Plan a beach day in Long Beach: What to know 

Walk in the sand or along the boardwalk. Long Beach — also known as "The City By the Sea" — is famous for both.

The names are fit for an area that is accessed by bridge or boat (or train) and includes a beach situated on the Atlantic Ocean. Overlooking the oceanfront is the famed 2.2-mile boardwalk that allows for a scenic and sand-free stroll.

So cross the Long Beach Bridge or Atlantic Beach Bridge, or drive down Loop Parkway, or take the Long Island Rail Road — and spend the day.

THE BEACH

Long Beach's Ocean Beach Park offers 4 miles of white sand stretching from the boardwalk to the ocean to provide ample space for beachgoers on a summer day. Still, arrive early at peak times because it will fill out. Swimming is permitted when lifeguards are on duty, typically between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. in season.

Showers are located near various restrooms along the boardwalk and at beach access ramps.

The beach is a short walk from street parking, and extended Mobi Mats are provided at designated entrances for easy access across the sand. The Long Beach LIRR station is blocks away from the beach, making for a convenient commute for those arriving by train.

Daily passes for residents and nonresidents ($12 and $15) can be purchased at beach entrances with cash, Visa or Mastercard. Digital passes are available for purchase on the Yodel app or at longbeachny.gov/beach. Beach passes can also be purchased at the Long Beach Gazebo on West Bay Drive, the Beach Park Trailer at West Broadway and Laurelton Boulevard, and the Long Beach Recreation Campus on Magnolia Boulevard.

THE SURFING

Long Beach has long been a hot spot for those looking to catch a wave.

With its expansive beachfront, consistent ocean waves and local surf shops, the city is a haven for surfers from all areas.

Long Beach offers designated surfing beaches and a rotating surf schedule throughout the summer, with Lincoln Boulevard serving as a permanent surfing beach. Buy or rent a board, accessories and apparel at locations like Long Beach Surf Shop (70 W. Park Ave., longbeachsurf.com) and Unsound Surf (359 E. Park Ave., unsoundsurf.com). Skudin Surf (2 Riverside Blvd., skudinsurf.com), a three-generation surf school, caters to all levels and abilities. Located on the boardwalk, the shop offers individual and group lessons, as well as summer camps for kids.

THE BOARDWALK

Love taking a stroll on the beach but hate getting sand in your shoes? Visit the Long Beach boardwalk.

The 2.2-mile stretch runs parallel to the ocean, providing a scenic setting for a walk, jog or bike ride. Or simply take a seat on one of the benches that line the boardwalk to admire the picturesque sunset.

Located on the boardwalk is the Allegria Hotel (80 W. Broadway, 516-889-1300), an upscale hotel that boasts a heated rooftop infinity pool providing views of the ocean; you must be an overnight guest for pool access. Water views are also offered while enjoying a meal or drink at Atlantica Restaurant and L'Onda Bar, both of which are in the four-star hotel and open to all visitors.

The boardwalk will host a series of arts and crafts fairs throughout the summer, and it's also a great spot to watch the free summer concerts held on the beach.

Multiple boulevards along the boardwalk feature concession areas that offer a variety of food and beverage options. Long Beach offers plenty of restaurants and nightlife options within walking distance of the beach and boardwalk in the area's central business district and west end district. Marvel Frozen Dairy opened a boardwalk outpost (1 National Blvd., 516-240-1159) in 2020. Five Ocean (5 New York Ave.; 516-517-2828), tucked behind the dunes at one end of the Long Beach boardwalk, is a flip-flop-friendly eatery and bar that seems like an extension of the beach.