in the morning or at sunset, and note that bikes have set lanes and hours.
The civic heart of Long Beach, a plaza in front of City Hall a short walk from the train station and the boardwalk. It hosts concerts, farmers markets, holiday lightings and community festivals through the year. Check the city events calendar, and stop at nearby cafes on Park Avenue for a bite.
The city's wide sandy beach stretches along the whole oceanfront, with lifeguarded swimming areas from late May to early September. Visitors need a daily or seasonal beach pass in summer, sold at entrances along the boardwalk. Swim only near lifeguards, as rip currents are common, and arrive early on hot weekends.
The stretch of beach around Lincoln Boulevard, one of the best-known surf spots near New York City, with consistent waves and a dedicated surfing area in summer. Surfers come year-round, in thick wetsuits in winter. Beginners can find local surf schools and rentals nearby; check the surf report and rules first.
The western end of the island, a laid-back neighborhood of beach bungalows, surf shops, bars and casual seafood restaurants along West Beech Street. It comes alive on summer evenings with live music and crowds coming off the beach. Parking is tight, so walk or bike from the boardwalk if you can.
A small museum run by the Long Beach Historical Society in a historic house on West Penn Street, with photographs, postcards and objects telling how the city grew from an early 1900s resort into a year-round community. Exhibits change through the year. Hours are limited, so check before you go.
A city-run indoor ice rink offering public skating sessions, skate rentals, lessons and youth hockey. It is a fun option on cold or rainy days and a good activity for families in the off season. Session times change through the year, so check the schedule before you go and bring warm layers.
A well-known charity event held on the Long Beach shore in late January or early February, around Super Bowl weekend, when thousands of people run into the icy Atlantic to raise money for local causes. Spectators line the boardwalk and beach. Register ahead to take part, and bring warm clothes and towels.
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