Jones Beach151

A mere 33 miles from the center of Manhattan, Jones Beach is a summer institution. Aside from the obvious beachy pleasures, Jones offers two olympic-size swimming pools, surfing facilities, sand volleyball courts, paddle tennis courts, miniature golf, playgrounds, fishing, a two-mile boardwalk, outdoor dancing to live band music, shuffleboard courts, an 18-hole pitch-putt golf course, softball fields, basketball courts, gift shops, and barbecue and picnic areas.

The 2,400-acre State Park features 6.5 miles of oceanfront beach, and a half-mile bay-water beach for still-water bathing. The west end of the park is home to surf fishing, a boat basin, and undeveloped areas where nature lovers can observe migratory birds and native plants.

The beach is also the scene for a newly renovated outdoor concert stadium that serves as a 14,000-seat venue for performances by artists throughout the summer.

Ten concession stands hawk hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, and ice cream. Vendors also troll the beach with cold drinks, snacks, and ice cream for those who can't bear to leave the sand and sun.