My kids spent a week digging in clean, white sand and squealing over blue, salty waves. It was relaxing and fun.

Where, you ask, is this little slice of delightful beach life?

Long Island.

Wait…what? Like the Long Island that holds Queens and Brooklyn?

Yup. That one.

About an hour East of Brooklyn along the southern coast of Long Island is the little town on Long Beach, NY.

Here gorgeous stretches of unspoiled sand meet big crashing waves from the Atlantic.

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A Weekend in Long Island NY

We have spent a week the past few years out on Long Island with our extended family and I often get questions when people see my pictures on Instagram – so here it is:

Our top tips on where to stay, eat, and play in Long Island, NY.

STAY.

If you live in New York City, Long Beach is absolutely doable as a day trip. It takes about 1-2 hours to drive out there depending on where you live in the city.

If, however, you want to spend a week or long weekend – which I highly recommend – look into a beach house rental.

There are an abundance of options. Airbnb and other rental agencies have lots of reasonable options that are just steps away from the ocean.

We love renting a house where we can all sleep in beds, follow our regular schedules, and have space for eating and spending time with our extended family.

EAT.

For the most part, since we rent a house, we shop at the local grocery store and eat in. Over the years however we have developed some favorite places to eat out or find treats.

Bungalow West

Big menu with lots of variety. We love the smoothies and chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and the tacos for lunch.

Beach Bagel and Deli

Okay, so yes I’m reading the title and the bagels and sandwiches are good, BUT this is where you want to go for delicious ice cream. Pop over to the little window and take your pick of delicious flavors. The ices (what they are more known for) are also a great option, especially for people with Dairy Allergies. They have a whole menu of Dairy Free options.

Dough Hut

Ah-mazing donuts. I do realize it is starting to sound like all we do is eat treats when we go to the beach. This is maybe a little true, but since we rent a house we cook most meals at homes. This little hole in the wall has awesome donuts and they open bright and early (6am). Note: They do not, however, have any dairy free options. 

NOTE: While we don’t eat out a ton, there are a lot of good restaurants in the area if you are looking for somewhere to eat. I would start looking on Beech Street.

TO DO.

If you’re headed to Long Beach, I hope you like the beach but there are a few other things to do if you need a break or hit a patch of cloudy weather.

Long Beach

First! The beach. I recommend getting there early and trying to come during the week to avoid the crowds. It is never as busy here as it is on some of the closer beaches on the weekend, but it does get busier on weekends.

Entrances to the beach are located between Nevada Avenue and Pacific Boulevard and these have attendants. Street parking is limited, but available if you have a little patience.

There is a daily admission fee ($15 for nonresidents – kids under 12 are FREE) but I think it is entirely worth it for the gorgeous beach. Season passes are available.

Once you’re on the beach, assuming you’ve brought some fun beach toys and a boogie board or two, you will have endless hours of fun ahead.

Play at a Playground

Take a beach break at a playground.

The area has several, including this small, newly updated playground. The Georgia Ave Park is a little gem tucked on the west end of W Beech St.

Our kids love the tree house climbing structures and the splash pad area. There is a nice shaded area for parents and picnicking.

You can also visit the Magnolia Playground located at Magnolia Boulevard and West Broadway or the Clark Street Playground on the bay side.

Bike Rentals

Families can rent bikes on the boardwalk and ride along the smooth path. Long Beach is an incredibly bike friendly town and you will see them everywhere you go.

Watch a Movie at Long Beach Cinemas

I hope you have perfect weather, but if not there is a small movie theater in town that always has at least one kid movie in our experience. See listings here.

Other Notes:

*Just in case, there is a CityMD Urgent Care Clinic and a 24 hour pharmacy in Long Beach.

*There are port-a-potty like bathrooms on the beach.

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