Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach insider tips to beat the crowds, more

Want to avoid gridlock before and after the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach? Here are some strategies for dodging people and parking woes:

1. PICK A SPOT Consider watching from fields 1, 2 and 6, or field 5 on Zach's Bay, all away from the bustle of the Central Mall.

2. ON THE WATER For those with boats, the show can be viewed from Zach's Bay or from the ocean. However, there are restrictions as to where in the ocean the show can be watched.

3. GO BY BIKE Dodge the parking jams entirely by cycling the Jones Beach Bikeway right down to the show. If you don’t have your own, rent via Long Island Bicycle Tours -- $40 includes bike with a basket, helmet and lock. Reservations required (631-824-3360).

4. TRY YOUR LUCK It's an open secret: Many air show performers do practice runs over Jones Beach from noon to 5 p.m. Friday. It could be a good excuse to hit the beach early and get your Memorial Day weekend started.