Are you longing to escape the city, but can't afford the Hamptons or a flight to Aruba?
Head to Jones Beach this Labor Day weekend for swimming, sun worship and people watching.
You'll spend just $10 on parking fees. (That's per car, not per person).
>> Click on the slideshow for recent photos of Jones Beach
Forecasters are promising perfect beach weather this weekend (sunny in the high 70s), so Jones Beach will be a popular spot.
The following tips will help you beat the crowds and have a safe and relaxing visit.
Classic destination
Many New Yorkers have fond memories of family vacations to Jones Beach State Park, which was established in the 1920s.
During summer weekends, bathers swarm fields 4, 5, and 6 and it can be challenging to find a prime spot in the sand.
Locals gripe about the crowds but keep coming back for the bright blue water and the robust waves.
Blanket strategy
With 6.5 miles of oceanfront sand, Jones Beach has more than enough space to accommodate everyone.
People tend to cluster around the lifeguard stations since many have small children in tow. To maximize your blanket space, set up in the "no swimming" area (marked by red flags). It's a short walk to the safe swimming zone and is considerably less crowded.
Resist the temptation to test the waters in the red flag zone. The waves are strong, the water gets deep very quickly, and there are signs warning of rip tides.
On a visit to field 5 this Wednesday, two inexperienced swimmers had to be assisted out of the water after being overcome by the waves.
Bring supplies
Stay on budget by bringing your own supplies: snacks, water and sunscreen. A visit to the concession stand can be costly-- and it's a hike from the beachfront.
If you are driving to Jones Beach, bring a cooler with plenty of chilled water. It will come in handy after an hour spent tackling waves and baking in the summer sun.
A large chunk of Jones Beach visitors have dark, golden tans that would make George Hamilton jealous. You may be tempted to skip the sunscreen and go for a Jersey Shore glow. Keep in mind that sunburns can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer.
Remember to reapply sunscreen after testing out the famous Jones Beach waves!
Labor Day events
If soaking up the sun isn't your scene, there are several events taking place at Jones Beach over Labor Day weekend.
The Stone Temple Pilots are playing the Nikon Theater at Jones Beach on Saturday, 9/4/10. Tickets are still available for this open-air concert.
Children are invited to learn more about fish anatomy at the "Gills, Fins & Scales: A Fish Dissection" presentation on Saturday 9/4/10. It's recommended for tots aged 7 and up (with strong constitutions).
On Sunday 9/5/10, families can participate in the Bay Walk for a $4 fee (per person). Guides will point out local animal habitats.
Getting there
Jones Beach is located on the south shore of Long Island off of the Meadowbrook Parkway. It's 35 miles from Penn Station.
Driving is the easiest way to reach Jones Beach. On weekdays, it takes under an hour to drive there from midtown Manhattan. Count on heavy traffic and delays during Labor Day weekend. For driving directions, check Google Maps.
Jones Beach can be reached via public transportation, although the journey can take up to 2 hours from Penn Station. Take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Freeport and transfer to the N88 bus.
Cost
Parking costs $10 per car but is free for holders of the Empire Passport ($65 per year).
That is the only mandatory fee for Jones Beach but there are plenty of "extras" to splurge on. These include umbrella and locker rental, food, fishing permits and swimming pool entrance fees.
For more info
Visit the official website of Jones Beach State Park for a schedule of events, directions and a full list of fees.
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Comments
Hope your forecasters there are right and Hurricane Earl stays away!
Jones Beach deserves a lot more respect - thanks for reminding people of the great beach they have nearby, and inexpensive, too!
Excellent frugal alternative and tips here..well done..
Cheers..
Jones beach is especially great later in the day when the sun is at its low around 4ish! Not as much harmful rays! Nice cheep alternative!
Cheap and beautiful. Oh beach..
So did you enjoy your labor day weekend? :)
Hope the hurricane lets some of these events go on. It will be a short storm in terms of time.
Better yet, go the weekend after Labor Day- more room in the parking lots and more space in the sand.
As a New Yorker, I often forget how lucky we are to be accessible to nice beaches. It's not all about skyscrapers. Thanks for the information!
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